Model year guide

2005 Audi A8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Audi A8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 31 on record.

2005 Audi A8 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Audi A8 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints6
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$6,945

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

2005 Audi A8 recalls 1

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #06V324000 · 31/08/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING PRODUCTION OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT UNFOLD PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND THEREFORE MAY NOT INFLATE AS DESIGNED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

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.

2005 Audi A8 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment Adaptive/mobility
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2005 Audi A8 MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2005 Audi A8 worth?

Low
$2,900
Typical price
$6,945
High
$12,500

From 31 comparable 2005 Audi A8 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Audi A8 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Audi A8 trims & engines on record

Trims
L quattro · quattro
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl 335 hp

2005 Audi A8 vehicles on record

Other Audi A8 model years

2005 Audi A8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Audi A8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 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 2005 Audi A8?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Audi A8 get?

The 2005 Audi A8 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2005 Audi A8 worth?

Comparable 2005 Audi A8 listings run roughly $2,900–$12,500, typically around $6,945 (from 31 vehicles).

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