1998 Audi A8
US · Midsize Cars
The 1998 Audi A8 is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder, 4.2L 8-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder, 4.2L 8-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 3.7 L to 4.2 L | |
| Cylinders | 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 5 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 19, 2026.
22V471000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.…
Reported July 1, 2022. View on NHTSA
08V397000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Reported August 14, 2008. View on NHTSA
99V248000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Reported September 13, 1999. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 19, 2026
Data verified: October 19, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1997 Audi A8
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.2L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1999 Audi A8
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder, 4.2L 8-cylinder · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1998 Audi A8 have?
Varies by configuration: 3.7L 8-cylinder, 4.2L 8-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1998 Audi A8?
Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1998 Audi A8 front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD.
Are there recalls for the 1998 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 19, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.