Is the 2013 Audi A8 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A8?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A8 have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Audi A8

○ Not enough data

2013 Audi A8
RENDERED 2026-10-31T17:27:14.602Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 50
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 50 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	0
1996	1
1997	10
1998	4
1999	9
2000	3
2001	6
2002	1
2003	3
2004	20
2005	6
2006	6
2007	4
2008	8
2009	5
2010	1
2011	15
2012	11
2013	50
2014	18
2015	32
2016	11
2017	8
2018	0
2019	14
2020	3
2021	5
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0
2026	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

72% · 36 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-24

Also filed under Power train

Smelling of engine coolant. After driving for an hour, you can see steam coming from the hood but no leak.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-10

Driving at speed limit on us highway in heavy traffic in the near northern suburbs of chicago, experienced sudden loss of power. Vehicle began running very rough and eventually stalled in left lane.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-19

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 5 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Depressing accelerator at first failed to move the car; then it surged until braked; then it failed to move the car on the next depression; again followed by a surge.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-20

Service brakes

8% · 4 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi A8L. The contact stated the brake pedal was installed too close to the side wall on the floor board.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-08

Also filed under Structure

Suspension

6% · 3 reports

Power train

6% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-10-21Visibility13V448000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-18Engine and engine cooling16V619000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-20Fuel system, gasoline18V430000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-02-21Fuel system, gasoline19V057000 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-09-04Structure20V397000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-05-27 Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
I
2022-04-04Engineering analysisClosed 2023-05-26 Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
R

2022-08-04Engine and engine cooling22V178000 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. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 36 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V448000 · Visibility
Recall 16V619000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 18V430000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 19V057000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 20V397000 · Structure
Recall 22V178000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2013 Audi A8 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A8?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A8 have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.