Model year guide

2001 Audi A8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Audi A8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2001 Audi A8 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 Audi A8 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints18

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 Audi A8 recalls 2

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #08V397000 · 14/08/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap NHTSA Campaign #01V259000 · 15/08/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL AND VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. A "BLIND COVER" AT THE FILLER NECK OF THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ALLOWING FUEL VAPOR TO ESCAPE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER NECK/EXPANSION TANK ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 Audi A8 common problems

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2001 Audi A8 trims & engines on record

Trims
L quattro
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl 310 hp

2001 Audi A8 vehicles on record

2001 Audi A8 L quattroWAUML54D71N008293 2001 Audi A8 2001 Audi A8 L quattroWAUML54D31N002572 2001 Audi A8 2001 Audi A8 L quattroWAUML54D81N006889 2001 Audi A8 2001 Audi A8 L quattroWAUML54D91N007341

Other Audi A8 model years

2018 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002

2001 Audi A8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Audi A8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2001 Audi A8. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Audi A8?

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, vehicle speed control, electrical system.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.