Does the 2006 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Audi A8, the most recent reported on November 30, 2006 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi A8?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).

How many 2006 Audi A8 complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 Audi A8 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Audi A8.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2006 Audi A8 recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 06V454000 · reported November 30, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 5,902 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vehicles where a weak battery exists, it is possible that a low voltage condition could cause the air bag control unit to improperly set a fault code. If this occurs, the passenger side frontal air bag will become deactivated. However, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the 'passenger air bag off' telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide visual warning to the driver.
The risk: If the case of a frontal crash, the passenger side front air bag would not deploy which could cause injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software. The recall began on december 5, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 05V522000 · reported November 16, 2005 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a wiring harness condition exists that may deactivate the passenger side frontal air bag even under circumstances when it should remain activated.
The risk: If this condition occurs, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster and the "passenger air bag off" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will properly illuminate. Consequently, the passenger side frontal air bag would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.
The fix: Dealers will modify the wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. 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.

Vehicle speed control3
Electrical system2
Exterior lighting1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Latches/locks/linkages1
Structure1

What owners report

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

Feb 11, 2025 · Exterior lighting
The headlight warning light came on. The headlight on left had gone out. Opening the headlight assembly ( a 2,000 to 6000 dollar part) there are about 20 wires inside the assembly, every wire was partially bare, the insulation has cracked off every wire inside the assembly. A small wire harness connects everything…

Nov 29, 2016 · Structure · 13,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED AND CAUSED THE DOOR TO INADVERTENTLY ATTEMPT TO CLOSE WHILE THE DRIVER WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE MECHANISM WOULD FAIL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR, WHICH PREVENTED…

May 16, 2014 · Electrical system · 145,000 miles
MY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE DUE TO WATER IN FOOTWELLS OF THE CAR. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WAS NOT AWARE OF BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.

Mar 20, 2014 · Vehicle speed control · 78,865 miles
WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE PARKWAY MY CAR LOCKED AT 7000 RPM'S AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, IF I WERE NOT AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALITY IN THE CAR WAS AT 80 MPH AND QUICKLY RISING. THE…

Jul 5, 2009 · Vehicle speed control · 44,000 miles
CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND PROPELLED US ACROSS AM INTERSECTION INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON A FREEWAY DEVOID OF OTHER TRAFFIC. I REPORTED THE FIRST EVENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BUT NEVER RECEIVED ANY FEEDBACK. AFTER…

A8 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	1	3	0	0
2004	1	20	0	2
2005	1	6	0	1
2006	2	6	0	0
2007	2	4	0	0
2008	1	8	2	0
2009	1	5	1	0

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

Questions

Does the 2006 Audi A8 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Audi A8, the most recent reported on November 30, 2006 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi A8?: Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).
How many 2006 Audi A8 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 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 February 11, 2025.