MODEL
Audi A8
NHTSA safety across every Audi A8 model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Audi A8 we cover (2020 to 2021), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 15 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan competing at the top of the market against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Aimed at executives and luxury buyers who prioritize refinement and technology, the 2020 and 2021 A8 represents Audi's flagship effort. From a safety standpoint, however, this prestigious nameplate carries some important caveats that shoppers should weigh carefully before signing.
The Audi A8 carries serious prestige, but our safety picture for the 2020 and 2021 model years is incomplete in a meaningful way. NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on the A8 during these years, which means there is no federal star rating and no Safety Index score to anchor our assessment. For a flagship sedan at this price point, that absence is notable and leaves buyers without one of the most objective safety benchmarks available. What we do have is a recall count of 15 across these two model years, which is a substantial figure for any vehicle. That volume suggests a pattern of post-sale corrections that Audi has had to issue, and buyers considering a used example should verify that all open recalls have been remedied through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. Owner complaints in our dataset are low at 8 total, with zero crashes, zero injuries, and zero deaths reported. One fire allegation appears in the data. These are unverified allegations, and the small sample size limits firm conclusions. Still, the single fire complaint warrants attention. The bottom line is straightforward: the A8 is a sophisticated machine, but the lack of crash-test data combined with a high recall count means shoppers cannot rely on a clean federal safety record here. Verify every recall, and proceed with clear eyes.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the A8 for its exceptionally composed ride, hushed cabin, and high-quality interior materials that set a strong benchmark in the full-size luxury segment. Driving dynamics are described as polished and confidence-inspiring, and the technology suite draws consistent admiration. Some reviewers note the interior design feels slightly more conservative compared to certain European rivals.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the 2020 or 2021 A8, so there are no federal star ratings available for these model years. Buyers cannot use government crash scores to benchmark safety performance.
- Fifteen recalls were issued across the 2020 and 2021 model years. Anyone shopping a used A8 should run the VIN through NHTSA's free lookup tool to confirm all recall repairs have been completed.
- Owner complaints in the federal database are low at 8 total for these years, but one fire allegation is on record. These are unverified allegations, though any fire-related complaint on a luxury sedan is worth monitoring as more data accumulates.
- Because crash-test data is absent and recall volume is elevated, shoppers should weigh independent safety resources and consult a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, especially on the used market where recall completion cannot be assumed.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi A8 with 10 recalls.