NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2016 Audi S8. Most complaints involve service brakes (2) and steering (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STEERING: SYSTEM FAULT YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.”
“I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: SPORT DIFFERENTIAL: SYSTEM FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S8 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 25 | 18 | $4,400 | 484 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls 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.
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (2), steering (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Audi S8 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).