2016 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help.”Owner report · Lane Departure · Sep 2023
“My car was schedule for the 21H7 recall. I received 2 letters this year to have the recall work done. Audi of Pittsburgh's only available date was 12/08/22. I took the car in and later that day I got a call stating the recall was done back in March of this year. I told them it was not. Later I got a call saying it was done in April of 2019. I asked for the repair order and no one will provide it. To me it seems that Audi is looking for a reason not to perform the work.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2022
“I was driving and my turbos blew causing my car to shut down and not be able to restart. I was in the middle of traffic and was lucky to pull over. There was no warning and I had my 2 young kids in the car and it could have caused an accident. This was dangerous for myself and other motorists. I use this vehicle as a daily driver and this should not happen. I have not had it repaired yet but I can only imagine it will costs thousands of dollars.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2021
Show 4 more owner reports
“Recall for turbo internals, but nothing done to remedy problem . Second issue in leaking suspension parts, which the dealership let problem continue, until warranty up.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Was driving on the highway for 2 hours, slowed down to exit to a gas station, once on the route car shut down, all systems inoperative steering and brakes soon harden could securely stop at gas station with impulse. Car could not be turned on again easily, and in my drive to the closest hotel (2 mniles) car will shut down if not constantly accelerated. Dealer told me two turbos needed to be replaced. Car had 45k miles, less than one month off cpo warranty (I.e., perfectly maintained).”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 audi a8 equipped with four continental sport contact 5p tires, size: 275/35r21 (na). While driving 30 mph, the contact struck a pothole and the front passenger tire flattened. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the tire pressure monitoring system failed to alert the driver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the tire was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The dot number and tire failure mileage were unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 3,500.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2019
“I don't have a complaint, per se, I am alerting you to the fact that the audi a8 has the same shifter as the jeep cherokee that has been in the news lately. Same supplier, zf.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2016
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
How other years compare
Check your exact A8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2016 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2016 Audi A8 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.