RecallMyCar

2003 Audi A8 Recalls, Complaints & Specs

1 safety recall lists the 2003 Audi A8, and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

1
safety recall
3
owner complaints to NHTSA
18
MPG combined (EPA)

1 safety recall for the 2003 Audi A8

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 08V397000 Reported 13,900 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.

    Remedy: Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at…

3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2003 Audi A8 have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 103,845 miles. Complaints peaked in 2003 with 1 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Rear drivers coil spring failed, broke in half causing suspension to fail and damage rim/tire. Serious condition if driving at highway speeds. No warning of the failure prior. *tr”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, January 23, 2012 · Suspension

“The car has had problems with: cv joints, control arms and needed a new transmission. Now there is a recall on the transmission cable. *tr”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 16, 2008 · Power train

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 2003 Audi A8 (A8 L). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined18 mpg
City / Highway15 / 23
FuelPremium
EPA classLarge Cars, Midsize Cars
Engine8 cyl, 4.2 L
TransmissionAutomatic (S5)

Compare Audi A8 model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Audi A8 model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1995 Audi A810
1996 Audi A821
1997 Audi A8210
1998 Audi A834
1999 Audi A849
2000 Audi A823
2001 Audi A826
2002 Audi A811
2003 Audi A813
2004 Audi A8120
2005 Audi A816
2006 Audi A826
2007 Audi A824
2008 Audi A818
2009 Audi A815
2010 Audi A811
2011 Audi A8115
2012 Audi A8111
2013 Audi A8649
2014 Audi A8518
2015 Audi A8531
2016 Audi A8411
2017 Audi A838
2018 Audi A820
2019 Audi A8314
2020 Audi A853
2021 Audi A8105
2022 Audi A830
2023 Audi A820
2024 Audi A820
2025 Audi A810
2026 Audi A810

Checking a specific 2003 Audi A8

How do I know if my 2003 Audi A8 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 1 campaign currently lists the 2003 Audi A8; your car may already have been repaired under it.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Audi dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 08V397000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Audi models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.