Air bags: frontal
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING PRODUCTION OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT UNFOLD PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND THEREFORE MAY NOT INFLATE AS DESIGNED.
Research · Midsize Cars
2005 Audi A8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 6 owner complaints for the 2005 Audi A8. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (3) and service brakes, hydraulic (1). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2006
Owner complaints
6
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$4,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2006 – Jun 2014
- Vehicle speed control3
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Equipment adaptive/mobility1
- Equipment1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Electrical system1
- Structure1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Tires1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
3 reports
“ADAPTIVE MODULE J428 FAILED AND BRAKES SEIZED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.. AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THAT SINCE THEY COULD NOT FIND A RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NINE YEARS OLD THEY THOUGHT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I THINK THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE E RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEEDS AND COULD HAVE KILLED ME. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR BUT TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A POSITIVE RESPONSE. I FEEL THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE RESEARCHED AND I WOULD LIKE FEED BACK ON ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD RESULT FROM THE RESEARCH. *TR”
Service brakes, hydraulic
1 report
Equipment adaptive/mobility
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars, Large Cars
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl · 6.0L 12-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 12 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Audi A8 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 1340
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2005 A8 questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A8 have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2005 Audi A8 problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (3), service brakes, hydraulic (1), equipment adaptive/mobility (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Audi A8 get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Audi A8 at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026