Vehicle recall 08V397000 · August 14, 2008
1996-2003 Audi A8
The locking cable may move out of position over time.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- 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.
- Notes
- Volkswagen/Audi recall NO.37D5/J2. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 08V397000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 14, 2008
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- 37D5/J2
- Owner notification
- September 12, 2008
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 13,900
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your Audi been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Audi dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.