2005 Audi A8 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 3rd of 12 A8 years we score.

Owner complaints: 6
Per 10,000 cars: 11.2; 5,340 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.51×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 3; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2004 A8 2006 A8 →

Should You Buy the 2005 Audi A8?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2005 Audi A8 is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 12 A8 years we score.

It has 1 recall. For comparison, the 2004 scores 74 and the 2006 scores 81.

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 79
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

None stand out.

How the 2005 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	0.56×	−12
Everyday problems	0.38×	−4
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.59×	−5
Score		79

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2005 A8. If it were exactly average, its 5,340 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 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 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 6.

No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.

Reported Once (8)

Show the 8 problems reported once

Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a fire
Fuel system failure
Cruise control: works on and off
Floor mat retention: parts breaking or coming apart
Trunk (part not stated): works on and off
Tire pressure monitoring: stopped working
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2005 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 This year	Good	79	0.51×	11.2	1	–
2004	Good	74	0.82×	26.1	1	Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2003	Not scored	–	–	21.2	1	–

See every A8 year

2005 Audi A8 Recalls

One recall covers the 2005 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 2005 A8, from its recall.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

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

Driver's Frontal Airbag NHTSA 06V324000

Ask the Seller

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.