What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2010–2018) S8?

S8 owners have made 2 complaints about the 2010–2018 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 4th out of 39 Audi generations in overall reliability, with plenty of interior concerns.

Compare With Other S8 Generations

Common 2010-2018 Audi S8 Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation S8 owners have to deal with.

  1. Oil Starved Turbochargers

    The twin-turbochargers in Audi's 4.0L V8 engine can become starved of oil because of a clogged filter. This can cause strange acceleration noises, difficulty starting the engine, or sudden stalls.

    Continue reading article "Oil Starved Turbochargers" Gray RS 7 Sportback on a concrete dock near the water

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue Gray RS 7 Sportback on a concrete dock near the water

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2010–2018) S8 Key Numbers

  1. 9 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 2 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 4th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.

Recent 3rd Generation (2010–2018) S8 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. Loose seals in the A8 and S8 engine bad can come lose and start a fire, propmting a recall.


    The automaker says it only happens in "rare cases" but is that true? The problem happens when a wire helix inside the seal deforms from normal engine tempterature changes. Once that happens, the whole seal can fall off due to normal engine vibrations. Doesn't sound as rare as they say it is.…

    keep reading article "A8 and S8 Recalled to Stop Loose Seals From Starting Engine Fires"