This page covers 6 recalls, 13 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Audi S8.
18 mpg combined
13.1 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.
The dominant pattern in 2013 Audi S8 complaints centers on the engine, which accounts for the clear majority of reports. Owners frequently describe turbocharger failures, with multiple reports of catastrophic turbo damage leading to stalling, rough idling, hard or failed starts, and significant loss of power. Several owners note the check engine light appearing alongside these symptoms. A recurring concern is what happens when the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving, because the S8's power steering and brake boost rely on the running engine, owners report that a sudden stall at speed leaves the steering notably heavy and the brake pedal requiring much greater effort to depress. Outside the engine, complaint volume drops off sharply, with only isolated reports covering wheels and vehicle speed control.
13
Total Complaints
By System
The 2013 Audi S8 has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: a loose engine compartment seal that can contact hot surfaces and a fuel supply line that can become porous and leak fuel near ignition sources.
On the mechanical side, the turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, starving the bearings of lubrication. As the bearings wear, the turbine wheel can contact the turbocharger housing or the shaft can break entirely, causing the engine to stall without warning and raising the risk of a crash. There is also a visibility concern affecting certain vehicles built within a narrow window in 2013: the sunroof glass panel can shatter while driving, sending glass fragments into the cabin and potentially distracting 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 engine compartment seal can loosen and fall into the engine compartment, where it may contact hot surfaces.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a retaining plate to secure the engine compartment seal in place.
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 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 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
The sunroof glass panel may shatter.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
