2021 Audi S8: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Audi S8 has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 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 2021 model year

1
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Audi S8 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
1
electrical system
1
engine
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 S8

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 21V825000

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 Seda…

seat belts:rear/other:retractor

Campaign 21V606000

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 Qua…

tires

Campaign 22V034000

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,…

engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)

Campaign 21V111000

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 co…

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

2015 S82007 S8
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