Audi A8: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,066 Audi A8 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1994 and 2026.
In a sample of 385 cars, 34.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (12.2% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 18 recalls for this model; 4.5% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Audi A8
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.2% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 7% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6.2% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 4.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1.8% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 1.3% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 1.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 1% |
Share of 385 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 10.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,066 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 4.5% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 1% |
| First registered | 1994 to 2026 |
All Audi A8 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-13 | electrical system | serious | 1,095 |
| 2025-01-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 700 |
| 2024-07-22 | suspension | serious | 2 |
| 2022-05-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 738 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 27 |
| 2022-02-16 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 943 |
| 2021-07-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1,648 |
| 2021-05-06 | suspension | serious | 1,159 |
| 2021-04-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2020-09-25 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 333 |
| 2020-06-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 16,391 |
| 2020-06-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 13 |
| 2019-03-01 | suspension | serious | 3 |
| 2018-04-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 2 |
| 2017-02-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 111 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Audi A8 fail the APK?
In a sample of 385 cars first registered 2012–2021, 34.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Audi A8?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (12.2%), tyre tread depth insufficient (7%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (6.2%).
Does the Audi A8 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 18 recalls. 4.5% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Audi models
A3 · A4 · A1 · A6 · Q3 · Q5 · Q4 · A5 · Q2 · E-Tron · TT · Q7 · Q8 · Q6 · A2
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.