Research · Large Cars
2021 Audi A8LRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi A8L. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–23mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Audi A8L as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2021 – Apr 2026
- Electrical system2
- Power train2
- Engine1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Structure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
2 reports
“See attached document for complaint. I took my 2021 AUDI A8 to Audi Rockville located at 1125 Rockville Pike; Rockville, MD 20852 on July 18 to fix the recall. After waiting for 2 hours at the dealership, they told me they must go to BestBuy to buy a USB stick and asked if we could re-schedule which we did. I then came back on September 30, and again after 2 hours of waiting, they told me the USB port in the car is not working and that I must pay over $1000 to replace the USB Port so that they can perform the recall. As such we could not get the update done. I followed up with Audi North America Headquarters in Michigan, and they basically told me the same thing that the dealer told me. This issue is very disappointing for two reasons: 1) How can a $100,000+ car be updated using a USB. I have never used the USB port until this Recall. 2) If Audi has no other way to take care of the recall, then Audi should take responsibility for replacing the USB port. The dealership said the USB Port is not part of the recall and it is not under warranty. I am driving a car that is under NHTSA recall violation and Audi should take responsibility for updating the software…”
Power train
2 reports
“Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.”
Engine
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybrid · 4.0L 8-cyl turbo hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- EV range
- 420 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,450 | 213 |
| A8 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 430 |
| A8 L Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 495 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Audi A8L as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 15604
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 A8L questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A8L have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Audi A8L problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), power train (2), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Audi A8L get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi A8L at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026