vehicle signal
U.S. public vehicle records

2013 Audi A8: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

49 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

62,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2013 model year. Data snapshot: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 36 of 49 complaints (73.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation1530.6%
Steering behavior612.2%
Braking behavior510.2%
Electrical and battery issues36.1%
Transmission and shifting24.1%
Fuel system concerns12.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
36
Fuel/Propulsion System
5
Unknown Or Other
5
Service Brakes
4
Power Train
3
Suspension
3
Electrical System
2
Steering
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine36
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Unknown Or Other5
Service Brakes4
Power Train3
Suspension3
Electrical System2
Steering2

Engine: 36; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Service Brakes: 4; Power Train: 3; Suspension: 3; Electrical System: 2; Steering: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,99912
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 27 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2013
1
2014
1
2017
1
2018
1
2019
8
2020
7
2021
10
2022
10
2023
1
2024
6
2025
2
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20131
20141
20171
20181
20198
20207
202110
202210
20231
20246
20252
20261

2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 8; 2020: 7; 2021: 10; 2022: 10; 2023: 1; 2024: 6; 2025: 2; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 15 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10507526 · 2013-04-08 (April 8, 2013)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10507526 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10604770 · 2014-06-20 (June 20, 2014)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 12,750 miles reported. Look up ODI 10604770 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11000234 · 2017-06-20 (June 20, 2017)

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 ST…

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000234 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11152418 · 2018-11-19 (November 19, 2018)

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 TU…

Owner-reported narrative. 63,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11152418 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11166305 · 2019-01-10 (January 10, 2019)

SMELLING OF ENGINE COOLANT. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, YOU CAN SEE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD BUT NO LEAK.

Owner-reported narrative. 94,967 miles reported. Look up ODI 11166305 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11182890 · 2019-02-27 (February 27, 2019)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 69,946 miles reported. Look up ODI 11182890 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11191025 · 2019-03-23 (March 23, 2019)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 48,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11191025 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11197149 · 2019-04-18 (April 18, 2019)

MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING AUDI TSB & NHTSA DOCUMENTED BULLETINS AND COMPLAINTS: NHTSA [phone removed] 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 PLACE…

Owner-reported narrative. 62,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11197149 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

13V448000 · Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

Reported: 2013-09-23 (September 23, 2013)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V619000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2016-08-24 (August 24, 2016)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V430000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2018-06-25 (June 25, 2018)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V057000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2019-01-28 (January 28, 2019)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V397000 · Structure:Body:Hood

Reported: 2020-07-07 (July 7, 2020)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V178000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger

Reported: 2022-03-23 (March 23, 2022)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗