2004 Audi A8 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 20%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Audi A8, 20% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driver smelled smoke shortly after starting his vehicle and driving away from his home. The smell was of plastic, and it was assumed from an electrical short/fire. The driver stopped the car and inspected the engine area. No evidence of fire, however the driver turned back and drove the vehicle home. Strong burning plastic smell again as the vehicle was stopped. The cabin was filling with smoke. Driver opened the trunk as the battery was located in the right rear section of the trunk. Smoke was emanating from the battery compartment. A plastic panel was removed for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10693097, filed 2015-03, 120,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated a gallon of milk spilled into the driver's seat. The milk spilled underneath the seat. When this happened it shorted out the electrical module that operated the dashboard lights and headlights. As a result the lights were blinking in and out. Currently, the vehicle is at a certified dealership for repairs. Updated 12/27/2005 - the tire pressure monitoring light illuminated on the dash. The dealer replaced the module. The trunk would not close properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10144136, filed 2005-12, 14,433 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10166284Sep 17, 201900 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10161670Jun 18, 2019This bulletin contains general software update instructions for vehicles with PR Code 7UH. 2016-2020 A3, 2016-2020 A3 Cabrio, 2016 A3 Sportback, 2016-2020 A4, 2016-2020 A4…
- 10127949Aug 21, 2017This informational bulletin contains resource information for when the traffic feature is inoperative in the MMI navigation.
- 10123775Sep 21, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-67 dated July 10, 2013. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door…
- 10123769Sep 15, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 48 number 14-62 dated September 23, 2014. Electrically-adjustable steering column adjustment is restricted and does not adjust…
- 10074502Sep 15, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10128363Aug 24, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 87 number 14-49 dated April 25, 2014. Air conditioning is inoperative. The HVAC blower functions normally. Battery discharged…
- 10120832Jun 29, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-50 dated July 10, 2014. Customer may report that cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference…
- 10120052May 29, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 10-15 dated October 20, 2010. Sporadic fault memory entries are stored in various control modules. Contacts may be widened…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 8 | 57% |
| 2015 | 3 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 9% |
| 2011 | 4 | 27% |
| 2009 | 1 | 20% |
| 2006 | 2 | 33% |
| 2005 | 1 | 17% |
| 2004 | 4 | 20% |
| 2001 | 1 | 17% |
| 1999 | 2 | 22% |
| 1997 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2004 Audi A8
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Audi A8
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology