This page covers 8 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi S8.
16 mpg combined
14.7 L/100km
Large 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 2021 Audi S8 has 8 recalls, the most serious being a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control, and a moisture intrusion issue where the engine control module can malfunction and stall the engine.
A related rear axle concern involves premature or uneven tire wear caused by axle misalignment, which can reduce tire grip over time. On the safety equipment side, a rear seatbelt retractor can fail to secure a child restraint system properly, raising the risk of injury in a crash. The instrument panel display can go blank due to a software error, hiding critical information like the speedometer and warning lights from the driver. Three separate recalls address rearview camera failures: in various scenarios, the camera image can fail to appear at all when reversing or may not display as expected, reducing the driver's view behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel module may cause the dashboard display to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rear-view camera image from displaying initially when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software parameters at no cost to restore rear-view display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A sealing pin may be missing from the engine control module connector, allowing moisture to enter and potentially causing the control module to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the connector for a missing sealing pin and install it if needed. The connector will also be checked for corrosion and replaced if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
