Skip to main content

2021 AUDI A8

10 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #21V111000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The engine control module in your Audi is like the brain of the engine, controlling how it runs. In some 2019-2021 A8 and 2020-2021 S8 models, a small pin is missing that's meant to keep water out of the module.
Risk if Unfixed
If this pin is missing, water could get inside the module and cause it to fail. This could make your engine stall, which might make it hard to control your vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will check the engine control module connector for the missing pin and install it if necessary. They'll also check for corrosion and replace the connector if it's damaged. This repair is completely free, and you'll be notified when it's time to schedule the work.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #22V034000 Plain English
Component

TIRES

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rear axle in your Audi helps keep your wheels straight and true. But after some repairs, it's possible that it wasn't checked properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the axle isn't aligned right, your tires will wear down unevenly. This could make your car handle poorly and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will check the rear axle, adjust it as needed, and replace any worn-out tires — all at no charge to you. You should schedule this repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V606000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The automatic locking mechanism in your rear seat belt is designed to keep your child's seat securely fastened. However, in some 2021 Volkswagen and Audi models, this mechanism might stop working too soon, which can prevent the seat from securing properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the locking mechanism fails, your child's seat won't be properly secured, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen or Audi dealer will inspect and replace the rear seat belt assemblies, if necessary, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V295000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The lock nut on your vehicle's rear axle helps keep the wheels properly aligned. In your Audi, it's prone to breaking due to corrosion, especially from stress.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lock nut breaks, your rear axle could become misaligned, making it harder to control your vehicle. This could lead to a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will replace the lock nut and any affected bolts for free. You'll get a notification letter, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #25V201000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The instrument cluster in your vehicle is the screen that shows you important information like your speed and warning lights. In some 2021 Audi models, the software that controls this screen can malfunction.
Risk if Unfixed
If the instrument panel display fails, you won't be able to see your speed or important warning lights, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the software that runs your instrument panel, so it works properly again. This service is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #23V842000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The electrical charging cord in your vehicle is designed to charge your car's battery from a 220V/240V outlet. However, this cord can overheat if the outlet can't handle the high current, which is more likely to happen when using the compact charging system at 100% capacity.
Risk if Unfixed
If the outlet or charging cord overheats, it could catch fire, posing a significant risk to your safety, especially if you're charging your vehicle indoors.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will replace the faulty charging cord with a new one that has a built-in temperature sensor to prevent overheating, at no cost to you. You should schedule the replacement as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #22V806000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The infotainment system in your vehicle has a main unit that controls the rearview camera and other functions. In some 2021-2022 Audi models, this unit can get damaged when you turn off the car, causing the rearview camera to stop working the next time you start it.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera display is not working, you'll have reduced visibility behind your vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash, especially when reversing or changing lanes.
Free Fix
Your local Audi dealer will replace the infotainment main unit with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #25V900000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rearview camera system in your vehicle is like having a pair of eyes in the back of your head while driving. It helps you see what's behind you. In some 2019-2026 models, a software glitch might prevent this camera image from showing up on your screen.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview image doesn't display, you'll have a blind spot behind your vehicle. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially when reversing or changing lanes.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the software controlling the rearview camera, so you can see what's behind your vehicle. This update is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #22V742000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rearview camera display on your vehicle is like a window to the back of your car when you're reversing. In certain Audi models, the camera image may not show up on the screen when you put the car in reverse, due to a software glitch.
Risk if Unfixed
If you can't see the image from the rearview camera, you'll have reduced visibility behind your vehicle, which could make it harder to see children, pets, or other obstacles when you're backing up, and increase the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the software in your infotainment system for free, so you'll get a clear rearview camera image when you're reversing. Just schedule an appointment when you get the recall notice in the mail.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #21V825000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rearview camera system in your vehicle uses a camera to display what's behind your car when you're reversing. Unfortunately, some 2021-2022 Audi models may have a software glitch that prevents this camera from showing an image right away.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera image doesn't appear when you start reversing, you'll be driving blind behind your vehicle. This increases the risk of a collision with people or objects behind you.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the infotainment system's software to fix the issue, and this repair is completely free. You should schedule the update as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

Other AUDI A8 Years

Related Pages