Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 2004 Audi A8 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2018.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 68
Against the median year of the Audi A8. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Audi A8
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
619.4%
Median failure at 6,760 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
516.1%
Median failure at 97,500 miles
Brakes
412.9%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 120,000 mi
Electrical System
412.9%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 28,000 mi
Suspension
39.7%
Median failure at 64,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
26.5%
Median failure at 183,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
26.5%
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
13.2%
Doors, Latches & Locks
13.2%
Median failure at 14,433 miles
Seats
13.2%
Tires
13.2%
Median failure at 14,433 miles
Engine & Cooling
13.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
316.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
527.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
211.1%
150,000+ miles
422.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2004peak 4Jan 2018
Recalls on the 2004 Audi A8
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006203365 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles the drivers frontal airbag may not inflate as designed, which could cause driver injuries in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver airbag.
Recall 20041872,872 units in Canada
Other
Certain Volkswagen Phaeton, Touareg, and Audi A8L vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114. The steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed from the ignition switch using the optionally provided override device that permits key removal in the event of electrical system failure or when the transmission is not in the PARK position. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesVerona, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10693097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesVerona, NJFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10693097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesAlbany, NYFire
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 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)
NHTSA complaint #10105799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 183,000 milesDEL City, OK
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 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).
NHTSA complaint #11064890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesDEL City, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #11064890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesDEL City, OK
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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).
NHTSA complaint #11064890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10893365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesVerona, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10693097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesVerona, NJFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10693097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10379393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10379393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
EQUIPMENT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10379393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10379393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesDallas, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10356758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesDallas, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #10356758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10343470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hunting, OH
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
NHTSA complaint #10273916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,520 milesCincinnati, OH
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10236405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesCaledonia, IL
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10215979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesPark City, UT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10179146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesNorth Wales, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOP MID-SWIPE AND PARK!!!
NHTSA complaint #10151634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,433 milesSeabrook, NH
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10144136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,433 milesSeabrook, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10144136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,433 milesSeabrook, NH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
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.
NHTSA complaint #10144136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,433 milesSeabrook, NH
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10144136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesFlemington, NJ
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10142377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburyport, MA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10106828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesAlbany, NYFire
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 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)
NHTSA complaint #10105799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.