Research · Midsize Cars

2008 Audi S8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2008 Audi S8. Most complaints involve visibility (3) and visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jun 2016
Owner complaints
5
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$5,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: sun

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

VisibilityReported Jun 9, 2016NHTSA 16V415000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2019 – Dec 2024
  1. Visibility3
  2. Visibility/wiper1
  3. Vehicle speed control1
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each S8 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20033
20073
20085
20092
201313
20146
20156
20166
20211
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2008 Audi S8. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V415000 (Visibility). The contact stated that while driving at 85 MPH, the sunroof glass detached from the sunroof frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was awaiting a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. Vehicle has been repaired.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2022VisibilityODI 11447161

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“There is a possibility that the sunroof glass may detach from the vehicle's frame, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of an accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 10, 2024Visibility/wiperODI 11629803

Vehicle speed control

1 report
“AFTER A PERIOD OF ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY, THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE CAR, AND THE ACCELERATION STOPPED ONLY AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2020Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11331276
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
5.2L 10-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S8
Auto (S6), 10 cyl, 5.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131915$5,300592
  • S8
    Auto (S6), 10 cyl, 5.2 L
    13 city · 19 hwy · $5,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Audi S8 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 2761
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2008 S8 questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Audi S8 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Audi S8 problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (3), visibility/wiper (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Audi S8 get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Audi S8 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026