Audi A8 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year A8 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2013 Audi A8 has the most documented problems with a problem score of 66 — driven primarily by 6 recalls, 48 complaints, and issues with ENGINE.

Q: What is the best year A8 to buy?

The 2025 Audi A8 is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 3, meaning 1 recall and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which A8 has the fewest problems?

The 2025, 2026, 2018 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Audi A8 model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Audi A8 Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2013

6 recalls · 48 complaints

Top issue: ENGINE

Problem score: 66

#2 WORST

2015

5 recalls · 31 complaints

1 reported injury

Top issue: ENGINE

Problem score: 48

#3 WORST

2021

10 recalls · 4 complaints

Top issue: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

Problem score: 34

Best Audi A8 Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2025

1 recall · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 3

#2 BEST

2026

1 recall · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 3

#3 BEST

2018

2 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 6

Found the right year? Verify that specific A8 with a free VIN report.

Audi A8 — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2026	1	0	3	Excellent
2025	1	0	3	Excellent
2024	2	0	6	Excellent
2023	2	0	6	Excellent
2022	3	0	9	Good
2021	10	4	34	Caution
2020	5	3	18	Good
2019	3	0	9	Good
2018	2	0	6	Excellent
2017	3	0	9	Good
2016	4	0	12	Good
2015	5	31	48	Avoid
2014	5	18	33	Caution
2013	6	48	66	Avoid
2012	1	11	14	Good

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Audi A8 Shopping Guide by Era

2018–Present

Best: 2026

Recent A8 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2026 stands out with just 3 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.

2013–2017

Best: 2017

Mid-decade A8 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.

Pre-2013

Proceed with Caution

Older A8 models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year A8 should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2013 Audi A8 if possible. It has 6 recalls, 48 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ENGINE. The overall problem score is 66 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year A8 to buy?+

The 2025 Audi A8 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which A8 has the fewest problems?+

The 2025, 2026, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Audi A8 Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Audi A8.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Audi A8.

Check a Specific Audi A8 VIN

Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.

Run a Free VIN Report →