repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
NewRisk. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Audi A8Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi A8, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-201 the manufacturer reports only 84% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Audi A8 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system
2Power train
1Engine
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2021 Audi A8 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Cable/cord: onboard
Risk. An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other A8 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A8 median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What A8 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
See attached document for complaint. I took my 2021 AUDI A8 to Audi Rockville located at 1125 Rockville Pike; Rockville, MD 20852 on July 18 to fix the recall. After waiting for 2 hours at the dealership, they told me they must go to BestBuy to buy a USB stick and asked if we could re-schedule…
Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
Own a 2021 A8?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.