Model year guide

2006 Audi A8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Audi A8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 24 on record.

2006 Audi A8 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Audi A8 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints6
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$9,758

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

2006 Audi A8 recalls 2

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #05V522000 · 16/11/2005

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.

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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #06V454000 · 30/11/2006

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…

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.

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.

2006 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2006 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 2006 Audi A8 worth?

Low
$5,950
Typical price
$9,758
High
$13,200

From 24 comparable 2006 Audi A8 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 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.

2006 Audi A8 trims & engines on record

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

2006 Audi A8 vehicles on record

Other Audi A8 model years

2006 Audi A8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Audi A8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2006 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 2006 Audi A8?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Audi A8 get?

The 2006 Audi A8 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2006 Audi A8 worth?

Comparable 2006 Audi A8 listings run roughly $5,950–$13,200, typically around $9,758 (from 24 vehicles).

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