Research · Midsize Cars

2009 Audi S8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2009 Audi S8. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1) and visibility (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
2
Top: visibility/wiper
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 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2010 – Aug 2023
  1. Visibility/wiper1
  2. Visibility1
  3. Vehicle speed control1

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 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“While driving on the highway my sunroof glass detached from the frame and flipped over to the back. It was still being held by about 5in of glue on the rear part of the frame and luckily it didn't depart the car which would have caused damage to cars behind me. This issue seems the same as NHTSA Recall No. / MFR Recall No. : 16V-415 / 60C3, however my VIN is not part of it. I'm reporting this because there might be other cars out there affected by this recall, which is a road hazard to other people and vehicles that are traveling behind this car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2023Visibility/wiper, VisibilityODI 11540373

Visibility

1 report

Vehicle speed control

1 report
“2009 AUDI S8 THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY. FULL BREAKING DID NOT DISCONNECT THROTTLE. BRAKED HARD AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND SHUT DOWN ENGINE. HAD TOWED INTO MIRAMAR AUDI, SAN DIEGO. AUDI AMERICA BROUGHT IN AND BLAMED FLOOR MATS. I PAID $2300 TO REPLACE THROTTLE CONTROL MODULES AFTER AUDI REFUSED TO DO SO. *JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2010Vehicle speed controlODI 10306094
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 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 29, 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 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Audi S8 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026
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

2009 S8 questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Audi S8 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 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 2009 Audi S8 problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1), visibility (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Audi S8 get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Audi S8 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026