California Lemon Law · Audi
Luxury 2019–2026

Audi A8 D5 Problems, Recalls & Lemon Law

Audi A8 problems with seat / seat fastener defect? Learn recalls, symptoms, and California lemon law options.

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13
NHTSA recalls
0
Open · no fix
13
Known defects
2019–2026
Model years
The overview

What owners are dealing with

The Audi A8 page focuses on documented recall-backed problems rather than general reliability claims. Owners searching for repeated Audi A8 repairs should compare their symptoms, repair orders, and warranty history against the sourced NHTSA records cited on this page.

The problems

The defects most likely to affect you

The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.

01

Seat / Seat Fastener Defect

driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured

Catastrophic2019
02

Engine Internal Failure Risk - Stall, Power Loss, or Fire

engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall

Catastrophic2019-2021
03

Suspension Fastener Defect

front suspension noise; stabilizer bar loose; vehicle pulls or clunks

Catastrophic2020-2021
04

Seat / Seat Fastener Defect

driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured

Catastrophic2021
05

Rearview Camera / Display Failure

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Catastrophic2021
06

Tires Recall

warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair

Catastrophic2020-2021
Real results

What this defect was worth to a real client

A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.

Known defects · 13 documented

Every confirmed defect, in plain English

Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.

Seat / Seat Fastener DefectCatastrophic2019
Symptoms

driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat tracks, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72J3.

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Engine Internal Failure Risk - Stall, Power Loss, or FireCatastrophic2019-2021
Symptoms

engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Ow

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Suspension Fastener DefectCatastrophic2020-2021
Symptoms

front suspension noise; stabilizer bar loose; vehicle pulls or clunks

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

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Seat / Seat Fastener DefectCatastrophic2021
Symptoms

driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this re

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Rearview Camera / Display FailureCatastrophic2021
Symptoms

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.

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Tires RecallCatastrophic2020-2021
Symptoms

warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

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Rearview Camera / Display FailureCatastrophic2021
Symptoms

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

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Rearview Camera / Display FailureCatastrophic2021-2022
Symptoms

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

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Airbag / Occupant Detection Defect - Airbag May Not Deploy CorrectlyCatastrophic2022-2023
Symptoms

airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69ET.

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Electric Propulsion Cable / Power Loss RiskCatastrophic2020-2021
Symptoms

EV propulsion warning; power loss; high-voltage cable recall

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters w

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Airbag / Occupant Detection Defect - Airbag May Not Deploy CorrectlyCatastrophic2024
Symptoms

airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.

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Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel RecallCatastrophic2021
Symptoms

warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

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Rearview Camera / Display FailureCatastrophic2019-2026
Symptoms

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Why it matters for your claim

Recall-backed safety or drivability concern; repeated unsuccessful warranty repairs may support a California Song-Beverly claim.

Typical fix

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov o

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NHTSA recall history

Safety recalls, newest first

  1. Dec 19, 2025 · 25V900000

    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  2. Mar 31, 2025 · 25V201000

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

  3. Apr 3, 2024 · 24V251000

    AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

  4. Dec 13, 2023 · 23V842000

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

  5. Feb 15, 2023 · 23V084000

    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  6. Oct 26, 2022 · 22V806000

    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  7. Oct 5, 2022 · 22V742000

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  8. Jan 26, 2022 · 22V034000

    TIRES

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

  9. Oct 20, 2021 · 21V825000

    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  10. Aug 5, 2021 · 21V606000

    SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  11. Apr 26, 2021 · 21V295000

    SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

  12. Feb 24, 2021 · 21V111000

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

  13. Jun 5, 2019 · 19V415000

    SEATS

    remedy available

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate.

Do these sound familiar?

Check what's happened to your A8

Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.

0Check any that apply to see where you stand.

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Your rights in California

The Song-Beverly Act protects you

California consumers may have rights under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act when a warrantied defect is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts or the vehicle spends substantial time out of service. This is general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it. Law as of Jun 28, 2026.

$0
out of pocket — the manufacturer pays legal fees if you win
30+
days out of service for repairs can support a claim

Do this

If the dealer says they can't duplicate it

“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.

  1. 1

    Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.

  2. 2

    Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.

  3. 3

    Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.

  4. 4

    Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.

  5. 5

    Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.

  6. 6

    Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.

For your Audi A8 specifically

If the Audi dealer says it cannot duplicate the issue, ask that the symptom, mileage, date, warning lights, and test-drive result be written on the repair order. Save videos, photos, tow records, and all repeat visits.

Our take

For Audi A8 owners, recall-backed defects are important because they show the manufacturer had notice of a problem. Whether a specific car qualifies still depends on warranty timing, repair history, and documents.

— The Margarian Law team

Free case review · Audi A8

See if your A8 qualifies

If your Audi has repeated warranty repairs, Margarian Law can review your repair orders and help evaluate whether a buyback, replacement, or cash resolution may be available.

FAQ

Audi A8 lemon-law questions

Is the Audi A8 known for recall-related problems?

Audi A8 records cited on this page include NHTSA recall-backed issues such as seat / seat fastener defect. A recall does not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but repeat unresolved warranty repairs may matter under California law.

Can an Audi A8 qualify for California lemon law?

An Audi A8 may qualify if a covered defect continues after a reasonable number of warranty repair attempts or causes substantial time out of service. Eligibility depends on repair history, timing, and documents.

What should I do if my Audi A8 dealer cannot duplicate the problem?

Ask the dealer to document the complaint exactly as reported, including warning lights, mileage, dates, and whether a test drive was performed. Keep every repair order and avoid relying only on verbal explanations.

Do Audi recalls help a lemon law claim?

Recall records can help show that Audi or Volkswagen Group had notice of a safety or drivability issue. The legal question is still whether your specific vehicle was repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.

What documents should Audi owners save?

Save purchase or lease documents, every repair order, tow or rental records, photos or videos of symptoms, and all manufacturer recall notices. These records help evaluate warranty timing and repeated repair attempts.

Does contacting Margarian Law cost Audi owners anything upfront?

For qualifying California lemon law cases, attorney fees are typically pursued from the manufacturer after a successful outcome. A case review can help determine whether your Audi repair history is strong enough to pursue.

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