2013 Audi A8
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 37 of 49 complaints (76%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 11 in 2012 to 49 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700 | 3,700–4,850 | 3,700–5,150 | 3,200–5,150 | 3,200–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 16–21 | 15–21 | 15–28 | 16–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17 / 27 | 14–18 / 21–28 | 13–18 / 20–28 | 13–24 / 20–36 | 13–24 / 22–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423 | 423–555 | 418–585 | 360–585 | 360–553 | |
| Complaints filed | 15 | 11 | 49 | 18 | 31 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A8 have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Audi A8?
Engine: 37 of 49 NHTSA complaints (76%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Audi A8 get?
EPA rates it 15–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Audi A8?
EPA estimates $3,700–$5,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 418 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 418 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 424 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 26 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 460 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 12 | 6.3L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 585 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 22V178000 · Mar 24, 2022
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD · Campaign 20V397000 · Jul 7, 2020
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 19V057000 · Jan 31, 2019
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 18V430000 · Jun 27, 2018
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 16V619000 · Aug 24, 2016
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 13V448000 · Oct 21, 2013
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.