Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median A8 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 32 A8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), visibility & wipers (6), and speed control (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
31
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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”
“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…”
“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”
NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 32 A8 years. It is one of the A8 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (6 complaints), speed control (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.