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2021 AUDI S8

8 recalls 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 the brain of your engine, controlling how it runs. In some 2019-2021 A8 and 2020-2021 S8 models, a tiny pin might be missing from the module's connection, letting moisture get in.
Risk if Unfixed
If the engine control module gets damaged from moisture, your engine could stall while you're driving, which could 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 needed, and also inspect for corrosion. They'll do this all for free, so schedule an appointment as soon as you get the recall notice from Audi.
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
Your Audi's rear axle is the part that helps connect your wheels to the rest of your vehicle. In some affected models, the alignment of the rear axle might not have been checked correctly after a previous repair.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rear axle isn't aligned properly, your tires could wear down unevenly, which could increase the risk of a crash or a blowout.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will check the rear axle alignment, adjust it if needed, and replace any worn-out tires for free. You should schedule this repair as soon as you receive your 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 rear seat belt in your vehicle has a mechanism that automatically locks the seat belt to keep a child restraint system secure. In some 2021 Volkswagen or Audi models, this mechanism can fail to lock properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rear seat belt doesn't lock correctly, it can't secure a child restraint system, which could lead to serious injury in a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the middle-rear seat belt and replace it if necessary, 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. (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 is a crucial part that keeps the suspension in place. In some Audi models, this nut can break due to corrosion, which can cause problems down the line.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lock nut breaks, the 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
Audi dealers will replace the faulty lock nut and any affected bolts at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, which was mailed on June 4, 2021.
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 display screen that shows you important information like your speed and warning lights. In some 2021 Audi models, this screen might not turn on or show the right information due to a software glitch.
Risk if Unfixed
If the instrument panel display fails, you won't see your speed or warning lights, which could lead to a crash if you're not aware of your surroundings or speed.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the software in your instrument panel to fix the issue – it's free, and you should schedule the repair when 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 →
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 supposed to give you a clear view behind your car when you're reversing. Unfortunately, a software issue might cause the image to not show up as it should.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera image doesn't display, you'll have a smaller view of what's behind your vehicle, increasing the chance of a collision or accident.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the software for the rearview camera system, and the repair is completely free. Look for a recall notice in the mail or contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834 to schedule the update.
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
Your Audi's rearview camera display is an essential feature that shows what's behind your vehicle when you're in reverse. In some 2021-2022 models, a software glitch can cause the display to show a blank or black screen instead of the actual view, making it harder to see what's behind you.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera display fails to show the correct image, you'll have reduced visibility of the area behind your vehicle, which could lead to a collision, especially when reversing into a parking space or out of a garage.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the infotainment system software for free. This repair is part of the recall, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the notice in the mail. The update should take care of the issue, and you'll have a clear view of what's behind your vehicle again.
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 rear-view camera system in your vehicle is a crucial safety feature that helps you see what's behind you when you're reversing. In some 2021-2022 Audi models, the camera's software might not show the correct image when you start reversing.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rear camera doesn't display an image, you won't have a clear view of the area behind your vehicle, which could increase the risk of a collision, especially when reversing in tight spaces or parking lots.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the infotainment system with the latest software to fix the issue, and this repair is completely free of charge. Make sure to 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 recall
TIRES
1 recall
SEAT BELTS
1 recall
SUSPENSION
1 recall
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall

Other AUDI S8 Years

2026
1 recall
2025
1 recall
2024
1 recall
2023
2 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2020
4 recalls
2018
1 recall
2017
2 recalls
2016
3 recalls
2015
4 recalls
2014
5 recalls
2013
5 recalls
2009
1 recall
2008
1 recall
2007
1 recall

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