VehicleVerdict

2013 Audi S8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2013 Audi S8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other S8 years?

S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted17 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 3 complaints2013: 17 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 7 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Audi S8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1165%
Other212%
Fuel System16%
Speed Control16%
Tires & Wheels16%
Transmission16%

Does the 2013 Audi S8 have recalls?

5 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.

18V430000Fuel SystemJune 25, 2018 · 6,633 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

13V448000Visibility & WipersSeptember 23, 2013 · 1,120 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND WOULDN'T IDLE WHEN I CAME TO A STOP. IT BECAME VERY HARD TO START, ESPECIALLY WHEN HOT. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN FOR RECALL WORK IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BAD TURBOCHARGERS. QUOTED OVER $10K IN REPAIRS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 7, 2019

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 4, 2022

“WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT PICKING UP APPROPRIATE SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR NOTICE OR ENGINE LIGHTS OR ANY ABNORMALITIES WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THIS. I DECIDED TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AT A REST AREA AND AS THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN AROUND 15-20 MPH, I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 15, 2021

“TURBOCHARGERS FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGED OIL SCREEN. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TURBOCHARGER WITH NEW UNITS AND REPLACED OIL SCREEN WITH UPDATED VERSION”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 22, 2020

“TURBOCHARGERS FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGED OIL SCREEN. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TURBOCHARGER WITH NEW UNITS AND REPLACED OIL SCREEN WITH UPDATED VERSION”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 22, 2020

2013 Audi S8 — common questions

Is the 2013 Audi S8 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 S8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), other (2 complaints), transmission (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Audi S8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Audi S8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Audi S8 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.