Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2013–2017 A8?219
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2013–2017
23
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners view the 2013-2017 A8 as a compelling but potentially expensive ownership proposition.
11 problems reported (4 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
The 3.0T is consistently described as the more reliable choice compared to the 4.0T. One owner with 211k miles on a 3.0T reports only water pump, thermostat, cat flex pipes, and a chain tensioner as major repairs. The W12 is praised for its smoothness and reliability by owners, with one reporting excellent long-term experience, though it is acknowledged as complex. The 4.0T has the most reported concerns, primarily around turbos, though one long-term owner with 174k miles reports only a turbo oil screen replacement and one air strut in 100k miles of personal driving.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Acura RL and VW Phaeton.
Is a 2013–2017 A8 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners view the 2013-2017 A8 as a compelling but potentially expensive ownership proposition. The 3.0T engine is widely praised as solid and reliable, with multiple owners reporting high mileage without major engine issues. The 4.0T is considered more complex, with turbo-related concerns mentioned, though some long-term owners report minimal problems. The air suspension is a recurring cost concern, with struts typically needing replacement around 100k miles. Owners consistently emphasize that this is a six-figure car with six-figure maintenance costs, regardless of purchase price, and that finding a knowledgeable independent mechanic is essential. The car's design is frequently described as timeless and elegant, with a presence that owners love.
Owners who cross-shopped the A8 against the 7 Series and S-Class describe the A8 as more refined, with a smoother ride and more timeless design compared to the 7 Series. The S-Class is acknowledged as having slightly better looks by some, but the A8's subtle presence is appreciated. Against Lexus, owners acknowledge Lexus has better long-term reliability statistics but note the A8 is far more fun to drive. The Acura RL is suggested as a more financially sensible alternative for buyers with limited budgets, though it is not a true competitor in the luxury segment.
Owners recommend the 3.0T as the most sensible choice for reliability. For the 4.0T, owners advise verifying the turbo oil screen has been addressed and that the turbo recall has been performed. A well-maintained example with service history is considered essential regardless of engine choice. The W12 is recommended for buyers wanting maximum smoothness and who accept its complexity.
This generation is best suited for buyers who can budget $3-5k annually for unexpected repairs and who have access to a knowledgeable independent Audi mechanic. Dealership service costs are considered excessive. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised, with particular attention to air suspension condition, signs of oil leaks or burning oil, and maintenance history. Owners warn against buying high-mileage examples on tight budgets, as the maintenance costs will be significant. The 2013-2015 model years are the ones discussed; no specific model-year differences within this range were noted by owners.
Owners note the A8 depreciates rapidly, with a 2011 A8L selling for $31,000 at a dealership and a 2015 A8L W12 with 16k miles selling for $81k against a $149k sticker. This depreciation makes used examples attractive but does not reduce maintenance costs. One owner reports 21 mpg on the W12 at highway speeds. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is highly praised. Owners recommend FCP Euro for oil change kits with lifetime replacement. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 3 | vehicle speed control |
| 2016 | 20 | 4 | engine |
| 2015 | 61 | 5 | engine |
| 2014 | 36 | 5 | engine |
| 2013 | 96 | 6 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
2017 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 20V397000
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.
2017 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 22V178000
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.
2016 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
2016 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 19V057000
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.
2016 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 20V397000
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.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 22V178000
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.
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 18V430000
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.
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 19V035000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 19V057000
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.
2015 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 20V397000
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.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 22V178000
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.
2 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.