Audi A8 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi A8 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (31 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 18 complaints), 2012 at 0 (from 11 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 49 complaints). On the 2015 Audi A8, 15 of 31 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Audi A8 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Audi A8. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 → | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | 20.7 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 20 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 20.5 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 22 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 22 |
| 2015 → Most | 2 | 31 | 5 | Engine | 21.8 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 0 | 18 | 5 | Engine | 20.8 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 1 | 49 | 6 | Engine | 19.4 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 0 | 11 | 1 | Engine | 19.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (engine dependent; confirm on cap)
- Tire size
- 255/45R19, 265/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 18V-430 covers 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 that can increase fire risk. Remedy: dealers replace the fuel line free of charge. NHTSA safety recall 19V-035 covers certain 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles (also listing Q7, A6, and A7): the left and right fuel rails may leak fuel, increasing fire risk. Remedy: dealers replace the left and right fuel rail free of charge. When NHTSA lists multiple Audi models in one campaign, the published unit count is shared.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 or 0W-30 (engine dependent; confirm on cap)
- Tire size
- 255/45R19, 265/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 21V-111 covers certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction that can stall the engine and increase crash risk. Remedy: dealers inspect the connector for a missing sealing pin and install it if necessary, and inspect for corrosion. NHTSA safety recall 19V-415 covers certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats: the front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate, increasing injury risk in a crash. Remedy: dealers replace the passenger seat tracks free of charge. When NHTSA lists A8 and S8 together, the published unit count is shared.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A8 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 18 complaints), 2012 at 0 (from 11 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 49 complaints).
Which Audi A8 year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (31 complaints). On the 2015 Audi A8, 15 of 31 complaints name Engine.
How do Audi A8 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi A8 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What engine oil does a US Audi A8 use?
0W-20 or 0W-30 (engine dependent; confirm on cap)
What tire sizes fit a US Audi A8?
Published US specs commonly list front 255/45R19, 265/40R20 (trim dependent) and rear 255/45R19, 265/40R20 (trim dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US Audi A8?
NHTSA safety recall 21V-111 covers certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction that can stall the engine and increase crash risk. Remedy: dealers inspect the connector for a missing sealing pin and install it if necessary, and inspect for corrosion. NHTSA safety recall 19V-415 covers certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats: the front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to…