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Model year record

2006 Audi A8 recalls & problems

The 2006 Audi A8 has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (3 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints6filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsNov 30, 2006

Frontal

Recall 06V4540005,902 vehicles

Problem
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHERE A WEAK BATTERY EXISTS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT TO IMPROPERLY SET A FAULT CODE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED. 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.
Risk
IF THE CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix
DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Air bagsNov 16, 2005

Air bags

Recall 05V5220001,530 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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. CONSEQUENTLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 Audi A8 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

A8

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 22 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

4.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

A8 L

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 22 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

4.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

A8 L

15mpg combined
City / highway13 / 19 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

6 L · 12 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,500/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal300044,000 mi
Electrical system2000—
StructureBody; Body › Door2000—
Fuel system, gasoline1000—
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch1000—
Exterior lighting1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.