Most common 2016 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A8 complaints by model year
Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →
2016 Audi A8 recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
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.
Structure › Body › Hood
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2016 Audi A8:
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic.
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds.
What 2016 Audi A8 owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 20V397000 (Structure), and 19V057000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
My car was schedule for the 21H7 recall. I received 2 letters this year to have the recall work done. Audi of Pittsburgh's only available date was 12/08/22. I took the car in and later that day I got a call stating the recall was done back in March of this year. I told them it was not. Later I got a call saying it was done in April of 2019. I asked for the repair order and no one will provide it. To me it seems that Audi is looking for a reason not to perform the work.
2016 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 24 / 36 / 28 |
| 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
| 6.3L 12-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 22 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 A8 rates average: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the A8 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi A8?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A8 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2016 Audi A8, the most recent from March 23, 2022 (turbo/supercharger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.