2004 Audi A8 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 7th of 12 A8 years we score.

Owner complaints: 20
Per 10,000 cars: 26.1; 7,667 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.82×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 7; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2003 A8 2005 A8 →

Should You Buy the 2004 Audi A8?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2004 Audi A8 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 12 A8 years we score.

The most reported problem is unintended acceleration (4 of 20 complaints). Owners also complain about the accelerator pedal and the parking brake. 7 of the 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 1 recall. For comparison, the 2005 scores 79.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 74
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)4 complaints
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness3 complaints
Parking brake failure3 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2004 A8 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.79×	−15
Everyday problems	0.89×	−7
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.59×	−4
Score		74

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2004 A8. If it were exactly average, its 7,667 cars would draw about 0.1 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 20 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Audi A8, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 20.

Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (20%)
Sudden acceleration. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (15%)
Sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Parking brake failure
3 complaints (15%)
A failure that needed a new part, a fire and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
3 complaints (15%)
Problems that come and go. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (10%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own.
Steering: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (10%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go.

Reported Once (14)

Show the 14 problems reported once

ABS: warning lights
Air suspension: a leak
Climate controls: the system acting on its own
Fuel system: a bad smell
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
COP device: a fire
Interior lights: the system acting on its own
Suspension (part not stated): the system acting on its own
Trunk latch: not closing or latching
Seats: the system acting on its own
Stability control (ESC): warning lights
Stall (cause not stated)
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights

How the 2004 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years

The other A8 years of the 2nd generation (D3), 2004 to 2010, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2011	Good	74	0.83×	29.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2010	Not scored	–	–	15.4	1	–
2009	Not scored	–	–	34.4	1	Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
2008	Not scored	–	–	43.7	1	Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
2007	Excellent	81	0.40×	13.7	2	Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
2006	Excellent	81	0.43×	11.1	2	Floor mat retention: sticking or stiffness
2005	Good	79	0.51×	11.2	1	–
2004 This year	Good	74	0.82×	26.1	1	Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2003	Not scored	–	–	21.2	1	–

See every A8 year

2004 Audi A8 Recalls

One recall covers the 2004 Audi A8. It was issued in August 2006: “Driver's Frontal Airbag.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.

Driver's Frontal Airbag
Loss of frontal air bag deployment could occur which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
NHTSA 06V324000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2006.

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2004 A8, from its recall and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Driver's Frontal Airbag NHTSA 06V324000

On the Test Drive

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Unintended acceleration
Accelerator pedal
Parking brake
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A8 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.