This page covers 8 recalls, 49 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Audi A8.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate what owners report for the 2013 Audi A8, making up the clear majority of filed issues. The most serious pattern involves internal engine failure, owners describe oil consumption leading to oil starvation, piston and ring damage, and in several cases complete engine loss that rendered the vehicle uneconomical to repair. A related but distinct pattern centers on oil blowby and fouled spark plugs, where owners report the engine burning oil into the cylinders until plugs become oil-coated, causing misfires, rough running, and stalling, sometimes in moving traffic. A smaller cluster of owners reports a failing PCV oil separator producing a whistling noise, which appears to be an earlier-stage symptom in the same oil management chain. Fuel and propulsion complaints are a distant second, and steering complaints appear in only two reports. The engine stalling and power-loss events owners describe tend to occur during acceleration or on inclines.
49
Total Complaints
By System
The 2013 Audi A8 has 8 recalls, with multiple fire risks at the top of the list: fuel supply lines to the high-pressure fuel pump can become porous or leak, and a loose engine compartment seal can contact hot engine components.
Both defects expose fuel or flammable materials to potential ignition sources near the engine bay. On the turbocharger side, a blocked oil supply strainer can starve the bearings of lubrication, causing the turbine wheel to contact its housing or the shaft to break, which can stall the engine and raise the risk of a crash. There is also a coolant valve that can leak fluid into the engine control module, causing a loss of power or an engine stall. The sunroof glass on certain vehicles may have been manufactured with a susceptibility to breakage while driving, which can scatter glass inside the cabin and distract the driver.
At a glance
What can fail
The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, reducing lubrication to the bearings and causing wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal around the engine compartment can loosen and touch hot engine parts.
What the fix does
A retaining plate will be installed to keep the engine compartment seal from loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line connecting to the high-pressure fuel pump may leak, causing gasoline odor or visible leaks.
What the fix does
A fuel pressure damper will be installed in the low-pressure fuel supply inside the fuel tank to stop the leak.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel supply line connecting to the high pressure fuel pump can develop small holes and leak fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a fuel pressure damper at no cost to address the leak.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel line may develop small holes and become porous over time, allowing fuel to leak or produce a fuel smell.
What the fix does
The fuel line will be replaced with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump's fuel supply line may develop porosity over time, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
The fuel line will be replaced with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A coolant valve may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module, which can cause loss of power or engine stalling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect the electrical connector for coolant leakage at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and could break while driving, potentially causing distraction or spreading broken glass inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
