Model year

1999 Audi A8

Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 10, 2002 to Nov 28, 2022.

Recall campaigns covering this model year4256k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints9Below the median 1999 sedan
Severity index11.11999 sedans average 13.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1999 Audi A8 peaked in 2003, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.5220022200420062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

22% of complaints about the 1999 Audi A8 name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
2
Powertrain
2
Structure
2
Suspension
2
Airbags
1
Engine and cooling
1
Fuel system
1
Seats
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

4 recall campaigns cover the 1999 Audi A8

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1999 Audi A8
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
20V-056Jan 31, 2020Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crashAirbags106,857Part replacement
08V-397Aug 14, 2008Locking cable may move out of position over timePowertrain13,900Repair or modification
00V-414Dec 6, 2000Vehicle description: passenger vehiclesSteering83,000Part replacement
99V-248Sep 13, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehiclesSteering51,900Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1999 Audi A8

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 28, 2022Failure Nov 28, 2021San Francisco, CAElectrical system, SeatsFire

    After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.

    NHTSA complaint 11495139
  2. Filed Jan 10, 2022Failure Jan 10, 2022SAN Francisco, CAAir bags

    1999 AUDI A8. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING A RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS FLOODED DUE TO A RAINSTORM. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBLITY, OTHER THAN THE INSURRANCE DEDUCTIBLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT TAKE ANY PREVENTIVE EFFORTS TO SAVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

    NHTSA complaint 11446879
  3. Filed Aug 10, 2015Failure Aug 10, 2015206,228 milesGA, GATires

    AFTER INSPECTING MY MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES ON MY AUDI A8 I BECAME ALARMED ABOUT EXCESIVE SIDEWALL CRACKING AND SEARCHED FOR RECALLS...NONE? BEGAN READING COMPLAINTS AND NOTICED MANY OTHER SIDEWALL "DRYROT" ISSUES. WILL TAKE BACK TO RETAILER TO SEEK HELP!? HOPE TO PREVENT A BLOWOUT!

    NHTSA complaint 10747646
  4. Filed Feb 18, 2013Failure Jan 28, 201250,546 milesOLD Bennington, VTFuel/propulsion system, Power train

    MINE IS A WELL-MAINTAINED, NEAR-PRISTINE, LOW-MILEAGE CAR. WITHOUT WARNING OR PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CEASED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUSY, FOUR-LANE URBAN HIGHWAY. IT RESULTED IN THE CAR HAVING LIMITED FORWARD MOTION, POOR CONTROL, AND VASTLY DIMINISHED POWER, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN TRAFFIC. I NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH OTHER CARS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK ABOUT 20 MILES TO MY RESIDENCE IN THE LIMP-HOME MODE--ONE FORWARD GEAR, THE ENGINE REVVING BETWEEN 3000 TO 5000 RPM'S WITH THE FORWARD SPEED NO MORE THAN 35 MPH. I PARKED THE CAR AND LEFT IT FOR A WEEK WHILE TRAVELING. WHEN I RETURNED IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. I HAD IT TOWED ON A FLAT-BED TRUCK TO AN AUDI DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN INOPERABLE, UNREPAIRABLE TRANSMISSION BROUGHT ABOUT WHEN "A BOLT SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING CAUSING A HOSE TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH RESULTED IN BURNT PARTS AND GEARS. THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS $6,800--ON A CAR WITH ONLY 50,546 MILES! AFTER REPORTING THE INCIDENT TO AUDI CORPORATE, I WAS INFORMED THAT AUDI COULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS EVENT BECAUSE THERE WERE "NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS OR SERVICE ACTIONS" RELATIVE TO THIS MODEL. I WAS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS RESPONSE SINCE I HAVE BEEN A LONG-TIME AUDI OWNER/DRIVER OF THE A8 AND OTHER MODELS. MY INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION OF THE A8-D2 MODELS (1997-99) HAS BEEN A VERY WEAK COMPONENT PART ON THESE CARS. PLEASE HELP. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10498549
  5. Filed Nov 24, 2004Failure Nov 1, 2004South Lake Tahoe, CAElectrical system, Door

    VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER DOORS OPEN AUTOMATICALLY WHENEVER POWER WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN. DOORS WILL NOT SHUT UNLESS OWNER PULLS OVER AND SHUTS DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10101607
  6. Filed Feb 17, 2004Failure May 29, 200371,534 milesMckees Rocks, PARear

    1999 AUDI A8 CONTINUES TO ERODE THE INSIDE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE REAR TIRES, APPROX 1/32ND PER 20 DAYS, HAVE PLACED 4 TIRES ON IT AND THE DEALER HAS PLAYED WITH THE ALIGNMENT TO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT. THIS HAS NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10058323
  7. Filed Dec 31, 200351,275 milesWharton, NJBumpers

    THE FRONT BUMPER FELL OFF TWICE WITHOUT HITTING ANY OBJECTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10052198
  8. Filed Oct 10, 2003Failure Nov 5, 2001Vero Beach, FLGasoline

    THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPS. AUDI ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR TWICE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED STOPPING WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 754110
  9. Filed Jul 10, 2002Failure Feb 21, 2002Farmingdale, NYAutomatic transmission, Suspension

    CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE NEW TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE CLEARLY FLAWED, THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION ALSO CAUSED THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. *SLC. CONSUMER STATES A FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 565306
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

57 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 44134620103345 Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • 44145520103346 Oct 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tightening wheel bolts
  • Update91i8 May 13, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
  • AUD4927ENG Jul 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
  • A0023742052680_4 Oct 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
  • Edition42 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • Edition53 Sep 16, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Audi Elsa Newsletter
  • SM562013 Jun 6, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Seat Belt
  • Edition92 Jun 30, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
  • 1335201004313 Jan 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
  • 134120253033 Jun 20, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
  • 133520253032 Apr 25, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
  • 131020182884 Sep 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipe…
  • AWC 19-05 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
  • AWC 19-04 Jul 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2…
  • A0019212052680_1 Jun 7, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 199…
  • SM 44-2017 EN Jun 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
  • A1915612025303-5 Jul 7, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has be…
  • A171782 2010043- May 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
  • ATE-17-05 Mar 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based supp…
  • A441662 2010334- Oct 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
  • A941791 2012749- Jul 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
  • Accessories Oper Dec 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
  • A441455 2010334- Oct 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
  • 2013_06_ATU Audi Aug 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
  • A001348 2002047- Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center
  • A191335 2025303- Mar 25, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) ha…
  • A191562 2025303- Sep 8, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has bee…
  • A451510 2042048- Oct 5, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle will not communicate with diagnostic scan tool or emissions test equipment. Customers may have issues with vehicle passing state IM emissions test programs because the scan tool cannot communicate with the vehicle. ABS and/or brake lamp(s) will be i…
  • A201559 2011703- Dec 10, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013. The fuel tank has been removed from the vehicle and must be neutralized before shipment or disposal. When the fuel tank in a vehicle is replaced, the original tank must be …
  • A191341 2025303- Jun 20, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has b…
  • A941292 2012749- Oct 24, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. Damp …
  • A001467 2002047- Jul 31, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
  • A191450 2025303- Jun 20, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. G12++ coolant (for service available) has be…
  • A441346 2010334- Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to appl…
  • A901341 2010353- Sep 23, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating proc…
  • A101310 2018288- Sep 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If the vehicle's engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible …
  • A011507 2028344- Feb 13, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. This bulletin…
  • A941565 2012749- Apr 17, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens.
  • A911579 2038824- Mar 20, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-69 dated November 4, 2014. The following message appears on the MMI display: "Device or cable type not supported". The AMI cable being used is a genuine Audi-branded cable with an Audi part number (se…
  • A171557 2010043- Mar 6, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 504 00/507 00).
  • A101511 2018288- Mar 17, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If the engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small …
  • SB-01-15-29 Jul 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: ENGINE, ON SOME VEHICLES, WOULD RUN IRREGULARLY OR HAVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON OR POSSIBLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT VALVE CAN LOOSEN AND IN OIL CIRCUIT, THERE IS NO DAMAGE FROM LOOSENED PARTICLES. MODEL ALL. ALL YEARS. …
  • TSB-44-13-46 Dec 9, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, USE CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH AND NOT TORQUE STICKS, TORQUE EXTENSION BARS AND IMPACT GUNS/WRENCHES NOT APPROVED FOR USAGE ON WHEEL BOLTS BY MANUFACTURER, THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL, HUB. MODEL 1995-2014 ALL. …
  • TSB-94-07-15 Nov 7, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDIO: EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. CONDENSATION IS VISIBLE ON THE INSIDE OF HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNAL OR THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS. DAMP AIR SETTLES ON THE INSIDE OF A COLD LENS, WHICH CREATES CON…
  • TSB-45-08-04 Nov 19, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE
  • TSB-44-08-14 Nov 19, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUDI: WHEEL BOLTS REQUIRE TORQUE ADJUSTMENT. TORQUE STICKS AND TORQUE EXTENSION BARS ARE NOT APPROVED BY AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO APPLY TORQUE TO WHEEL BOLTS. ALL AUDI MODELS INCLUDED. *PE
  • 2012749-2 Feb 26, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE
  • 0715 Nov 7, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *NJ
  • 20056243 Feb 26, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HEADLIGHT AIMING, USING HELLA UNIVERSAL BEAMSETTER. *KB
  • 11242004 Nov 24, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION JE CAMPAIGN-CHECK/REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. AUDI HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE CASES, ONE OR BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT WEAR, EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE TO THE RUBBER BOOTS IS NOT OBVIOU…
  • JE Nov 24, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CHECK/REPLACE REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *TC
  • 042804 Apr 28, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION TO INSPECT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEALS. *TT
  • LT Oct 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EMISSION RECALL LT. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT HOUSING COULD BECOME DISTORTED UNDER CERTAIN CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, FUEL VAPORS COULD ESCAPE INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. A VAPOR LEAK ALSO ILLUMINATES THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP…
  • 9903 Dec 22, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON DEACTIVATING / ACTIVATING THE REAR SIDE AIRBAGS. *TT
  • 9803 Oct 13, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDITION WITH INSUFFICIENT VEHICLE GROUND AT GROUND LOCATION 43. *YC
  • 9810 Oct 26, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ON CELLULAR TELEPHONE. *YC
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.