VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted67 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 13 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 31 complaints2005: 11 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 67 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 46 complaints2016: 17 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi A8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine635%
Driver Assistance318%
Other212%
Tires & Wheels212%
Transmission16%
Fuel System16%
Body & Structure16%
Suspension16%

Does the 2016 Audi A8 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V178000EngineMarch 23, 2022 · 26,093 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

20V397000Body & StructureJuly 7, 2020 · 12,964 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

19V057000Fuel SystemJanuary 28, 2019 · 8,985 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving and my turbos blew causing my car to shut down and not be able to restart. I was in the middle of traffic and was lucky to pull over. There was no warning and I had my 2 young kids in the car and it could have caused an accident. This was dangerous for myself and other motorists. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 25, 2021

“Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 1, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A8 EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 5P TIRES, SIZE: 275/35R21 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FLATTENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 23, 2019

“AS A RESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA I PURCHASED A 2016 AUDI A8 FROM VROOM IN NOVEMBER 2019. I PAID THEM 30,000 CASH DOWN TO INCLUDE $4025 IN SALES TAX $73.75 DEALER INVENTORY TAX $105.50 GOV LICENSE AND REGISTRATION FEES $11.00 CERT OF TITLE FEE $25.00 VEHICLE INSPECTION FEE $150.00 SOME RANDOM DOCUMENT FEE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 14, 2019

“ Recall for turbo internals, but nothing done to remedy problem . Second issue in leaking suspension parts, which the dealership let problem continue, until warranty up.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 21, 2021

2016 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Audi A8 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.