Audi S8 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 16 recalls on file for the Audi S8 (2007–2026). The 2013 S8 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 16
- Model years
- 16
- Worst year
- 2013
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Audi S8 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2013 Audi S8 — 10 complaints; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (0 complaints).
Every Audi S8 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2025 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2024 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2023 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2022 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2021 S8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Electrical System |
| 2020 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — |
| 2018 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2017 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2016 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2015 S8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Engine |
| 2014 S8 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2013 S8 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2009 S8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2008 S8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2007 S8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common Audi S8 problem areas (all years)
- Engine14 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers4 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain3 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control2 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion2 complaints
- Electrical System1 complaints
Complaint trend
Audi S8 recalls
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: In a crash, an incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury to a child or small person who is seated and unbelted on the front passenger seat and very close to the instrument panel.
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Audi models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology