Is the 2013 Audi S8 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 S8?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 85% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S8 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Audi S8

○ Not enough data

2013 Audi S8
RENDERED 2026-10-31T17:45:50.615Z

Only 13 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 13
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2013: 13 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	3
2008	5
2009	2
2013	13
2014	6
2015	6
2016	6
2017	0
2018	0
2020	0
2021	1
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0
2026	0

Known problem areas

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

11 of 13 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-25

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 ODI report, 2018-02-15

Also filed under Wheels

Wheels

1 of 13 total reports mentions: wheels.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 13 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Power train

1 of 13 total reports mentions: power train.

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 13 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Safety timeline

5 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

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 S8 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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

FAQ

Is the 2013 Audi S8 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 S8?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 85% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S8 have?: 5 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.