2013 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Audi A8: 6 recalls, 49 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #13V448000 · 2013 · 1,120 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #16V619000 · 2016 · 9,067 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi a8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that May leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V430000 · 2018 · 6,633 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #19V057000 · 2019 · 8,985 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #20V397000 · 2020 · 12,964 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V178000 · 2022 · 26,093 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (36): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (18), warning light on (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Other / unknown (5): the most common themes are leaks (3), warning light on (2).
- Brakes (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2013 Audi A8 has 49 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (6.2× the average A8 year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 62,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (11 complaints, 1 recalls), 2014 (18 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 4.0 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Audi A8.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2013 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Audi A8 problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (36), fuel & propulsion (5), other / unknown (5).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Audi A8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Audi A8 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.