2017 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2017 Audi A8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Audi A8 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	2	17%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	17%	— flat
Brakes	2	17%	▼ down
Other	1	8%	▼ down
Steering	1	8%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	8%	▼ down
Transmission	1	8%	— flat
Driver Assistance	1	8%	▼ down
Fuel System	1	8%	— flat

Does the 2017 Audi A8 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Consequence

Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

20V397000Body & StructureJuly 7, 2020 · 12,964 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.

Consequence

If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Bought a 2017 audi A8l with 51700 miles, from Mike erdman Nissan in coco beach florida, it had front grill damage and when you try to use the cruise control message comes on dash ACC and brake guard disabled, i told dealership they first said theyd fix it but i had to talk to the lender first then…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 4, 2024

“The 2017 A8L 4.0T is equipped with a engine Start-Stop system that switches off the engine when the car is motionless, to save fuel. The system is supposed to restart the engine immediately when the brake is released. This system malfunctions routinely and refuses to restart, leaving me with an…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2021 · crash

“Bought a 2017 audi A8l with 51700 miles, from Mike erdman Nissan in coco beach florida, it had front grill damage and when you try to use the cruise control message comes on dash ACC and brake guard disabled, i told dealership they first said theyd fix it but i had to talk to the lender first then…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 4, 2024

“My wife and I were traveling [XXX] west on Atchafalaya Basin from New Orleans to Lafayette, a light came on saying inferior tire check air [pressure. Next thing we were on a flat tire on side of busy unsafe area of the interstate. Call 911 to request police for safety with traffic while changing…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 31, 2023

“A plastic guide piece which holds the passenger side of the panoramic sunroof (rear, above backseat) retractable sunshade continuously breaks on its own with limited infrequent use by control switch. I had it replaced by the dealer, which is expensive. Its my opinion this is a design flaw, or cheap…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 2, 2022

2017 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

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.

How does 2017 compare to other A8 years?

What are the most common 2017 Audi A8 problems?

Does the 2017 Audi A8 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2017 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi A8 reliable?

What are the most common 2017 A8 problems?

Does the 2017 Audi A8 have recalls?

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

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