2004 Audi A8
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 Audi A8. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 Audi A8. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of frontal air bag deployment could occur which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
20 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 windows to 100 degrees temperature outside...my interior lights just come on and drain my battery....and my sound system flips open and music plays when im in my house and has shut off my car and while driving my sound system comes on and my radio IS remotely controlled---hacked because my stations are switched ie. Tuned to different stations and my cds are scrolled through the tracks without my doing so....and my vehicle was hacked for it to speed up when I wasnt accelorating in a walmart parking lot....that could have injured myself or others..but I hit the brakes and cut my car off in a parking space...my speedometer IS always being hacked that when I driving at no matter what speed....its being hacked to read 0 miles and threatens my ability to know my speed and it slows my engine performance...my park brake engages and I have to cut car off and this IS highly dangerous while im driving....my steering once jerked but I miraculously wasnt in heavy traffic..i dont know who what or why but when I purchased my vehicle even the dealer boomer did alot of shady things in the service department to my vehicle.........please help...all the vehicles I buy are being hacked and eventually either recalled or crashed or [xxx] near! Or put out of order... And every insurance company I get.....my premiums go up without any reason except "its the state insurance commission" where I live changing state rules? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Fuel/propulsion system
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 vin was not included. The failure mileage was 170,000.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
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…
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 plastic smell again as the vehicle was stopped. the cabin was filling with smoke. driver opened the trunk as the battery was located in the right rear section of the trunk. smoke was emanating from the battery compartment. a plastic panel was removed for inspection. located directly under the battery was a plastic module identified as trw *334 gnoacdobnc28u* and stamped made in malaysia??. the dealer stated that the module controls the electric parking brake for the car. inspecting the unit, multiple wire leads that feed the e-brake control unit had burned through, as did a portion of the e-brake control unit. the body area of the car near the unit was covered in soot from the electrical fire. years prior, the driver had issues with the e-brake, the e-brakes failing to release prompting the vehicle to be towed to the dealer. at that time the service representative walked the driver into the service area to show the driver corrosion on the electric contact leads from the control unit. the representative suggested that perhaps battery acid/gases may have run down the battery into the control unit causing the corrosion. the unit may have been replaced at that time along with the battery. Photos are available of the control unit upon request. *tr
- Equipment · Suspension · Traction control system · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 pressing on the brake pedal hoping the car would not flip. It took about 2 to 3 minutes for me to slow down the car. I put the emergency brake and turned it off. I turned it back on and the engine was still accelerated, it sounded it like the accelerator was stuck even though the car was on park. *Tr
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Rear
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. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving down the highway car suddenly stalled without warning. restarted car and had it stall several times. car has been sent to be evaluated by a mechanic. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
2004 audi a 8 l gas pedal sticks in acceleration mode. Has happened 4-5 times. Dealer was notified but did not respond or take action. I had to shift into neutral gear and pump pedal. This has happened several times when stepping on the accelerator hard. last incident date below tim walker *tr
- Visibility
The windshield wipers will stop intermittently. they have stopped during heavy rain on an expressway several times resulting in a loss of vision. the dealers could not get the problem to repeat so they said that they couldn't do anything. I called the audi advocate phone line and was told that…
The windshield wipers will stop intermittently. they have stopped during heavy rain on an expressway several times resulting in a loss of vision. the dealers could not get the problem to repeat so they said that they couldn't do anything. I called the audi advocate phone line and was told that audi would not address the issue. then I wrote audi and ask for a refund and the audi advocate returned the call and maintained the same response. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
2004 audi A8L, purchased in 07/2004. front wipers "hesitated" in the rain a couple of times. local dealer said could not reproduce. a few months later, wipers completely stopped, while driving at highway speeds, leaving me without visibility for several minutes. pulled over and removed/replaced…
2004 audi A8L, purchased in 07/2004. front wipers "hesitated" in the rain a couple of times. local dealer said could not reproduce. a few months later, wipers completely stopped, while driving at highway speeds, leaving me without visibility for several minutes. pulled over and removed/replaced fused. wipers started up again. local dealer said couldn't reproduce. wipers failed two more times, and hesitated numerous other times, when I finally decided to not drive the car. throughout all, dealer claims he's unable to reproduce the problem, audi america disclaims all liability for accidents from wiper-failure. car was garaged as unsafe to drive for the remaining 17 months of the lease. just this week I found out that audi germany knows about this problem, and has redesigned the wiper-motor before 02/2004. numerous reports of this failure have surfaced on the internet, and exchanging the wiper-motor alleviated the problem. audi should recall all affected vehicles and replace the wiper before someone gets hurt or killed. furthermore, I request audi refund my last 17 lease-payments as well as insurance and registration cost for the vehicle while it was garaged. *tr
- Parking brake
Emergency brake control module failed. factory had a recall on car to reprogram this module, dealer said module couldn't be reprogrammed because it had failed. parts and labor was $509.00 failure of this component I considered a safety related item as this also acts as emergency brake for vehicle. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers suddenly stop mid-swipe and park!!! *Jb
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
Dt: the contact stated a gallon of milk spilled into the driver's seat. the milk spilled underneath the seat. When this happened it shorted out the electrical module that operated the dashboard lights and headlights. as a result the lights were blinking in and out. Currently, the vehicle IS at…
Dt: the contact stated a gallon of milk spilled into the driver's seat. the milk spilled underneath the seat. When this happened it shorted out the electrical module that operated the dashboard lights and headlights. as a result the lights were blinking in and out. Currently, the vehicle IS at a certified dealership for repairs.*ak updated 12/27/2005 - the tire pressure monitoring light illuminated on the dash. the dealer replaced the module. the trunk would not close properly. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt: the contact stated vehicle has accelerated on its own twice. the first time it took off he had to put in neutral and coast into a parking lot. the vehicle was put in drive and moved out of the main part of the parking lot. the vehicle was put back into neutral and turned off. it was…
Dt: the contact stated vehicle has accelerated on its own twice. the first time it took off he had to put in neutral and coast into a parking lot. the vehicle was put in drive and moved out of the main part of the parking lot. the vehicle was put back into neutral and turned off. it was towed to the dealership. they could not duplicate the problem. this happened again approximately 18 months later. he drove in driveway and put the vehicle in neutral to pick up the paper. the vehicle accelerated and he turned it around. the contact stood on the brakes and coasted to the end of the driveway. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. they could not duplicate the problem. the dealership cleaned debris away from the accelerator, and said the rug may have been stuck. *ak
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
While driving the sunroof exploded. There were no cracks of any nature in the sun roof. The explosion left a hole the size of a football. *ak
- Electrical system
My audi A8 2004 model [xxx] cop device burned with a wire fire on dec 28, 2OO4 - I could only stop a further fire by using a fire ext. And disconnecting the battery. I was told by the audi shop dch maplewood n.j. And my regular repair shop langan motors, schenectady. N.y. That they have never had…
My audi A8 2004 model [xxx] cop device burned with a wire fire on dec 28, 2OO4 - I could only stop a further fire by using a fire ext. And disconnecting the battery. I was told by the audi shop dch maplewood n.j. And my regular repair shop langan motors, schenectady. N.y. That they have never had seen such a problem. *Ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving and upon depressing the accelerator pedal it stuck, causing the speed to go up to 70-80 mph. Accelerator pedal did not return to the upright position. This happened twice. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration from 30 to 80 miles pmh. Consumer had to stomp on brakes several times in order to stop the vehicle. Taken to dealer to reset the computer, but the cause was undetermined.*ak
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Mmi system has intermittent resets and cause erratic performance of other systems such a windows, trunk, audio, navigation.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Audo a 8 l gas pedel sticks in acceleration mode- reported to audi and they are unable to duplicate in shop. *mr
- Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
The head restraint would take up 35 to 40 % of the rear window. *ak *sc *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251038Brakes squeel
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10251016Self-leveling compressor inoperative
- 10251012Vehicle lowers itself, air suspension warning light on, level sensor error (PR-2MB or 1BK)
- 10250995Clicking noise from wheel bearing
- 10250968Electric steering column adjustment is inoperative
- 10250952Electric steering column adjustment is inoperative
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250679Vehicle lowers itself, air suspension warning light on, level sensor error (PR-2MB or 1BK)
- 10250654Clicking noise from wheel bearing
- 10250473Self-leveling compressor inoperative
- 10250468Clicking noise from wheel bearing
- 10250430Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA)
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 102440362004 Scheduled Maintenance Intervals
- 10243930This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10243790Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243772Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243761Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243756Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10242632Seat Belt
- 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231136ElsaPro Tip: "notes"
- 10231135Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10231128Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231127ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
- 10228314The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10228302High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10228297This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 10226530ATF pan leaks
- 10226529Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10224993The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10224981High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10221966The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10221954High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10221949This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
Every Audi A8 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.