Recall 21V111 covers 238 2019-2021 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles for a missing engine-control-module sealing pin. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 238 2019-2021 A8 and S8 vehicles because a missing sealing pin can let moisture enter the engine control module connector. A malfunctioning module can stall the engine and increase crash risk, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The sealing pin on the 2019-2021 Audi A8 and S8 is a small plug in the engine control module connector. The engine control module is the computer that manages engine operation, and the connector carries the wiring signals it uses. The pin seals an unused opening so water stays out of that electrical connection.
On affected vehicles, a supplier manufacturing issue left that sealing pin out of one connector. Without the pin, moisture can enter the engine control module connector and interfere with the signals between the wiring harness and the module. That electrical disruption can cause the module to malfunction, put the engine into fail-safe mode, restrict RPM, or stop the engine while driving.
Owners can see the malfunction indicator light come on before the problem gets worse. The engine can also go into fail-safe mode with restricted RPM, which means it limits power to protect the system.
Who's affected?
A8 and S8 are included across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, with the same sealing pin tied to the engine and engine control module.
| 2020 Audi A8 | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A8 | Engine |
| 2021 Audi S8 | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
| 2020 Audi S8 | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
| 2020 Audi S8 | Engine |
| 2021 Audi A8 | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
| 2021 Audi A8 | Engine |
| 2019 Audi A8 | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
| 2019 Audi A8 | Engine |
| 2021 Audi S8 | Engine |
| Units affected | 238 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine control module malfunction can cause the engine to stall while driving, raising crash risk. The malfunction indicator light can come on, and the engine can enter fail-safe mode with restricted RPM before a stall. If that happens, pull over when safe and call an Audi dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Audi A8 or S8 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free engine control module connector inspection and sealing-pin repair that keeps moisture out of the connector.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V111 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the engine stalls or runs abnormally; contact your Audi dealer for guidance before moving the vehicle.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin and installs the pin if needed. The connector is also checked for corrosion, and the technician replaces the connector when corrosion is found. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Audi is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the affected vehicles are within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through that warranty coverage, not through a separate recall reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 23, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V111?
Recall 21V111 covers 238 2019-2021 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles with a missing sealing pin at the engine control module connector. Moisture can enter the connector, damage the module, and cause engine stalling. Audi dealers will inspect and repair the connector for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Audi A8 or S8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 21V111. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the engine control module connector inspection. Reference recall number 21V111 and Audi recall number 97EV when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Audi says dealers will inspect the engine control module connector, install the missing sealing pin if needed, inspect for corrosion, and replace the connector as necessary free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V111?
The safety risk is engine stalling. Moisture entering the engine control module connector can cause the control module to malfunction, which can stall the engine and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Audi A8 or S8 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer with recall number 21V111 and Audi recall number 97EV.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V111000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V111 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V111000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →