2006 Audi A8 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 2nd of 12 A8 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 6
- Per 10,000 cars
- 11.1
- 5,403 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.43×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 2
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2006 Audi A8?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2006 Audi A8 is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 12 A8 years we score.
The most reported problem is the floor mat retention, mostly sticking or stiffness (2 of 6 complaints). 2 of the 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. For comparison, the 2005 scores 79 and the 2007 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
- Excellent reliability score of 81
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Floor mat retention: sticking or stiffness2 complaints
How the 2006 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.42× | −10 |
| Everyday problems | 0.45× | −4 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.77× | −5 |
| Score | 81 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2006 A8. If it were exactly average, its 5,403 cars would draw about 0.2 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 2006 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.
Floor mat retention: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (33%)
Sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (6)
Show the 6 problems reported once
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Door latches: not opening or unlocking
- Headlights: stopped working
- Electrical system (unspecified): damage
- Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
How the 2006 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 This year | Excellent | 81 | 0.43× | 11.1 | 2 | Floor mat retention: sticking or stiffness |
| 2005 | 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 | – |
2006 Audi A8 Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2006 Audi A8. The most recent was issued in November 2006: “Air Bag Control Module Software Update.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Air Bag Control Module Software Update
However, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the 'passenger air bag off' telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide visual warning to the driver. If the case of a frontal crash, the passenger side front air bag would not deploy which could cause injury to the seat occupant.
NHTSA 06V454000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 30, 2006.
Passenger Seat Wiring Harness
On certain passenger vehicles, a wiring harness condition exists that may deactivate the passenger side frontal air bag even under circumstances when it should remain activated. If this condition occurs, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster and the "passenger air bag off" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will properly illuminate.
NHTSA 05V522000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 16, 2005.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2006 A8, from its two recalls and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Air Bag Control Module Software Update NHTSA 06V454000
- Passenger Seat Wiring Harness NHTSA 05V522000
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Floor mat retention
- 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