2017 Audi A8 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 5th of 12 A8 years we score.

Owner complaints: 8; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 16.6; 4,209 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.62×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 2; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2016 A8 2018 A8 →

Should You Buy the 2017 Audi A8?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2017 Audi A8 is 77 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 12 A8 years we score.

It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2016 scores 72.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 77
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

None stand out.

How the 2017 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	0.55×	−12
Everyday problems	0.78×	−6
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.66×	−5
Score		77

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2017 A8. If it were exactly average, its 4,209 cars would draw about 2.7 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 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 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 8.

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

Reported Once (10)

Show the 10 problems reported once

PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
Fuel system: a leak
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
Start-stop system: the car not starting
Steering: sticking or stiffness
Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Shifter or park: the car rolling away

How the 2017 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years

The other A8 years of the 3rd generation (D4), 2011 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	67	1.5×	29.0	3	Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive
2018	Not scored	–	–	0.0	2	–
2017 This year	Good	77	0.62×	16.6	3	–
2016	Good	72	0.92×	39.5	4	Suspension (part not stated): sticking or stiffness
2015	Caution	64	1.8×	51.6	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2014	Caution	66	1.4×	41.2	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2013	Avoid	58	2.7×	84.1	6	Turbocharger: stalling
2012	Good	77	0.66×	24.2	1	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	74	0.83×	29.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2010	Not scored	–	–	15.4	1	–

See every A8 year

2017 Audi A8 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2017 Audi A8. The most recent was issued in March 2022: “Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer
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.
NHTSA 22V178000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 23, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Compartment Seal May Detach
If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V397000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 7, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2017 Audi A8 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2017 Audi A8, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system, engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-05
Rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
The problem:
The rear oxygen sensor on the 4.0 TFSI engine can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed rear oxygen sensor, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2016 to 2018 S6, S7, RS7, A8 and S8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-02
4.0 engine turbo failure
The problem:
The turbo on the 4.0 engine can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2013 to 2017 Audis with the 4.0 turbo engine. The bulletin names no model. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2017 A8, from its three recalls and three Audi warranty extensions that may still apply.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

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

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer NHTSA 22V178000
Engine Compartment Seal May Detach NHTSA 20V397000
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-22-02: 4.0 engine turbo failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

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.