Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2016 Audi S8 peaked in 2019, with 6 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2016 Audi S8
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Nov 24, 2019 to Nov 24, 2019.
Recall campaigns covering this model year348k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints6Below the median 2016 sedan
Severity index0.02016 sedans average 7.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
33% of complaints about the 2016 Audi S8 name brakes
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Audi S8
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-178 | Mar 23, 2022 | Turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication | Engine and cooling | 26,093 | Part replacement |
| 20V-397 | Jul 7, 2020 | Seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components | Structure | 12,964 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-057 | Jan 28, 2019 | Fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel | Fuel system | 8,985 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2016 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.
6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VAService brakes
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: ACC AND AUDI BRAKING GUARD: UNAVAILABLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282022 - Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VAUnknown or other
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: HILL-START ASSIST: UNAVAILABLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282021 - Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VAElectronic stability control (esc)
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STABILIZATION CONTROL (ESC): FAULT! SEE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282017 - Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VASuspension
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: AIR SUSPENSION: SYSTEM FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282016 - Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VAPower train
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: SPORT DIFFERENTIAL: SYSTEM FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282014 - Filed Nov 24, 2019Failure Nov 23, 201937,500 milesLorton, VAService brakes, Steering
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STEERING: SYSTEM FAULT YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.
NHTSA complaint 11282013
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
635 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_2076945_2 Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair. - 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_2067132_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs. - 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_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing. - 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_2082106_2 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Ths bulletin provides informaiotn when the gearbox warning lamp is on, DTC P060A00 (8693) in gearbox control unit; 0BK and 0BL gearbox. - TSB_2082106_1 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Ths bulletin provides informaiotn when the gearbox warning lamp is on, DTC P060A00 (8693) in gearbox control unit; 0BK and 0BL gearbox. - TSB_2082086_1 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiton when there is a leak on the oil hole between the planetary and the transfer box. - TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km. - 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_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_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective. - 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_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective. - 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_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints. - TSB_2051095_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information about where to download the Audi frequency app. - 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_2080517_2 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective. - 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_2051095_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded. - 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_2080517_1 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective. - TSB_2061669_3 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides service infrmation for workshop mode with Audi connect vehicles. - 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_2079652_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information when the Emergency call LED in the roof module is not lit up green. - 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_2074640_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km. - TSB_2028220_13 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles. - TSB_2061397_2 Dec 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information about voice recognition performance, and bluetooth call quality issues on the other end of the line. - 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_2067132_3 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.