2008 Audi S8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2008 Audi S8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other S8 years?

S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Audi S8 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Visibility & Wipers	4	67%	▲ up
Fuel System	1	17%	new
Speed Control	1	17%	new

Does the 2008 Audi S8 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V415000Visibility & WipersJune 9, 2016 · 536 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

Consequence

If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BOOMING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE GLASS SUN ROOF DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS AIRBORNE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUDI OF OWINGS MILL (9804 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILL, MD) WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 18, 2019

“AFTER A PERIOD OF ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY, THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE CAR, AND THE ACCELERATION STOPPED ONLY AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 15, 2020

“AFTER A PERIOD OF ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY, THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE CAR, AND THE ACCELERATION STOPPED ONLY AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 15, 2020

2008 Audi S8 — common questions

Is the 2008 Audi S8 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Audi S8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Audi S8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2008 compare to other S8 years?

What are the most common 2008 Audi S8 problems?

Does the 2008 Audi S8 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Audi S8 — common questions

Is the 2008 Audi S8 reliable?

Does the 2008 Audi S8 have recalls?

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