Model year

2013 Audi S8

Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Feb 15, 2018 to Nov 4, 2022.

Recall campaigns covering this model year556k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints13Below the median 2013 sedan
Severity index0.02013 sedans average 7.7
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2013 Audi S8 peaked in 2021, with 6 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02462018201920202021620222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

85% of complaints about the 2013 Audi S8 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
11
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Speed control
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2013 Audi S8

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2013 Audi S8
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-178Mar 23, 2022Turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubricationEngine and cooling26,093Part replacement
20V-397Jul 7, 2020Seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine componentsStructure12,964Repair or modification
19V-057Jan 28, 2019Fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuelFuel system8,985Repair or modification
18V-430Jun 25, 2018Fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leakFuel system6,633Part replacement
13V-448Sep 23, 2013These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatterVisibility and wipers1,120Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2013 Audi S8

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

13 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 4, 2022Failure Nov 4, 2022Sun Prairie, WIUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11492315
  2. Filed Sep 9, 2022Failure Sep 9, 2022Gresham, OREngine

    The dealer doesn’t want to perform the recall due to branded title. They should though. Please look into it

    NHTSA complaint 11483729
  3. Filed Feb 8, 2022Failure Feb 7, 2022Jacksonville, OREngine

    Engine turbocharger experience catastrophic damage, engine stalled, power steering was disrupted.

    NHTSA complaint 11450988
  4. Filed Sep 3, 2021Failure Jul 22, 2021Mattapoisett, MAEngine

    The car was running rough for a couple weeks; hesitant to accelerate, failed to start multiple times and idled rough. One day I was coming home from my hour long commute, I put the car in reverse in my driveway and the car started bucking so badly that it became un-drivable. At this point we had to get the car towed on a flatbed an hour away to the nearest dealership and this is when we discovered that the turbos had gone bad. There was no check engine light or any indication before it just failed. I am active duty in the United States Coast Guard and being without a car is not an option. Because of the shipping delay and waiting for the turbos to come from Germany, I was without my car for two weeks. I was loaned a vehicle but I had to rent a car for one day in between. We have been told by Audi dealerships for years that this was a known problem and to expect this $10,000 repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11431661
  5. Filed Jul 10, 2021Failure Jul 1, 2021braselton, GAEngine

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY, MY CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF. I HAD DYSFUNCTIONAL BRAKE AND STEERING FAILURE. BRAKE WAS HARDLY WORKING AND I HAD TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO CONTROL STEERING. BASICALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH, CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND I LOST STEERING AND BRAKING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A VACANT PARKING LOT AND CAR CAME TO A STOP. FORTUNATELY, NO CARS WERE AROUND AT THE TIME. OTHERWISE, I ALONG WITH MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED BY AUDI SINCE PURCHASE. IT WAS JUST SERVICED WITHIN THE PAST MONTH. CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUDI DEALER--THE TURBO CHARGER HAD FAILED. BASED ON THE DEALER DESCRIPTION, FAILER OF TURBO CAUSED THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF BOTH THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES. THERE SHOULD BE A BACKUP SAFETY MECHANISM IN CASE OF TURBO FAILURE WITH AUDI 4L ENGINE--APPARENTLY, THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO EXIST. I CONTACTED AUDI AND THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION. IT WAS JUST BY GOD'S GRACE THAT HORRIBLE ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR. I HOPE YOU CAN PROVIDE SOME INSIGHT INTO THIS. BASED ON SOME BLOGS, THIS IS APPARENTLY COMMON WITH 4L TURBO ENGINES WITH AUDI.

    NHTSA complaint 11424203
  6. Filed Jul 6, 2021Failure Jul 2, 2021Monett, MOEngine

    TURBOS FAILED, CAR STALLED AND WILL NOT START UNLESS GIVING IT GAS. DOWN ON POWER AND PERFORMANCE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON

    NHTSA complaint 11423603
  7. Filed Jun 4, 2021Failure Jun 3, 2021Alexandria, LAUnknown or other

    sUN ROOF EXPLODED ON MT AUDIS8 2013. 6/03/2021.

    NHTSA complaint 11419626
  8. Filed Apr 4, 2021Failure Apr 22, 202058,000 milesPlainville, CTEngine, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    TURBOCHARGERS FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGED OIL SCREEN. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TURBOCHARGER WITH NEW UNITS AND REPLACED OIL SCREEN WITH UPDATED VERSION

    NHTSA complaint 11406287
  9. Filed Feb 1, 2021Failure Jan 15, 202180,000 milesANN Arbor, MIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT PICKING UP APPROPRIATE SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR NOTICE OR ENGINE LIGHTS OR ANY ABNORMALITIES WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THIS. I DECIDED TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AT A REST AREA AND AS THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN AROUND 15-20 MPH, I LOST TOTAL POWER OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR USE THE BRAKES. LUCKILY THE CAR WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP WITHOUT INJURY BUT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER TOW TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TURBOS IN THE ENGINE. I DID EXTENSIVE REVIEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND FIND OUT THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND BOILS DOWN TO A DESIGN FLAW WHERE A SMALL OIL SCREEN ESSENTIALLY STARVES THE TURBOS OF OIL. SOMETIME THESE SCREENS HAVE CLOGGED BUT IN MANY CASES ARE JUST FINE BUT IN ALL CASES HAVE LEAD TO TURBO FAILURE. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND ALL VEHICLES I HAVE REVIEWED HAVE BEEN FACTORY MAINTAINED WITH SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF MY VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED BY AN AUDI EXTENDED WARRANTY AND REPAIRS ARE VERY COSTLY AVERAGING AROUND 12-13K FROM THE DEALERSHIPS. I CONTACTED AUDI OF AMERICA AND FILED A COMPLAINT (AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE) AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW AND COSTLY REPAIR BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE HAD I LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY I MOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. AUDI HAD RECENTLY ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE ON A FAULTY ENGINE OIL PCV VALVE AND THAT REPAIR WAS AROUND 2-3K. CLEARLY THERE IS A TREND HERE WITH THESE ENGINES. I AM HOPEFUL THAT WITH THIS AND OTHER COMPLAINTS, THAT THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WILL LEAD TO WARRANTY EXTENSION AND/OR RECALL FOR REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

    NHTSA complaint 11391037
  10. Filed May 18, 2020Failure Apr 2, 202048,700 milesNewton, MAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11325065
  11. Filed May 24, 2019Failure May 7, 201984,600 milesCoventry, CTEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11209622
  12. Filed Mar 25, 2019Failure Mar 16, 2019112,000 milesToledo, OHEngine

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11191243
  13. Filed Feb 15, 2018Failure Feb 5, 201861,000 milesLake Worth, FLEngine, Wheels

    CAR HAS 3 BENT RIMS AND A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT CARMAX WILL TRY TO SAY THEY FIXED RIMS AND THE MOTOR MOUNT IS FINE

    NHTSA complaint 11073138
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • EA22001 Engineering analysis, Engine and cooling
    Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
    Opened Apr 4, 2022, closed May 26, 2023
  • PE21009 Preliminary evaluation, Engine and cooling
    Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
    Opened Mar 29, 2021, closed May 27, 2022 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

804 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2075120_3 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_20741717_15 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069904_3 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2063546_5 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service infomraiton regardin gthe identifaction of noises with dynamic steering.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2082046_1 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a strong jolt after engine automatically starts in start-stop mode; vehicles with 0BK & 0BL Gearbox.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2028985_13 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulleitn procides informaiton when tehre is a transmission warning mssage in the instrument cluster; P074100 is stored in the TCM.
  • TSB_2028902_5 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081409_1 Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2024323_13 Mar 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2024323_12 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2023187_8 Mar 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • DC_Audi_CF_ Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • TSB_2059335_6 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_4 Feb 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2021205_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2080681_1 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding contact checks for event memories, intermittent.
  • TSB_2080329_1 Jan 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
  • TSB_2074846_4 Jan 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
  • TSB_2060750_5 Jan 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
  • TSB_2056019_5 Jan 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or does not activate.
  • TSB_2021205_9 Dec 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2074808_3 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
  • TSB_2018187_18 Dec 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.
  • TSB_2069904_2 Oct 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2079732_1 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when tehre is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2075120_2 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach for all Audi vehicles regarding brake vibrations.
  • TSB_2074846_3 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
  • TSB_2072304_3 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069078_3 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2056386_11 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the steering wheel alignment.
  • TSB_2030471_8 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the license plate mouting bracket threaded inserts are stripped.
  • TSB_2047812_8 Oct 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on how to set up and use the FMC for obtaining vehicle software updates (SD Creator decomissioned).
  • TSB_2073917_2 Oct 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for when there is a fluid sample request from Product Support.
  • TSB_2076605_2 Sep 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides informaiton pertaining to noises from the guide link bush.
  • TSB_2071264_2 Sep 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulleitn provides information whent here are complaints about route guidance with Navigation.
  • TSB_2041717_14 Sep 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bujlletin provides information regarding the GFF test plan required for A/C compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
  • TSB_2042920_3 Aug 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the tailpipes.
  • TSB_2074436_2 Aug 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_2070568_5 Aug 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2060750_4 Aug 1, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulleitn provides information regarding UV Leak additive for finding oil leaks.
  • AOS-25-47 Aug 1, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: The hotfix is to correct the issue: Issue seen: ODS5003E Infrastructure Guided Fault Finding: An internal fatal error …
  • TSB_2070568_4 Jul 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2027368_7 Jul 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when the Audi advanced key is inoperative; door handle touch sensors.
  • TSB_2010353_6 Jul 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides informatin when the cigarette lighter element does not eject, or the cigarette lighter is inoperable.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.