NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2006 Audi A8. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (3) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE PARKWAY MY CAR LOCKED AT 7000 RPM'S AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, IF I WERE NOT AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALITY IN THE CAR WAS AT 80 MPH AND QUICKLY RISING. THE TACHOMETER CONTINUED AT 7000 RPM FOR ROUGHLY 20 SECONDS, ONLY AFTER CONTINUALLY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR IT FINALLY BEGAN TO DECLINE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. ADDITIONALLY MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN WHEN ALL TIRES ARE AT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED SETTINGS. *TR”
“The headlight warning light came on. The headlight on left had gone out. Opening the headlight assembly ( a 2,000 to 6000 dollar part) there are about 20 wires inside the assembly, every wire was partially bare, the insulation has cracked off every wire inside the assembly. A small wire harness connects everything inside the light, the harness is not available to fix it. The cost to have a harness for the car available, should not be a issue. We need lights and to replace a headlight is a 20 dollar fix not a 2500 dollar. Fix.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| 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 | $4,200 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| A8 L Auto (S6), 12 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,000 | 592 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 13, 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.
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (3), electrical system (2), exterior lighting (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Audi A8 at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).