CarRecallDB

2004 Audi A8 recalls and problems

1 recall and 20 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Audi A8.

1
recalls
20
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Audi A8 recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 06V324000 · reported August 31, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 7,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the driver's frontal air bag, the air bag may not unfold properly in the event of a crash and therefore may not inflate as designed.
The risk
Loss of frontal air bag deployment could occur which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a new driver's frontal air bag free of charge. The recall began on october 6, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 25, 2018 · Service brakes · 183,000 miles

WHILE DRIVING AND/OR PARKING AND/OR PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION TO START MY VEHICLE ABS LIGHT; STABILIZATION; AND SPEEDOMETER SEEMS AS THOUGH BEING HACKED...SOMETIMES ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER WHEN TEMPERATURES REACH 100 DEGREES + MY HEATER IS HACKED ON AND MY INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE IS LIFE THREATENING HOT!!! HAVE TO OPEN…

Aug 5, 2016 · Fuel/propulsion system · 170,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A8. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V267000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER), BUT THE…

Mar 9, 2015 · Electrical system · 120,000 miles · fire reported

DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE SHORTLY AFTER STARTING HIS VEHICLE AND DRIVING AWAY FROM HIS HOME. THE SMELL WAS OF PLASTIC, AND IT WAS ASSUMED FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE CAR AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE AREA. NO EVIDENCE OF FIRE, HOWEVER THE DRIVER TURNED BACK AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. STRONG BURNING…

Jan 28, 2011 · Suspension

I OWN A 2004 AUDI A8 QUATRO, THIS MORNING THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. THE DRIVER SEAT, STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND IT WENT FROM 40MPH TO 150+ WITHOUT ME HAVING MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. FOR A MINUTE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. I SLOWLY STARTING…

Sep 21, 2010 · Suspension · 64,000 miles

TWO AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WENT OUT FOR NO REASON IN MY CAR. MY CAR IS A 2004 A8L WITH 64,000 MILES. THEY WERE LEAKING. THIS WAS $5,000 EXPENSE. I THINK THEY ARE DEFECTIVE.

A8 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 2610
2002 1100
2003 1300
2004 12002
2005 1601
2006 2600
2007 2400

Across all years, the 2013 A8 has the most complaints (50). All Audi A8 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Audi A8, the most recent reported on August 31, 2006 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi A8?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (6 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (5).
How many 2004 Audi A8 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 20 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 25, 2018.