2002 Audi A8 L quattro
WAUML44D52N005498
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Audi A8 L quattro (VIN WAUML44D52N005498). Blue, sedan/saloon, 4.2L 8-cyl 310 hp, gasoline. 137,138 mi reported. Registered in Pa. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WAUML44D52N005498
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recall campaigns 1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
NHTSA Campaign #08V397000 · 14/08/2008These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Audi A8, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 8
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Audi A8.
VISIBILITY
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT CLEAR OFF THE SNOW ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN FLAW, AND THERE WAS NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. *AK *LA
NHTSA ODI #10057777ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OUT OF CONTROL EXPERIENCE DUE TO UNWANTED ACCELERATION OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE ENGINE REVVED PAST THE REDLINE, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND WE ALMOST DID NOT MAKE THE TURN INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. EVEN WHEN WE PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL,THE ENGINE DID NOT STOP REVVING. W…
NHTSA ODI #10038750TIRES
I AM ADDING TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT [ODI 768857 - REF 704187] REPORTING 2 GOODYEAR SIDE WALL TIRE FAILURES. I HAVE NOW EXPERIENCED A 3RD SIDE WALL BUBBLE AND FAILURE. AGAIN THERE IS NO RIM DAMAGE AND PROPER TIRE PRESSURES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED OFF ROAD. I'M CAUGHT BETWEEN AUDI WHICH TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES ON THEIR…
NHTSA ODI #10000641POWER TRAIN
AUTO TRANSMISSION LAGS UP TO 1 SECOND IN RESPONDING WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS HAS CAUSED A FEW CLOSE CALLS WHEN TRING TO MAKE TURNS INTO TRAFFIC. TRANS ALSO LAGS WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE. ENGINE REVS BUT DRIVETRAIN DOES NOT CATCH. THEN CAR TAKES OFF WITH A JOLT. ALSO, EXPERIENCING A VIBRATION FROM CAR WHEN DRIVING EVEN AFTER CHEC…
NHTSA ODI #769658VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS A LAG IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED THERE IS A MOMENT WHERE NOTHING HAPPENS THEN, A SECOND LATER THE CAR ACCELERATES VERY RAPIDLY. THIS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WHERE YOUR FOOT GOES FROM THE BRAKE TO THE THROTTLE FREQUENTLY. MY WIFE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO TH…
NHTSA ODI #768903TIRES
WE HAVE HAD 2 SEPARATE SIDE WALL FAILURES ON THE FRONT TIRES. THE FIRST WAS IN LESS THAN 10,000 MILES AND THE SECOND WAS ON A NEW TIRE IN LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON A NEW REPLACEMENT. NEITHER FAILURE SHOWED ANY EVIDENCE OF RIM DAMAGE OR OTHER EXTERNAL EVENT. WE ARE CAUGHT BETWEEN AUDI AND GOODYEAR EACH OF WHICH WANT US TO CALL THE OTHER PARTY. THIS APPEARS TO …
NHTSA ODI #768857TIRES
TIRE AND CAR HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED TO MANUFACTURER SPECS, TIRES HAVE AUTOMATIC TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS. AT ABOUT 11000 MI I NOTICED SOME FEATHERING OF ALL 4 TIRES. I TOOK IT IN AT ABOUT 11700 AND DEALER AGREED ALL 4 TIRES WERE WEARING ABNORMALLY. THEIR FACTORY REP BLAMES GOODYEAR, DELAER STATED 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO DATE ABOU…
NHTSA ODI #762087EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ALL XENON HEADLAMPS SHOULD BE BANNED. THEY BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS !!!
NHTSA ODI #761923Recently searched vehicles
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN WAUML44D52N005498 valid?
WAUML44D52N005498 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Germany. It decodes to the 2002 Audi A8.
Are there safety recalls on the 2002 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 Audi A8 model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.