2013 Audi S8: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2014 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The windshield top gasket is not working and the glass can be easily pushed out an 1/8". Wind can be heard while driving and when it's raining water runs through steady stream. I was under the impression that the windshield is an integral part of the cars structure.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2022
“Turbos failed, car stalled and will not start unless giving it gas. Down on power and performance. Check engine light came on”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2021
“Turbochargers failure due to clogged oil screen. Had to replace both turbocharger with new units and replaced oil screen with updated version”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2020
Show 3 more owner reports
“Both turbos on the engine were damaged to the point of replacement, causing the car to stall out at idle at a busy intersection putting me in danger of an accident. My car had less than 50,000 miles on it. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2020
“While driving, the car started to run rough and wouldn't idle when I came to a stop. It became very hard to start, especially when hot. While the car was in for recall work it was diagnosed with bad turbochargers. Quoted over $10k in repairs.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“It if very well known issue for 4.0tt v8 audi engine, there is pour oil supply to turbos which causing them to fail. After an hour of cruising on highway car would choke on idle, difficult to even start. Audi dealer diagnosed turbo failure without underline cause. 10k dollars repair every 20-50k miles is unreasonable due to fact that oil separator, oil strainer, seals and coolant lines have been identified to be defective and updated by manufacturer (audi)”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
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 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Audi S8 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Audi S8. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 Audi S8 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:sun/moon roof assembly. 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.