2015 Audi S8: common problems and reliability

The 2015 Audi S8 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag extremely high maintenance and repair costs — routine service, tires, and brakes are very expensive; major repairs (turbos, transmission, engine mounts) can cost $5,000-$15,000+. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2015 model year

6
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Audi S8 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
5
power train
1

Recalls affecting the 2015 S8

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 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.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 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.

structure:body:hood

Campaign 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.

engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Campaign 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 …

What owners say across generations

Owner sentiment is strongly positive regarding the vehicle's core proposition as a high-performance luxury sedan, described as a "sleeper rocket with insane comfort" and "the best balance of comfort and performance possible." The twin-turbo 4.0L V8 (EA825) eng

  • Extremely high maintenance and repair costs — Routine service, tires, and brakes are very expensive; major repairs (turbos, transmission, engine mounts) can cost $5,000-$15,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Turbocharger failure due to oil screen blockage — A known defect in the D4 generation 4.0T engine where a restrictive oil screen can starve the turbos of oil, leading to catastrophic failure. Subject to a recall/service action (TSB 2044640). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Faulty Belt Starter Generator (BSG) — Affects D5 generation models (and other Audis) as part of "Emissions Service Action 27BQ"; the unit can fail without warning around 40,000 miles. Replacement is covered by recall. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Air suspension reliability concerns — Noted as a potential high-cost failure point as the vehicle ages, with repairs described as "horrendous." Frequency: recurrent.
  • Early rocker arm issues (EA825 engine) — Affected some early D5 generation engines; revised parts were implemented in late 2018. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the S8.

Typical used price

Used S8 listings typically run $122,575–$136,269 across 2007 to 2026 model years.

Other S8 model years

2021 S82007 S8
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