Audi S8 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls on file for the Audi S8, across 16 model years (2007–2026). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Audi S8 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S8 year: 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi S8 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi S8 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 S8 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2025 S8 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2024 S8 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2023 S8 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2022 S8 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2021 S8 | 1 | 8 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2020 S8 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2018 S8 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2017 S8 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2016 S8 | 6 | 3 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2015 S8 | 6 | 4 | — | Engine | |
| 2014 S8 | 6 | 5 | — | Engine | |
| 2013 S8 | 13 | 5 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2009 S8 | 2 | 1 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2008 S8 | 5 | 1 | — | Visibility | |
| 2007 S8 | 3 | 1 | — | Electrical System |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi S8 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S8 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi S8?
Engine, with 19 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi S8 have?
16 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.