Owners filed 50 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.
Most common 2013 Audi A8 problems
36 of the 50 complaints (72%) are about the engine.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
35
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
3
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
3
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
2
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
2
0
0
0
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
1
0
0
0
Tires
1
0
0
0
Suspension
1
0
0
0
Structure · body and frame
1
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
1
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger22V178000
Filed Mar 23, 202226,093 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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.
Filed Jul 7, 202012,964 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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 Fittings19V057000
Filed Jan 28, 20198,985 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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 Fittings18V430000
Filed Jun 25, 20186,633 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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.
Filed Aug 24, 20169,067 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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.
Filed Sep 23, 20131,120 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc.
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.
Risk. 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.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Tires
Filed Oct 24, 2026NY
Lionhart LH-Five UHP All Season 265/40ZR20 104Y XL Passenger Tire The tire tread separated at the inside seam of the tire at the side wall. One tire had 90-180 degree of tire separation. You could see the inside of the tire and the belt. The tire was still holding pressure. This problem was identified before the tire further self destructed. But this is considered a near miss if not discovered at the time and future tire degradation continued. The first event happened in Dec 2024. I have two vehicles that use the same tire. I noticed the same problem on all four tires of my other vehicle currently (October 2026). These tires appear to have a manufacturer defect. The DOT manufacturer date on my current tires is 1124 which I believe means 11th wk of 2024. The tires that had the tread separation had about 20k of use. I have included a picture below. On my other car the tires have about 20k miles of use also, and the location where the sidewall meets the tread on the inside of the tire is very thin and stretched. It is a matter of time before these fail as well. I am seeking to get these replaced by the tire company.
Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2026MD
Engine totaled because of oil starvation I'm guessing or maybe an oil pump failure oil starvation caused Pistons to rub inside of head cost of engine and work is more than the vehicles cost so that means car is totaled
Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2025CA
The pcv oil separator has failed and is making a whistling sound. From researching this issue it is widely known and an investigation shows it is caused in relation to a recall for the oil strainer that was done on this vehicle. I called audi dealership and they said this is not an open recall, however it seems this is exactly what caused it.
Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2025MD
Driving up an inclined road at night. Car engine started to sputter and jerk and lost power. Was able to get to the side of the road out of traffic at the top of the hill? I was able to coast down the hill to a gas station. Carl would not drive without Jerking or accelerate, add check engine, light on and flashing. With the smell of burning from the engine, compartment waited two hours for a tow truck towed it home, the following day, I had to take off of work. I checked all the spark plugs to find multiple spark plugs completely soaked in oil, took an Uber to parts store to buy new spark plugs. At this point I had found out about the recall for the same problem. On the same engine. In all of audi's cars, except for the A8 line was excluded, do not know the reason why it's the same engine in multiple vehicles that were listed in the recall for the piston rings. My other Audi a 6 has over 200000 miles and does not have this issue. Get these low tension piston ring failures that have been recalled. On the issue with all of audi's in this year
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2024120,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A8. The contact stated that while her son was driving at highway speeds, the warning lights on the instrument panel flashed as the vehicle shut off. The contact's son managed to pull over despite the failure. The vehicle was initially towed to one dealer; however, the dealer failed to service the vehicle promptly. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective ECM(Electronic Control Module) that needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for a month before the vehicle was repaired. Despite the repair, the contact was notified that the failure persisted and was then informed that a defective engine cylinder now needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2024MD
Audi, A8L 2013, also has the stuck piston. Rings end oil blow by like the other Volkswagen, defected engines of the same year yesterday while driving my car ended up stalling on a road with traffic behind me going up a hill because too much oil I'd burnt in the cylinders, causing the spark plugs to become completely coated in oil and the cars. Electronic system registered multiple misfires, multiple cylinders. Are misfired and multiple other safety epc codes, causing the vehicle to not be able to drive more than 5 miles an hour, stuttering. Which also caused the engine to almost stall, losing power steering. If this was on the highway this could have been exceptionally bad. I request the Audi AH. L and 8 series to be added to the current recall. For the A6Q5A4 A seven with the exact same problem
Service Brakes
Filed May 28, 2024MI
Brake pedal is hard when starting the vehicle. Brake pedal turns soft when engine is started. The brake pedal is so hard that it requires significant force to depress sufficiently to start the engine. This indicates loss of vacuum in brake booster when engine is off. The vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system and it seems likely that the brakes would not sufficiently hold the vehicle when the start/stop system turns off the engine.
Engine
Filed May 16, 2024MD
Unknown at this moment service vist is next week. The problem is a know piston ring issues on other years of same engine with massive oil consumption 1 qt a week with minimal driving less then 100 miles. Spent 3k on pvc and coolant pump that are a known issue of totaling engine but burning oil non stop and risk or seized engine if on highway
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 2024CA
Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] in Roseville, CA highway Interstate [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the proble
Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2024CA
Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down highway [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the problem. Typically, Audi service will gi
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 28, 2023DC
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact had scheduled three separate appointments with a dealer and was cancelled after each scheduled appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 23, 2022CO
Sunroof shattered while driving.
Engine
Filed Oct 31, 2022SC
In March of 2022, a safety recall number 21H7, was issued for my 2013 Audi A8L regarding the oil strainer which could clog and result in the turbocharger failing and subsequent consequences. I have contacted my Audi dealer numerous times since first receiving written notification with the most recent contact being today October 31. The dealer says they still don’t have the necessary parts and even though there is still supply chain issues internationally, quite enough time has passed and when I reached out to Audi USA, they said parts have been available since August! I have not had any issues yet in driving the car but still feel reluctant to do so and would like this fixed asap. Thank you.
Suspension
Filed Oct 22, 2022IL
1. OeM audi windshield started leaking water inside the vehicle. Thia is very unsafe when driving thru rain as water pours down the inside of the glass. 2. Uneven and creaky suspension. Vehivle pulls on side where suspension is not leveling thw vehicle out. 3. Followed all processes in changing brake pads, toros, sensors etc. Brake light doesnt go away after replacing all brake components and resetting brake warning light. Very uneasy feeling driving around qithtbhe light on as unsure as to brakes would spontaneously fail.
Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2022TX
There is an open recall: 16V619000 Which applies to a set of VIN numbers. This same issue happened on my vehicle and my VIN is not part of the recall. Other VIN numbers should be included in this recall like mine. I had to get the repaired on my own for $2500 because this recall isn’t showing up for my vin number
Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2022CA
Manufacturer Recall Number21H7 NHTSA Recall Number22V178 This recall was issued in May 2022. I emailed Audi USA, who advised me that they do not have a repair they can implement to address this recall. This is surprising because, according to an Audi enthusiast website, repairs under this recall are being made in the United Kingdom. See pdf attached. Why is Audi telling me they cannot repair my car when they seem to be doing just that in other countries? It appears that this is not a complicated repair and seems to involve only replacing a mesh oil strainer.
Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2022NH
I was told the recall wasn't yet active, but the dealer had the parts to take care of the recall. Now I am being told I must pay for the recall repair and wait an undetermined amount of time to get reimbursed through the manufacturer. Meanwhile I can not do anything with the vehicle as if I sell it I cannot collect the monies from which they want me to pay ( over $8000 ). Please advise as this is a lot of money to tie up not knowing when it will be refunded. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine
Filed May 14, 2022SC
My car don’t get the full power & it whistles they say it’s the oil seperator .
Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2022IA
The car has only 60,000 miles and it is gently driven. In the middle of the interstate it started making a rattling noise. Immediately the car ceased to run. Luckily there was no vehicle otherwise it would have been a disaster. I managed to start the car back and bring it to my home which was nearby. I called a friend who is the mechanic and he mentioned the turbo had failed
Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2022SC
On the afternoon of September 12, 2018, my 2013 Audi A8L 4.0T started with somewhat of a rough idle, but no warning lights or error codes were present on the dashboard. I owned the car for approximately 18 months at that point, and this had never happened before. As soon as I started to drive, the tachometer became steady and there were no other indications anything was wrong, even stopping at traffic lights the problem did no persist nor were there any indications anything was wrong. Once back in Spartanburg, the car stalled while slowing down for a traffic light. The engine cut off completely, the steering became very rigid, and the Check Engine light turned on. I was able to coast to a stop and turn on my hazard lights, and then tried to restart the car to no avail. The engine would turn over, but the car would not start. Another car stopped behind me, and we were able to push the car onto the grassy shoulder out of traffic, which was dangerous in itself but safer than sitting in the middle of a busy road. I had the car towed to Steve White Audi in Greenville, SC. Once there, they informed me that the error codes indicated that both turbo's failed simultaneously and the failure of those turbos caused the first set of downstream catalytic converters to fail also. See attached repair report and payment receipt = $10,975.57 for the replacement parts and labor ($12,070.85 including the 115,000 mile service). Once they told me the cost of the repair, I called Volkswagen USA cor
Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2022FL
I experienced the engine stall/turbo failure as described in NHTSA Action Number PE21009. I have all of the supporting documents regarding this turbo failure. Volkswagen auto group had previously issued a voluntary TSB regarding this known design shortcoming in the turbo system of the 4.0T engine. The oil screens that filter the turbo cooling were engineered with a mesh that was too fine. This mesh eventually clogged and severed oil flow to the turbo units, causing failure. There is discussion of this design shortcoming in every single Audi online group, so much so, that when new members join the owners Facebook group, they are nearly all immediately warned to change their oil screens. The concept that I was without a vehicle for months as well as having to pay for this repair out of pocket still shocks me - I had several heated calls with the Audi warranty headquarters and an incident at the dealership that required retraining of the service staff. Needless to say, this turbo failure on my vehicle was an absolute nightmare. I’d be more than happy to share all of my documents and story with the NHTSB. Thank you.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 30, 2021CT
Vehicle windshield started leaking from top and visibly moves when pressed from outside. This is the original windshield, never in an accident.
Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2021SC
Car is not blowing hot air. I have a transmission fault code related to this which is P2753. Coolant is leaking and has run through the control valve to the wiring and connector causing corrosion.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 6, 2021KY
While traveling on Interstate 65 through Nashville, TN my 2013 Audi A8L showed an EPC light alert then <5 miles later while traveling through interstate split going 20mph the car without alert shut down and I lost power steering, brake control, accelerator control, electric control and was forced to navigate hazardously across 3 lanes of traffic to a modified left side median. I had large vehicle traffic dodging my car going 50-60mph and was forced to call 911. I stayed in the car because much too dangerous to leave the vehicle and was able for a brief minute to restart and get off an exit ramp where it abruptly died again. I had the car towed to Audi dealership where diagnosis showed dual turbocharger failure and they recommended replacement. * Catastrophic turbo charger failure - it is available for inpsection * Car catastrophically shut down going 15-30 mph on interstate in downtown nashville causing loss of power steering/brake control. This led to immediate danger and harm caused by loss of vehicle control and traffic collision risk * Yes - dealer confirmed in multiple locations (Nashville and Louisville of turbocharger failure * No * The car EPC light came on <5 miles prior to shutdown I understand that the NHTSA already has an investigation into this model and year audi regarding turbocharger failure and I would like to add that I have had a similar problem with this vehicle. It should be recalled to address these safety concerns
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2021FL
FAILURE BOTH TURBOS Purchased Audi Naples Jan 2018 Maintained at Audi Ft Myers Audi While on a vacation from our home in Florida to New England our Audi A8 experienced a major turbo failure while on an Interstate highway. On 8/6/21 I was traveling in the middle lane of I495 at 65 mph, when traffic slowed, the car stalled. With cars passing me on both sides I eventually managed to get the car started and made it to exit 15 (rt44) going toward Plymouth, MA. This truly was a scary situation, waiting to be rear ended. While on rt 44 it died again in traffic. I managed to make it into the breakdown lane. At about 2:55 pm a state Trooper stopped and asked if he could help me get to a safer spot but by that time I had called AAA. At 3:30pm AAA arrived and towed us to a safe spot. At no time before, during or after this failure did I receive any message or warning that this failure was imminent. The car was taken to Audi Norwell and diagnosed with defective turbos due to failure of turbo shaft bearings . The screens were clogged preventing oil from reaching the bearings. The turbos were the original equipment. I have read in the Audi Forum this is not an uncommon problem. I understand the screens have been redesigned as a result.
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2021GA
The car start chugging and lost power while driving. My safety and the safety of other drivers were at risk, because the vehicle stalled immediately. This issue happened while exiting off the highway. The vehicle was inspected by an Audi dealer and the issue reported was Turbo Charger issue. There were no warnings prior to the failure.
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2021OH
After exiting the highway the car just stopped running. There was no warning and all power was lost. Engine would not start up and vehicle had to be towed from the road. It was at night and the car stopped dead at an intersection (safety). We are grateful that the problem did not happen on the Ohio Turnpike we just exited. There was a clunk sound before it stopped. I suspect the turbo let loose. This has not been confirmed yet by the dealer. There was no warning. Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired.
Engine
Filed May 11, 202158,000 milesMN
AS A SLOWED TO MAKE A TURN IN AN INTERSECTION (DOWNTOWN IN A MAJOR CITY) THE CAR STARTED JUMPING AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS AND LUCKILY NO ONE HIT ME, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START UP. HOWEVER, ONE I GAVE IT SOME GAS WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION IT TURNED OVER, BUT THE CAR DIED TWO MORE TIMES BEFORE I COULD SAFELY PARK IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY TURBOS WERE BLOWN. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES, WELL MAINTAINED, AND IT'S ONLY BEEN USED AS A COMMUTER VEHICLE.
Engine
Filed Apr 21, 202167,060 milesUT
DRIVING CAR FROM PROVO, UT TO CALIFORNIA, APPROX 250 MILES INTO THE TRIP NOTICED THE EPC LIGHT ON, I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY TO CHECK THE ENGINE AND IT STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO LAS VEGAS IT RAN FINE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. WHEN I GOT OFF THE EXIT THE CAR STALLED AND ENGINE QUIT WHILE I WAS ROLLING DOWN THE OFFRAMP. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE CENTER LANE OF A THREE LANE EXIT, COULD NOT GET PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE HAD CARS IN BOTH LANES BESIDE ME. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I GOT THE STARTED (USING 3/4 THROTTLE)BUT NOT UNTIL THE LIGHT HAD CYCLED TO YELLOW, CAR HORNS HONKING PEOPLE YELLING, I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE, SHOT ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND ROLLED INTO AN EMPTY EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT BEHIND THE RIO. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS GO NO GO I MADE IT TO AN OVERFULL PARKING AREA AND THE NEXT MORNING HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LAS VEGAS AUDI. I CONTINUED MY TRIP TO CA. AFTER RENTING A VEHICLE IN LV. THE NEXT DAY THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT ONE OF MY TURBOS HAD FAILED AND THAT IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE BOTH. QUOTED 13,800 TO FIX THE CAR.I FELT TRAPPED BECAUSE MY CAR WAS 400 MILES FROM HOME AND I NEEDED IT FIXED. AFTER TALKING TO SOME INDEPENDENT SHOPS I REALIZED THAT PRICE WAS IN THE NORMAL PRICE RANGE. WHAT I AM MOST DISAPPOINTED WITH IS THAT AUDI HAD ISSUED A TSB ON THIS ENGINE EXPLAINING THAT THE CHECK VALVE AND OIL SCREEN COULD GET CLOGGED AND STARVE THE TURBOS OF LUBRICATION. I WAS ALSO SCARED WHEN I BROKE DOWNWHEN I EXITED
Engine
Filed Feb 15, 202138,542 milesGA
AFTER TRAVELING 4 HOURS FROM SAVANNAH, GA TO ATLANTA, GA; I PROCEEDED TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE ON EXIT 228. UPON GETTING OFF THE EXIT, THE CAR SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE COMPUTER ADVISED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, HOWEVER THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, I CALLED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY EXIT AND COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR, WHICH WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS ADVISED THAT BOTH TURBOS ON THE ENGINE HAD GONE BAD. HOW COULD THIS BE, THE CAR ONLY HAS 38,542 MILES ON IT. THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE THAN IT WAS HAD THE CAR DECIDED TO STALL & SHUT OFF WHILE STILL TRAVELING ON A BUSY TRAFFIC ON I75.
Engine
Filed Jan 8, 202166,000 milesMA
I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS IDLING RUFF. SO I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT STALLED THEN I RESTARTED IT THEN NOTICED MASSIVE POWER LOSS. SO I DROVE HOME AND CALLED FOR A TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR HAD TWO BLOWN TURBOS AND ITS GOING TO COST ME $10.000.00. AND MY WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE ITS ON THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BOARD AND AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THERE OWN PROBLEMS KNOWING ITS AN ISSUE. AND I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THE SAME ESPECIALLY FOR HOW MUCH YOU SPEND ON THIS CAR AND AUDI'S REPUTATION. IF THEY DON'T EVER RECALL THIS ISSUE I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI AGAIN, AND I WAS JUST TRYING TO GET MY MOTHER TO BUY ONE.
Structure
Filed Sep 10, 2020MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V397000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FATHERS & SONS-AUDI WEST SPRINGFIELD (434 MEMORIAL AVE, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 202062,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING ON I-20 IN TEXAS THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE POWER DECREASED NOTICEABLY. LIMPED OFF I-20 TO AN EXIT. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STOPLIGHT AT END OF RAMP, ENGINE QUIT. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART. NOTHING BUT SPUTTERING. FORTUNATELY, I FOUND THAT SLIGHT PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR WHILE CRANKING WOULD START ENGINE. ENGINE WOULD NOT RUN BELOW 1000 RPM. VERY DANGEROUS HAVING TO KEEP ENGINE RUNNING WHILE NAVIGATING CITY STREETS. THIS ENGINE HAS HAD A SERIES OF RECALLS, INCLUDING AN OIL SEPARATOR FAILURE. AUDI TSB, ATTACHED, FINDS AN OIL SIEVE RESPONSIBLE FOR STARVING THE TURBOCHARGERS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING ON THE FREEWAY AT 62,000 MILES. I HAVE KEPT THE FAILED PARTS INCLUDING BOTH TURBOCHARGERS, ONE WOBBLING AND THE OTHER COMPLETELY SEPARATED ON THE EXHAUST SIDE. THIS IS A CLEAR DANGER TO VEHICLE AND OCCUPANTS. THIS VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR WARRANTS A NHTSA RECALL.
Engine
Filed Jul 20, 202052,000 milesOH
MY VEHLICE WAS IN MOTION APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE PRESSUE WAS LOST. FORTUNATELY, I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH TO ENGAGE THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE CAR TO THE STOP. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT RESTART WITHOUT GIVING IT HARD GAS. IT WOULD DIE WITHIN A MINUTE OR TWO. AFTER TOWING TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD BOTH MY TURBOS HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR FAILURE FOR A VEHICLE WITH SO FEW MILES. IN ADDITION, AUDI HAS ISSUED A TSB ACKNLOWLEDGING THE ISSUE. I AM JUST FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED FOR ME AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS. I CAN'T IMAGINE BEING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 202089,000 milesNC
I HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL. I CHECKED INTERNET AND READ, 2013 AUDI A8 (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. IT COULD CAUSE FIRE. ACTION NEED TO FIX IT: AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I NOTIFIED FLOW AUDI IN GREENSBORO, NC, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT AUDI AMERICA. WHAT DO I DO?
Engine
Filed Jul 13, 202066,430 milesTN
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I DROVE A VERY SHORT DISTANCE TO RETURN HOME DURING WHICH ODD NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE. DIAGNOSTICS SHOW THAT ONE OF TWO TURBOS FAILED DUE A FAILURE OF THE LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR THE TURBOS.
Engine
Filed Apr 20, 202041,250 milesTX
2X TURBO DAMAGE 66000KILOMETERS
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 202071,462 milesIL
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH, AND SHORTLY AFTER DIED OUT COMPLETELY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME WHEN THE CAR DIED, AND THAT I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP ONTO THE SHOULDER. WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE A FAULTY TURBOCHARGER WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE REASON FOR VEHICLE BREAKING DOWN
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2019GA
I WAS TRAILING MY WIFE AND CHILDREN HOME ONE EVENING WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL ON HER AT AN INTERSECTION. I SIGNALED FOR HER TO PULL INTO A NEARBY GAS STATION SO I COULD TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CAR. AS THE IDLING GOT ROUGHER, IT FINALLY STALLED OUT COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, WHERE THEY INCORRECTLY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND SAID IT NEEDED A CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE. I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN REPAIRED $3,500 LATER. WHEN I ARRIVED, THE CAR STILL HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME IN THE CURRENT CONDITION EVEN THOUGH AUDI SAID THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REDIAGNOSED THE CAR AND SAID THE TURBOS WERE GOING OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CLEARLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT'S EVENTUALLY GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURIED. BECAUSE THESE PARTS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING AND AUDI IS PUTTING A PATCH ON THEM TELLING AND CUSTOMERS THAT THE CARS ARE SAFE TO DRIVE IS IRRESPONSIBLE, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY!
Engine
Filed Jul 25, 201982,000 milesWI
DRIVING WITH MY 3 KIDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED. WOULDN'T START. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND OUT I WAS THE NEXT IN A LONG LINE OF FOLKS WITH A 4.0T ENGINE TURBO FAILURE. AUDI HAS A TSB HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10153123-9999.PDF BUT THE ISSUE STEMS FROM FAULTY ENGINEERING OF AN OIL STRAINER. CAR HAS FULL DEALER MAINTAINED SERVICE RECORDS. BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A DEALER. FAILED LESS THAN 500 MILES AFTER PURCHASE. MILEAGE IS 82000. PLEASE HELP HOLD AUDI ACCOUNTABLE FOR A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING ALL CARS WITH THE 4.0T.
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2019104,250 milesFL
SUSPENSION FAILS DURING DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS.
Engine
Filed Jun 3, 201962,000 milesPA
AFTER PULLING OFF OF THE PA TURNPIKE THE IDLE BECAME ROUGH AND THE CAR CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. HAD IT TOWED TO READING(PA) AUDI AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS FAILED TURBOS.
Engine
Filed Apr 18, 201962,000 milesFL
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING AUDI TSB & NHTSA DOCUMENTED BULLETINS AND COMPLAINTS: NHTSA 1-888-327-4236 NHTSA ID 10118418 TSB ID A211724 2044640 & TSB 2040644/10 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL SEPARATOR - $254 (WITH FREE SHIPPING) FROM AUDIUSAPARTS.COM. YOU WILL WANT PART NUMBER 079-103-542-E. AMIDST THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER AUDI OWNERS THE DEALER IS UNWILLING TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DAMAGES NOR WILLING TO PERFORM THE NEEDED REPAIRS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. THIS PLACES THE BURDEN ON THE VEHICLE OWNER (EXCESS OF $11,000 OF REPAIRS) TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE AND BE PLACED IN HARMS WAY WHEREVER THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE AT THAT TIME. MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME WAS IN MOTION IN CITY DRIVING FORCING ME TO PULL OVER UNEXPECTEDLY OFF THE ROAD. I AM ASKING TO TO HOLD AUDI OF AMERICA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS KNOWN DOCUMENTED ISSUE AND MAKE REPAIRS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FIRSTLY AND SECONDLY COVERING THE EXPENSES RELATED TO THE FAILURE FOR MY VEHICLE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR FAILURE TO DO SO INITIALLY.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 23, 201948,000 milesMD
WATER LEAK FROM WINDSHIELD. TECHNICIAN NOTED LEAK FROM WINDSHIELD SEALANT. EVERY TIME IT WOULD RAIN PASSENGER SIDE WOULD GET FLOODED WITH WATER FROM LEAK CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM FROM THE SEALANT.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 27, 201969,946 milesIL
AT 69946 MILES IT STARTED LEAKING WATER WHEN RAINING FROM TOP OF WINDSHIELD IN THE MIDDLE BY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR,ON TOP OF ALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.FROM THAT INCIDENT CAR IS NOT RUNNING,BECAUSE WATER GOT ON TO ALL KIND OF ELECTRONICS THAT CONTROL ENGINE,TRANSMISSION,RADIO.......WHEN I DID RESEARCH,FIND OUT THAT ITS KNOW PROBLEM WITH THOSE VEHICLES AND IM NOT THE FIRST ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM
Engine
Filed Jan 10, 201994,967 milesVA
SMELLING OF ENGINE COOLANT. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, YOU CAN SEE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD BUT NO LEAK.
Engine
Filed Nov 19, 201863,000 milesIL
DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT ON US HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE NEAR NORTHERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN LEFT LANE. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER, STALL AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF SPEED NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT AND DID CAUSE MAJOR TRAFFIC BACK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP. DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED CAUSE OF SUDDEN POWER LOSS WAS DAMAGED TURBOCHARGERS (X2). TURBO IMPELLER BEARINGS WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED DUE TO LUBRICATION STARVATION, WHICH CAUSED DISINTEGRATION OF TURBOCHARGER IMPELLERS. SHOP INDICATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE AUDI (VAG) 4.0 TWIN TURBO V-8 ENGINES. SUPPORTING THIS NOTION, THE DEALER HAD THE TURBOS AND ASSOCIATED REPAIR PARTS IN STOCK (OVER $6,000 OF PARTS). VEHICLE IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BY CERTIFIED AUDI DEALER. VEHICLE INDICATED ABOUT 63,000 MILES ON ODOMETER AT TIME OF INCIDENT. VAG USES THIS ENGINE IN SEVERAL MODELS ACROSS THE AUDI LINE: S6, S7, RS7, A8, AND S8 (SOME MODIFICATIONS BETWEEN SOME MODELS).
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jun 20, 201760,000 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A LOUD BOOMING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE GLASS SUN ROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THE SUN ROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI OF LAFAYETTE LOCATED IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V448000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 20, 201412,750 milesVA
DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR AT FIRST FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR; THEN IT SURGED UNTIL BRAKED; THEN IT FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR ON THE NEXT DEPRESSION; AGAIN FOLLOWED BY A SURGE. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS TURNING INTO A LANE OF ONCOMING CARS WHERE I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MAKE THE TURN SAFELY BUT THAT TIME WAS CHEWED UP TRYING TO GET THE CAR MOVING. THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN EXCEPT THIS TIME I EXPECTED NON-PERFORMANCE AND WAITED 2 OR 3 MINUTES FOR ALL TRAFFIC TO STOP AT A LIGHT. THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THIS COULD LEAD TO A FATAL CRASH. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 8, 2013300 milesNH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8L. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE SIDE WALL ON THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL INSTALLATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300....UPDATED 05/08/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION WITH THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FOOTWELL SIDE WALL WAS DIFFERENT BETWEEN 2011 AND 2013 MODEL YEARS. THE LOSS OF 3/4 OF AN INCH IS WAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE. UPDATED 05/30/2013 *JS
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.