2013 Audi S8 recalls and problems

5 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Audi S8.

5
recalls
13
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Audi S8 recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger

NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · reported March 23, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 26,093 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Structure: body, hood

NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · reported July 7, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 12,964 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 19V057000 · reported January 28, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 8,985 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
The fix
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.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V430000 · reported June 25, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 6,633 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V448000 · reported September 23, 2013 · Volkswagen of America, Inc. · 1,120 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
The risk
Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 4, 2022 · Unknown or other

The windshield top gasket is not working and the glass can be easily pushed out an 1/8”. Wind can be heard while driving and when it’s raining water runs through steady stream. I was under the impression that the windshield is an integral part of the cars structure.

Sep 9, 2022 · Engine

The dealer doesn’t want to perform the recall due to branded title. They should though. Please look into it

Feb 8, 2022 · Engine

Engine turbocharger experience catastrophic damage, engine stalled, power steering was disrupted.

Sep 3, 2021 · Engine

The car was running rough for a couple weeks; hesitant to accelerate, failed to start multiple times and idled rough. One day I was coming home from my hour long commute, I put the car in reverse in my driveway and the car started bucking so badly that it became un-drivable. At this point we had to get the car towed…

Jul 10, 2021 · Engine

WHILE DRIVING ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY, MY CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF. I HAD DYSFUNCTIONAL BRAKE AND STEERING FAILURE. BRAKE WAS HARDLY WORKING AND I HAD TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO CONTROL STEERING. BASICALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH, CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND I LOST STEERING AND BRAKING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE…

S8 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 51300
2014 5601
2015 4600
2016 3600

All Audi S8 years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Audi S8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Audi S8, the most recent reported on March 23, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi S8?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (11 complaints), followed by unknown or other (2).
How many 2013 Audi S8 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 13 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 4, 2022.