MotorDeets

Audi S8 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S8 from 2007 to 2026: 42 owner complaints and 43 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (13), 2014 (6), 2015 (6). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2015).

Audi S8
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine19
Visibility (wipers, glass)5
Other / unknown4
Transmission & drivetrain4
Fuel & propulsion3
Speed control / throttle3
Visibility/Wiper3
Electrical2

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20071315
20081515
20091215
201351318
20145618
20154620
20163618
20172018
20181018
20204016
20218116
20223017
20232018
20241018
20251018
20261018

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 Audi S8.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Audi S8?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (13), 2014 (6), 2015 (6).

How many recalls has the Audi S8 had?

Across 2007–2026, NHTSA lists 43 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).