Audi S8 Reliability Problems

S8 owners have made 2 complaints over 20 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 19 Audi models, with plenty of interior concerns.

2 Common Audi S8 Problems

A list of some of the most common issues S8 owners have to deal with.

  1. Start-Stop Defects

    There are multiple problems with Audi's start-stop technology that outweigh the modest fuel efficiency gains. Owners complain that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times and cause the accelerat The …

    Continue reading article "Start-Stop Defects" A tachometer with the red arrow pointing at the 'ready' position

  2. 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

What S8 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

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

S8 Generations

The S8 has 4 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 3rd generation (2010–2018).

S8 Key Numbers

  1. 2 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 581 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 4 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

S8 Class-Action Lawsuits

The S8 has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Dismissed

    Pitts, et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Dismissed

      The case was dismissed when a judge ruled Audi's owner's manuals clearly say the Start-Stop system "may turn off the engine before the car comes to a complete stop."

    2. Case Filed

      The lawsuit wanted refunds for the purchase price of the vehicles for class members, plus compensation for overpaying and for loss of values.

    Problem
    Start-Stop Defects
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 A3
    • 2017-2020 A4
    • 2017-2020 A5
    • 2017-2020 A6
    • 2017-2020 A7
    • 2017-2020 A8
    • 2017-2020 S3
    • 2017-2020 S4
    • 2017-2020 S6
    • 2017-2020 S8
    • 2017-2020 TT
    • 2017-2020 TTS
    • 2017-2020 Q5
    • 2017-2020 Q7
    • 2017-2020 Q8
    • 2017-2020 SQ5
    Location
    Virginia

  • Dusanjh v. Audi AG, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      The Audi Start-Stop system allegedly requires expensive repairs, car rentals, towing charges, time off work and other costs, while customers allegedly lose money as the vehicles lose their values.

    Problem
    Start-Stop Defects
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 A3
    • 2017-2020 A4
    • 2017-2020 A5
    • 2017-2020 A6
    • 2017-2020 A7
    • 2017-2020 A8
    • 2017-2020 S3
    • 2017-2020 S4
    • 2017-2020 S6
    • 2017-2020 S8
    • 2017-2020 Q5
    • 2017-2020 Q7
    • 2017-2020 Q8
    • 2017-2020 SQ5
    • 2017-2020 TT
    • 2017-2020 TTS
    Location
    British Columbia

  • Anzhelya Makaryan, et. al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

    2:2017cv05086

    1. Case Filed

      An Audi timing chain lawsuit alleges Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have defects that cause the timing chains to suddenly fail without warning, causing the engines to fail.

    2. Dismissed

      The case was voluntarily dismissed in November 2017 after a motion to dismiss by Audi was filed earlier that same month.

    Problem
    Start-Stop Defects
    Class Vehicles
    • 2013-2017 A3
    • 2013-2017 A4
    • 2013-2017 A5
    • 2013-2017 A6
    • 2013-2017 A7
    • 2013-2017 A8
    • 2013-2017 S3
    • 2013-2017 S4
    • 2013-2017 S5
    • 2013-2017 S6
    • 2013-2017 S7
    • 2013-2017 S8
    • 2013-2017 RS 5
    • 2013-2017 RS 7
    • 2013-2017 allroad
    • 2013-2017 Q3
    • 2013-2017 Q5
    • 2013-2017 Q7
    • 2013-2017 SQ5
    • 2013-2017 TT
    • 2013-2017 TTS
    • 2013-2017 TT RS
    • 2013-2017 R8
    Location
    California

Recent 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.

  3. Another Audi start-stop lawsuit has been dismissed

    after the judge ruled that the owner's manual clearly states the Start-Stop system may turn off the engine before the car comes to a complete stop. Is that all it takes to win in court? Be prepared for your next owner's manual to say "cars might catch on fire due to thermodynamics" just to cover all the bases.…

    keep reading article "A Judge Just Ruled That Audi's Start-System Operates As Intended"

  6. 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"

  8. The lead plaintiff in Anzhelya Makaryan, et. al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. says a design defect in Audi's start-stop system allows vehicles to rollaway.

    The rollaways happen because the start-stop system won't deactivate if the driver takes off their seat belt for any reason while the vehicle is stopped.

    To make matters worse if that the system won't work even if the driver re-buckled their seat belts.

    keep reading article "Does Audi's Start-Stop Technology Allow Vehicles to Accidentally Roll Away?"

See All S8 News

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