2013 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
One of the worst A8 years.
One of the Audi A8 years to avoid. All A8 years
96 owner complaints, most about engine. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 A8?The 2013 Audi A8 has 96 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 96 complaints, the 2013 A8 sits above the model's median of 8.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 A8
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V430000Volkswagen 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 19V057000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 16V619000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 13V448000Volkswagen 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.
Show 2 more recalls
structure:body:hood
Campaign 20V397000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Campaign 22V178000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. See the full A8 owner picture and every model year.
Other A8 model years
Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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