Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2021 | 1 | typical | 8 | Electrical | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | −56% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2017 | 0 | −75% | 2 | — | Average |
| 2016 | 6 | typical | 3 | Brake | Average |
| 2015 | 6 | typical | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2014 | 6 | typical | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 13 | 1.9× | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2008 | 5 | −75% | 1 | Window & Wiper | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median S8 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi S8 problems
Latest Audi S8 recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.
Electrical system › Software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air bags › Frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Back over prevention › Display function
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5,…
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi S8 should you avoid?
None of the Audi S8 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Audi S8?
2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other S8 years at the same age, followed by 2017 and 2020. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi S8 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (21), windows, wipers & sunroof (5) and transmission & drivetrain (4). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi S8 had?
16 recalls across 2008–2023. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi S8 recalls by year.
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.