VehicleVerdict

2015 Audi S8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2015 Audi S8 — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other S8 years?

S8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Audi S8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine583%
Transmission117%

Does the 2015 Audi S8 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO FLASH AND THE ENGINE STALLED. I WAS STOPPED IN A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. I EVENTUALLY GOT THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PULLED THE TURBO AIR INTAKE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2018

“Water Pump and thermostat has a faulty design that causes coolant to leak either around the O Ring and/or the elbow. I am in my third water pump and thermostat with only 69,000 miles on the vehicle. Issue appears to be common on the EA824 (4.0 twin turbo) engine with hundreds of reports from the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 10, 2024

2015 Audi S8 — common questions

Is the 2015 Audi S8 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2015 Audi S8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Audi S8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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.