Audi S8 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi S8 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 0 (1 complaint). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2015 at 0 (from 6 complaints), and 2016 at 0 (from 6 complaints). The Audi S8 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Audi S8, 1 of 1 complaints name Powertrain, Electrical system, Engine.
Data as of .
2014
2015
2016
2025–26
Audi S8 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 S8. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 18 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 18 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 18 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 18 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 17 |
| 2021 → Most | 0 | 1 | 8 | Powertrain, Electrical system, Engine | 16 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 16 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 18 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 18 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 3 | Electronic stability control (ESC) | 18 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 4 | Engine | 20 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 5 | Engine and engine cooling | 18 |
| 2013 → | 0 | 13 | 5 | Engine | 18 |
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
- 265/35R21 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V430000 and 19V057000 cover certain 2013-2015 and 2013-2016 Audi S8 and A8 models for fuel-supply line issues that can leak fuel. Recall 20V397000 covers certain 2013-2018 S8 and A8 models where the hood seal can allow water intrusion. Recall 13V448000 covers certain 2013-2014 S8 and A8 models equipped with a panoramic sunroof for a sunroof assembly concern. Recall 22V178000 covers certain 2013-2017 S8 models (with A8, S6, S7, and RS7) where the turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked and wear bearings, which can stall the engine.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30 (confirm on cap)
- Tire size
- 265/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V111000 covers certain 2020-2021 Audi S8 models (with 2019-2021 A8) where a missing engine control module software update is described in NHTSA's summary. Recall 25V900000 covers certain 2019-2026 Audi models including S8 where a software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying; dealers update the software.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi S8 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2015 at 0 (from 6 complaints), and 2016 at 0 (from 6 complaints).
Which Audi S8 year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 0 (1 complaint). On the 2021 Audi S8, 1 of 1 complaints name Powertrain, Electrical system, Engine.
How do Audi S8 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi S8 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Audi S8 years are too early to compare?
The Audi S8 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a US Audi S8 use?
0W-30 (confirm on cap)
What tire sizes fit a US Audi S8?
Published US specs commonly list front 265/40R20 (trim dependent) and rear 265/40R20 (trim dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US Audi S8?
Recall 21V111000 covers certain 2020-2021 Audi S8 models (with 2019-2021 A8) where a missing engine control module software update is described in NHTSA's summary. Recall 25V900000 covers certain 2019-2026 Audi models including S8 where a software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying; dealers update the software.