2013 Audi S8 recalls and problems

The 2013 Audi S8 has 5 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Audi S8 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Audi S8 recalls

Recall 22V-178: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 23, 2022 · 26,093 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 20V-397: Structure

Reported Jul 7, 2020 · 12,964 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

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.

Recall 19V-057: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 28, 2019 · 8,985 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.

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.

Recall 18V-430: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 25, 2018 · 6,633 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Recall 13V-448: Visibility

Reported Sep 23, 2013 · 1,120 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

2013 Audi S8 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine11
Unknown or Other2
Wheels1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Audi S8 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 4, 2022
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.
Engine · reported Sep 3, 2021
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 on a flatbed an hour away to the nearest dealership and this is when we discovered that the turbos had gone bad. There was no check engine light or any indication before it just failed. I am active duty in the United States Coast Guard and being without a car is not an option.…
Engine · reported Jul 10, 2021
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 road into a vacant parking lot and car came to a stop. Fortunately, no cars were around at the time. Otherwise, I along with my family would have been involved in a potentially fatal accident. My car had been serviced by audi since purchase. It was just serviced within the past…
Engine · reported Jul 6, 2021
Turbos failed, car stalled and will not start unless giving it gas. Down on power and performance. Check engine light came on
Engine · at 58,000 miles · reported Apr 4, 2021
Turbochargers failure due to clogged oil screen. Had to replace both turbocharger with new units and replaced oil screen with updated version

Other Audi S8 years

Compare all Audi S8 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Audi S8 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Audi S8: 22V-178 (engine and engine cooling), 20V-397 (structure), 19V-057 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V-430 (fuel system, gasoline), 13V-448 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Audi S8?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by unknown or other (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.