MODEL
Audi A8l
NHTSA safety across every Audi A8l model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Audi A8l 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 A8L is a full-size luxury sedan competing at the top of the market, stretching the standard A8 wheelbase to prioritize rear-seat comfort. Aimed squarely at executive and chauffeur-driven buyers who expect the finest in technology, refinement, and presence, the A8L sits at the pinnacle of Audi's lineup and goes head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
For a vehicle carrying a flagship price and flagship expectations, the 2020-2021 Audi A8L arrives at MotorCaliber with a notable blind spot in its safety profile: NHTSA has not crash-tested either model year we cover. That means there are no federal star ratings, no structural scores, and no restraint-system grades to anchor a shopper's confidence. In a segment where buyers are paying top dollar, the absence of independent crash-test validation is a real gap worth acknowledging plainly. What the data does show is 15 recalls spread across the 2020 and 2021 model years, a figure that is elevated for just two years of coverage and signals that federal regulators found enough systematic concerns to compel corrective action multiple times. Shoppers should verify every open recall is resolved before purchase or delivery. Owner complaints on file number just 8 across both years, a low raw count that likely reflects the A8L's limited sales volume rather than a spotless record. One of those complaints involves a fire allegation, which, even as an unverified claim, warrants attention in a vehicle with complex electrical architecture. No crashes, injuries, or fatalities appear in the complaint data. Bottom line: the A8L is an impressive machine on paper, but without crash-test data and with 15 recalls logged, safety-conscious buyers should proceed with diligence, confirm recall completion, and not assume a flagship price tag equals a vetted safety record.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the A8L as one of the most technologically sophisticated and refined entries in the full-size luxury sedan segment, praising its exceptionally smooth ride, hushed cabin, premium materials, and rear-seat spaciousness. Driving dynamics are described as composed and effortless. Some reviewers note the infotainment interface has a learning curve, but overall the consensus positions the A8L as a benchmark for comfort and polish.
- Neither the 2020 nor the 2021 A8L has been crash-tested by NHTSA, so there are no federal star ratings to guide your safety comparison against rivals in the full-size luxury segment.
- Fifteen recalls are on record across just two model years, an above-average count that covers a range of potential issues. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database and confirm all campaigns have been completed before taking delivery.
- One owner complaint across the covered years includes a fire allegation. While unverified, this is worth discussing with a dealer or independent mechanic given the A8L's highly complex electrical and 48-volt mild-hybrid systems.
- The low total of 8 owner complaints likely reflects the model's low production volume rather than an absence of issues. Prospective buyers should seek out owner forums and request a full vehicle history to supplement the limited complaint data on file.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi A8l with 10 recalls.