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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2007–2026

Audi S8 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns and 42 owner complaints for the Audi S8, covering model years 2007 to 2026. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (13), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Audi S8 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 16 recall campaigns on file
  • 42 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 16 model years with data (2007–2026)
  • most complaints: 2013 (13 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (19 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V900000 (reported Dec 19, 2025)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (2.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Audi S8 complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 13 of 42, or 31.0%. Next come 2014 (6) and 2015 (6). The fewest are for 2021, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Audi S8 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2007–2021Column chart of 42 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2013 with 13. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2007: 3 complaints320072008: 5 complaints520082009: 2 complaints220092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 0 complaints20122013: 13 complaints1320132014: 6 complaints620142015: 6 complaints620152016: 6 complaints620162017: 0 complaints20172018: 0 complaints20182019: 0 complaints20192020: 0 complaints20202021: 1 complaint12021
Audi S8 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Audi S8 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200730000
200850000
200920000
2013130000
201460100
201560000
201660000
202110000
All model years420100

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Audi S8 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 19 complaints (45.2% of all 42), followed by Visibility (5) and Power Train (4).

Components named most often in Audi S8 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Audi S8 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine1945.2%
Visibility511.9%
Power Train49.5%
Unknown or Other49.5%
Fuel/Propulsion System37.1%
Vehicle Speed Control37.1%
Visibility/Wiper37.1%
Electrical System24.8%
Engine and Engine Cooling24.8%
Service Brakes24.8%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)12.4%
Equipment12.4%
Steering12.4%
Structure12.4%
Suspension12.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Audi S8 recalls

16 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name S8, newest first. The 16 campaigns cover model years 2007 to 2026. The 2021 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 16 recall campaigns
Audi S8 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign2009: 1 campaign
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: 5 campaigns2014: 5 campaigns2015: 4 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 1 campaign2019: no campaigns
2020: 4 campaigns2021: 8 campaigns2022: 3 campaigns2023: 2 campaigns2024: 1 campaign2025: 1 campaign2026: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V900000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model years 2020–2026

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V201000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

    Consequence:
    An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V084000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2022–2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence:
    In a crash, an incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury to a child or small person who is seated and unbelted on the front passenger seat and very close to the instrument panel.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69ET.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 22V806000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (TOUCH)Screen/Monitor/Unit; Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 22V742000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 22V178000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger

    Model years 2013–2017

    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 22V034000

    Reported

    Tires; Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 2020–2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

    Consequence:
    Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 21V825000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model year 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 21V606000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor; Seat Belts

    Model year 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence:
    An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 21V295000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 2020–2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

    Consequence:
    A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 6 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V111000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM); Engine

    Model years 2020–2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

    Consequence:
    An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V397000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Hood

    Model years 2013–2018

    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V057000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2013–2016

    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V430000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2013–2015

    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V415000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2007–2009

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 13V448000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2013–2014

    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Audi S8 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Audi S8 have?

NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recall campaigns for the Audi S8, covering model years 2007 to 2026. The most recent, 25V900000, was reported on December 19, 2025 and is filed under “Back over prevention”. The 2021 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Audi S8 model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 13 of the 42 complaints in NHTSA’s file (31.0%). The next are 2014 (6) and 2015 (6). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Audi S8 complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 19 complaints, or 45.2% of all 42. Visibility (5) and Power Train (4) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Audi S8?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Audi dealer.

How many Audi S8 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 42 complaints, 0 report a crash, 1 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Audi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Audi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Audi VIN decoder with every Audi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Audi A4 1995–2024 · 27 recalls · 2,893 complaints
  • Audi A6 1995–2026 · 54 recalls · 1,656 complaints
  • Audi Q5 2008–2026 · 33 recalls · 1,337 complaints
  • Audi Q7 2007–2026 · 32 recalls · 1,042 complaints
  • Audi A3 2001–2025 · 20 recalls · 728 complaints
  • Audi S4 1995–2022 · 15 recalls · 560 complaints
  • Audi A5 2008–2026 · 19 recalls · 325 complaints
  • Audi TT 2000–2023 · 12 recalls · 319 complaints

All Audi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.