2020 AUDI A8

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

4RecallsNHTSA Verified3ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Audi A8 demonstrates a concerning reliability profile with four recalls, primarily affecting critical components such as the engine control module and suspension system. The peak failure mileage of 0-20k suggests potential early issues that owners should monitor closely.

Key Factor:Multiple recall issues

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of recalls in the 2020 Audi A8 raises significant concerns for both current owners and prospective buyers. The recalls affect key components such as the engine control module, which can lead to significant operational issues including potential malfunctions while driving. Additionally, concerns regarding axle assembly integrity introduce risks related to vehicle handling and stability, crucial attributes in the luxury sedan segment where the A8 competes.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

Year-over-year safety trends for Audi vehicles indicate fluctuations in reliability, with this particular model displaying a higher-than-expected number of recalls. Given its luxury designation, one might anticipate fewer issues; however, the multiple recalls suggest a need for increased scrutiny regarding its overall risk profile.

Critical Component: Fire

Safety & Reliability Score

63/100
Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-0.15
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 AUDI A8

Model Year2020
MakeAUDI
ModelA8
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (33% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 3 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(33%)
🟑Medium
1(33%)
🟒Low
1(33%)

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TIRESENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSUSPENSIONELECTRICAL SYSTEM

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine Control Module

Issue: Moisture ingress may cause a control module malfunction.

βœ…

Inspect the engine control module for moisture signs and functionality immediately.

πŸ”

Verify that all recall repairs have been completed prior to purchasing.

Campaigns:21V-295
2

Suspension System

Issue: Potential lock nut failure on rear axle due to stress corrosion increases handling risks.

βœ…

Have the suspension components inspected for wear or signs of corrosion urgently.

πŸ”

Request documentation on suspension inspections or repairs done under recall campaigns before buying.

Campaigns:21V-295
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your AUDI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 22V034000

TIRES

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence

Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V111000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

Consequence

An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V295000

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence

A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V842000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

Consequence

An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 A8.

INV-2020-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding A8 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 24,449

Consumer Complaints

3 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 A8.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Fire33%
Smoke33%
Stall33%
Warning33%
Battery33%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

Audi 2020 A8L Engine Fire 3/6/2024 Confirmed by Fire Department, American Family Insurance Unclear if it has been inspected by the Audi U.S. No indication has been received. Incident occurred March 6th, 2024 at approximately 3pm. Operated vehicle in early morning to meet friends for coffee at a nearby coffee shop. Returned home, parked in home garage, turned engine off and went to my home office in lower floor. Wife came home after running errands, opened garage door and massive, thick black smoke escaped. Wife ran to front door and called for me to "come quickly." I grabbed the hose, connected it and sprayed front of car. By that time fire was arrived, fire from engine compartment was reaching four-feet high, as well as from passenger-side front wheel well and from rear of front hood at windshield area. CAR TOTALED. Significant fire damage to the Garage interior.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V111000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Apr 8, 2024Resolved
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Start system malfunction causes the car to randomly lose ALL power and roll back when at a stopped, causing the car to be disabled and unable to start again. Faults indicate a failure of the 48V belt driven starter generator. Parts to repair defect are severely back ordered, taking months to obtain.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V842000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 26, 2022Resolved
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8/23/2021-I was slowing down at a red light and getting ready to stop but the light turned green and so high pushed on the gas to go before I got to a full stop. The battery warning light came on so I turned around to go back home can you swap cars. My fiancΓ© had to go to work that day and took the vehicle. On his way back going 60 mph on the highway, The power to the vehicle shut down and he was unable to do anything other than slow down and pull off to the side of the road. The vehicle was sent into the Audi dealership and they changed out the 48V battery in the trunk. They also ordered an alternator but did not install it because it start it back up. A couple weeks later (9/25/2021) the same thing happened at a stop sign as I was slowing down but not at a complete stop and hit the gas and the battery light came back on. That light means the battery is disconnected from the engine and once the power runs out, it will shut down again. So I took it straight to the dealership and left it there until they can take a look at it. It’s at the dealership now. There seems to be a flaw in the (stop/go)system of the vehicle when the engine wants to turn off at a stop and when to restart the engine to go. Causing a disconnect of the battery in the trunk to the engine.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V111000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Oct 6, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues reported for the 2020 Audi A8?

Commonly reported issues for the 2020 Audi A8 include problems with tire alignment, engine control module malfunctions due to moisture ingress, and potential suspension failures linked to component corrosion. These concerns have led to multiple recalls aimed at addressing these critical safety aspects.

How do I check if my 2020 Audi A8 is affected by recalls?

'To check if your vehicle is affected by any recalls, you can visit the NHTSA website and enter your VIN number. This will allow you to see any active recall notices specific to your vehicle. It’s advisable to do this regularly to ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with manufacturer recommendations.'

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official AUDI records to ensure no 4 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in AUDI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.