What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1997–2002) A8?

A8 owners have made 1 complaint about the 1997–2002 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 2nd out of 39 Audi generations in overall reliability, with plenty of transmission concerns.

Compare With Other A8 Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (1997–2002) A8 Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1 complaint

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 2nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.