2019 Audi A8 Safety Report

2019 Audi A8: Low complaint volume, but severe electrical system failures and three recalls raise safety concerns.

12Complaints
3Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Electrical System (5)Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Steering,Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Power Train,Engine,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi A8

The 2019 Audi A8 presents a mixed safety picture, with a low number of overall complaints but significant concerns regarding electrical system failures and specific recall-related issues. NHTSA has recorded 12 total complaints, including 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths, which is a relatively low volume for a vehicle of this type. However, a dominant pattern in these complaints points to severe electrical system malfunctions, with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' being the top reported component (5 complaints, and involved in several others). These electrical issues have led to critical incidents such as complete vehicle shutdowns, engine stalls, and loss of motive power while driving, as described in multiple complaints where the car 'stopped dead in the intersection' or 'all systems shut down and engine cut off'. Recall history for the 2019 A8 includes three significant campaigns. One recall addresses a software error that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing crash risk. Another critical recall pertains to the engine control module (ECU/ECM), where a missing sealing pin could allow moisture to enter, potentially causing the engine to stall and increasing crash risk. The third recall involves a potential failure of the front passenger seat track rivet in vehicles with rear relaxation seats, which could increase the risk of injury during a crash. These recalls directly align with the potential for serious safety hazards. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2019 Audi A8 are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, which means there is no independent government data on its crashworthiness. Despite the low complaint count, the nature of the complaints, particularly the widespread and severe electrical system failures leading to sudden loss of power, suggests a significant safety concern. The recalls further underscore potential design or manufacturing flaws that could compromise safety.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Audi A8 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Audi A8

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Audi A8:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunction/Engine Stall
Multiple complaints detail sudden and complete electrical system failures, leading to engine stalls, loss of motive power, and the vehicle shutting down while driving. This is often linked to a faulty starter-alternator or generator.		 High Common unknown miles
Engine Control Module (Ecm) Moisture Intrusion
A recall (2019-2021 A8/S8) indicates a missing sealing pin in the ECM connector can allow moisture, potentially causing engine stall and increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
A recall (2019-2026 vehicles) addresses a software error that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Front Passenger Seat Track Rivet Failure
A recall specifically for 2019 A8s with rear relaxation seats notes that the front passenger seat track rivet may fail, increasing injury risk in a crash.		 High Rare unknown miles
Sunroof Spontaneous Explosion
One complaint describes the sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving at highway speeds, without external impact.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Inadvertent Acceleration/Stop-Start Feature Issues
Complaints mention unexpected vehicle movement or delayed response upon acceleration after the stop-start system engages, leading to minor collisions.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Audi A8:

Electrical System 41% of complaints

The most frequent issue, accounting for 5 out of 12 complaints, involves severe electrical malfunctions leading to vehicle shutdowns, engine stalls, and loss of power while driving. This is often tied to the starter-alternator.

Engine 8% of complaints

One complaint directly cites engine issues, though engine stalls are also a consequence of electrical system failures. A recall also addresses potential engine stall due to ECM moisture.

Unknown Or Other 16% of complaints

Two complaints are categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', one of which describes being trapped in the car due to all systems locking up, and another involving a sunroof explosion.

Power Train 8% of complaints

One complaint mentions power train issues in conjunction with engine and forward collision avoidance, likely related to the vehicle stalling.

Steering 8% of complaints

One complaint lists steering issues alongside electrical system problems, indicating potential loss of power steering during electrical failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi A8

Is the 2019 Audi A8 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Audi A8 has a low number of total complaints (12), but a significant pattern of severe electrical system malfunctions leading to sudden vehicle shutdowns and engine stalls. There are also three recalls addressing critical safety issues like rearview camera failure, engine control module moisture intrusion (leading to engine stall), and seat track rivet failure. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available, so independent crashworthiness data is lacking.

What are common problems with the 2019 Audi A8?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Audi A8 revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 5 out of 12 complaints. These often manifest as complete vehicle shutdowns, engine stalls, and loss of motive power while driving. Other problems include issues related to the ENGINE (often a consequence of electrical failure), and specific recall-related concerns like rearview camera malfunctions and potential engine control module failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Audi A8?

Yes, the 2019 Audi A8 has three recalls. These include a recall for a rearview camera software error, a recall for a missing sealing pin in the engine control module connector that could cause engine stalling, and a recall for potential front passenger seat track rivet failure in vehicles with rear relaxation seats.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2019 Audi A8?

NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for the 2019 Audi A8. All categories, including Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover, are listed as 'N/A'.

Should I be concerned about the electrical system in a 2019 Audi A8?

Yes, the electrical system is a significant concern for the 2019 Audi A8. It is the most frequently cited component in NHTSA complaints, with multiple reports of severe malfunctions leading to sudden vehicle shutdowns, engine stalls, and loss of power while driving. This issue is serious enough to warrant careful consideration and inspection.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical electrical system failures and multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist, specifically checking for recall completion and any signs of electrical system issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Audi A8

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Audi A8. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.