DecodedCars2019 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, L 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 335–453 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 203.5–208.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,398–4,475 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 453 hp, versus about 340 hp for similar 2019 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Audi A8 is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,398 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 3% worse than the 2019 large car average of 22.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 A8 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2019 A8 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 203.5 in | 76.8 in | 57.9 in | 118.1 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,398 lb | |
| L 4dr Sedan | 208.7 in | 76.8 in | 57.9 in | 123.2 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,475 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 L Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -3% | $3,750 | 405 |
| A8 L Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -20% | $4,550 | 495 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Audi A8.
Similar 2019 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A8 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 BMW 5 Series | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A6 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S | 370 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2019 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 on December 23, 2025.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) · Feb 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V111000 · 238 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
Seats · Jun 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V415000 · 66 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A failure of the seat track rivet increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- 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.
Not every 2019 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
| 2015 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →