Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Audi A8
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2019 Audi A8 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.1/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.6/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $75,565–$93,668, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A8 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The 8.6/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Audi A8, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2019 Audi A8 ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $75,565 starting price is about 173% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which A8 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Audi A8 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.1 — and starts roughly $8,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Audi A8 (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm) 24/02/2021 · 21V111000
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.
Seats 05/06/2019 · 19V415000
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.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 19/12/2025 · 25V900000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Audi A8 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Audi A8
Is the 2019 Audi A8 reliable?
We rate the 2019 Audi A8's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi A8 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Audi A8 worth buying?
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #982 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 Audi A8 cost?
The 2019 Audi A8 starts at $75,565 and ranges up to $93,668 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which A8 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest A8 years we've rated are 2015 (6.8/10), 2017 (6.9/10), 2016 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2019 Audi A8 have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Audi A8 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Seats, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi A8
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
