2006 Audi A8 recalls and problems

The 2006 Audi A8 has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Audi A8 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Audi A8 recalls

Recall 06V-454: Air Bags

Reported Nov 30, 2006 · 5,902 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain vehicles where a weak battery exists, it is possible that a low voltage condition could cause the air bag control unit to improperly set a fault code. If this occurs, the passenger side frontal air bag will become deactivated. However, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the 'passenger air bag off' telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide visual warning to the driver.

Risk: If the case of a frontal crash, the passenger side front air bag would not deploy which could cause injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software. The recall began on december 5, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Recall 05V-522: Air Bags

Reported Nov 16, 2005 · 1,530 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a wiring harness condition exists that may deactivate the passenger side frontal air bag even under circumstances when it should remain activated.

Risk: If this condition occurs, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster and the "passenger air bag off" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will properly illuminate. Consequently, the passenger side frontal air bag would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.

Fix: Dealers will modify the wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.

2006 Audi A8 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control3
Electrical System2
Structure2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Audi A8 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 11, 2025
The headlight warning light came on. The headlight on left had gone out. Opening the headlight assembly ( a 2,000 to 6000 dollar part) there are about 20 wires inside the assembly, every wire was partially bare, the insulation has cracked off every wire inside the assembly. A small wire harness connects everything inside the light, the harness is not available to fix it. The cost to have a harness for the car available, should not be a issue. We need lights and to replace a headlight is a 20 dollar fix not a 2500 dollar. Fix.
Structure · at 13,000 miles · reported Nov 29, 2016
The contact owns a 2006 audi a8. The contact stated that the front driver side door closing mechanism failed and caused the door to inadvertently attempt to close while the driver was exiting the vehicle. The contact also indicated that the mechanism would fail while attempting to open the door, which prevented the door from opening. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the door closure module and door latch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was…
Electrical System · at 145,000 miles · reported May 16, 2014
My vehicle encountered electrical damage due to water in footwells of the car. This obviously is a common problem I was not aware of before purchasing the vehicle.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 78,865 miles · reported Mar 20, 2014
While accelerating to get on the parkway my car locked at 7000 RPM's and continued to accelerate with my foot off the accelerator. I was forced to put the car in neutral to avoid an accident, if I were not an experienced driver this could have caused a fatality in the car was at 80 MPH and quickly rising. The tachometer continued at 7000 RPM for roughly 20 seconds, only after continually tapping the accelerator it finally began to decline. Please look into this life threatening situation. Additionally my tire pressure light remains on even when all tires are at the factory recommended…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 44,000 miles · reported Jul 5, 2009
Car suddenly accelerated without warning and propelled us across AM intersection into traffic. This is 2nd time this has happened, the first time it happened was on a freeway devoid of other traffic. I reported the first event to the local dealer that I purchased the vehicle from but never received any feedback. After researching the issue I was able to determine that the problem is caused by the drivers factory floor mat coming loose from its retaining clips, sliding forward and causing interference with the accelerator pedal. It was only my familiarity with the problem and how to fix it that…

Other Audi A8 years

Compare all Audi A8 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Audi A8: 06V-454 (air bags), 05V-522 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Audi A8?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.