Model year
2005 Audi A8
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 6 complaints for the 2005 Audi A8 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,550–$5,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 3 complaints
- 2001 6 complaints
- 2002 1 complaints
- 2003 3 complaints
- 2004 20 complaints
- 2005 6 complaints
- 2006 6 complaints
- 2007 4 complaints
- 2008 8 complaints
- 2009 5 complaints
- 2010 1 complaints
- 2011 15 complaints
- 2012 11 complaints
- 2013 49 complaints
- 2014 18 complaints
- 2015 31 complaints
- 2016 11 complaints
- 2017 8 complaints
- 2018 0 complaints
- 2019 14 complaints
- 2020 3 complaints
- 2021 5 complaints
- 2022 0 complaints
- 2023 0 complaints
- 2024 0 complaints
- 2025 0 complaints
- 2026 0 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
06V324000 · Aug 31, 2006
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Complaints
6 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 1, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 · 4.2L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| A8 L · 4.2L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| A8 L · 6L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 19 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2005 Audi A8 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.