2015 Audi S8 problems
The Audi S8 is a full-size luxury car of the Audi S models produced by the German automaker Audi AG, manufactured by Audi Sport GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The S8 is the mechanically-upgraded, high-performance version of the Audi A8, fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, and was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant option for the fourth generation.
(D2) First generation
Audi S8 (D2) was produced from 1996 to 2003. The car featured a 4.2 liter V8 with 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp). The D2 S8 could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds. It has a curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,814 lb). In 1999, the car was updated with a power increase to 369 PS (271 kW; 364 hp), which brought the 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration down to 5.6 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). It has a curb weight of 1,845 kg (4,068 lb). An Audi S8 (D2) was chosen as the car of the protagonists of the film Ronin.
(D3) Second generation
Audi S8 (D3) was released from 2006 to 2010. The car was equipped with a modified V10 engine shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo of the same years. It produces 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp), detuned by 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) from the Gallardo's power output of 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) with the purpose of increasing its fuel efficiency. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.1 seconds. It has a curb weight of 1,940 kg (4,277 lb).
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Common 2015 Audi S8 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Audi S8 2015, several common problems have been reported:
- Back Head Rests Fitment: Some owners have experienced issues with fitting children's safety seats due to the back headrests not aligning properly, requiring adjustments for a better fit.
- Front Suspension Noise: Complaints include squeaky noises from the front suspension, leading to replacements of lower and top arm bushes. Despite these replacements, some owners still find the suspension noisy, especially over speed bumps.
- Active Cruise Control Error: Instances where driving over debris, like an exploded truck wheel, have caused errors in the Active Cruise Control system, along with minor scratches on the front bumper. Adjustments to sensors were needed to rectify these issues.
- Vibration Issue at 3000 RPM: Some owners have reported a vibration issue around 3000 RPM, which may require attention during servicing to resolve. This problem could be related to key fob activation or other technical factors.
- Unusual Redline: An anomaly noted by owners is an unusual redline of 7000 RPM, which is higher than the typical redline for the Audi S8. This discrepancy raises questions about potential tuning or glitches in the vehicle's system.
These reported problems highlight various issues faced by Audi S8 2015 owners, ranging from fitment challenges to technical malfunctions. Addressing these issues promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
Is an Audi S8 reliable?
The AUDIs are very reliable cars if you get a good mechanic who knows AUDIs and service them regularly. Maintenance costs are not unusually high, well brakes and tires can be, I do drive my cars out toward the edge. Also, select a high quality motor oil, something by Motul, Torco or Redline.
How many miles do Audi S8 last?
200,000 miles
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. It's why it isn't uncommon to see a 90s Audi on the road today.
Why is the Audi S8 so fast?
The Audi S8 really wants to move. No chauffeur mode in this baby; the driver gets to enjoy power and speed with their luxury. The 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 563 horses gets the large sedan to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, according to Car and Driver. That's EV-level fast.
Which A8 is most reliable?
The Audi A8 is an excellent choice if you're hunting for a full-size luxury sedan with excellent reviews. We recommend the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, or 2022 years for the best results.
Is an Audi S8 reliable?
The AUDIs are very reliable cars if you get a good mechanic who knows AUDIs and service them regularly. Maintenance costs are not unusually high, well brakes and tires can be, I do drive my cars out toward the edge. Also, select a high quality motor oil, something by Motul, Torco or Redline.
How many miles do Audi S8 last?
200,000 miles
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. It's why it isn't uncommon to see a 90s Audi on the road today.
Why is the Audi S8 so fast?
The Audi S8 really wants to move. No chauffeur mode in this baby; the driver gets to enjoy power and speed with their luxury. The 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 563 horses gets the large sedan to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, according to Car and Driver. That's EV-level fast.
Which is better Audi A8 or Audi S8?
In comparing the Audi A8 L's and the Audi S8's specifications and ratings, the Audi A8 L has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability and overall quality score. The Audi S8 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power.
2015 Audi S8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi S8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Audi S8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2015 Audi S8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Audi S8.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-10
- VIN: WAUK2AFD8FN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Water Pump and thermostat has a faulty design that causes coolant to leak either around the O Ring and/or the elbow. I am in my third water pump and thermostat with only 69,000 miles on the vehicle. Issue appears to be common on the EA824 (4.0 twin turbo) engine with hundreds of reports from the complete range of EA824 equipped vehicles (S8, RS7, S6, S7, A8 etc). Average mileage of those reported are 65k miles or so. Hundreds of similar issues are reported via various Audi forums and social media groups. Poses a fire risk since coolant leaks all over the front of the engine. Poses another safety risk if the engine seizes due to overheating while in motion. Either would be catastrophic
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: WAUK2AFD2FN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Audi S8. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Control (EPC) warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle, but the vehicle was shaking while driving. The contact also stated the vehicle had stalled. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the oxygen sensor and oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to an independent mechanic and was referred to a local dealer. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: Wauk2afdxfn
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Turbo failure and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) failure. Whining noise from PCV and smoke out the tail pipes with no power. Had to pay out of pocket to remedy issues.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-27
- VIN: WAUK2AFD7FN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON DOWN A BUSY STREET WHEN MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND HAD VERY REDUCED POWER. I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. TRIED STARTING THE CAR AFTER A RESTING PERIOD AND CAR WOULD NOT START. LET IT SIT LONGER AND FINALLY GOT IT TO START BUT CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS , BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET TO MY LOCAL AUDI DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. ($190.00 + TAX). I INFORMED THE TECHNICIAN OF THE ISSUES I SAW AND ALSO THAT I HEARD A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT BOTH TURBOS HAD SIGNIFICANT "PLAY" IN THEM AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY AN OIL SCREEN DEEP INSIDE THE ENGINE, WHICH IS A KNOWN CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. PRICE TO REPAIR WOULD BE $11,500.00!!!! IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS AUDI STATES, WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE COST INCURRED BY CONSUMERS?
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-08
- VIN: WAUK2AFD4FN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ONLY 43,750 MILES AND THE ENGINE IS BEING COMPLETELY REBUILT. NEW CAM ADJUSTERS, NEW TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS, NEW TIMING CHAIN GUIDES... THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH SUCH FEW MILES.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-02
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO FLASH AND THE ENGINE STALLED. I WAS STOPPED IN A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. I EVENTUALLY GOT THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION AND PULLED THE TURBO AIR INTAKE TO INSPECT THE TURBO WITH A BORESCOPE. THE BANK 1 TURBO HAD DAMAGED ITSELF. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES.
2015 Audi S8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2015 Audi S8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2015 Audi S8 car reviews
Positive 2015 Audi S8 car reviews
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What a fantastic car! The Audi lineup is known for its reliability, and this one is no exception. Whether you choose to tune it or not, you can be confident that it will serve you well for years to come. You should feel proud to own such a special vehicle. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Audi S8 problems:
Common issues with S8
May 13, 2022 ... I took it into an Audi dealer to get it diagnosed and they told me it was the upper oil pan gasket. which they quoted me just over $10K for and ...
DONT EVER BUY AUDI S8 2014-2017 - AudiWorld Forums
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How is the reliability of the 2015 a8 L 4.0t engine? : r/Audi
Mar 4, 2023 ... The A8 in general is fairly reliable relatively speaking. If it has driver's assist there are occasional issues with the lane departure sensors ...
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Jan 6, 2018 ... Audi S8 2015 new owner with few issues ... I have attached a photo to show how much the view from back window has improved. Then I found out a ...
D4 S8 folks, any complaints? : r/Audi
Jul 19, 2022 ... It's a common problem but there are plenty ... I have a 2015, no issues apart from routine wear and tear + maintenance. ... r/Audi - PSA to do a ...
Other years of Audi S8
Are you having problems with your 2015 Audi S8?
Adelbert Goldner 2024-09-27
The car is certainly amazing when it's working, but unfortunately repairs can be quite expensive and parts tend to deteriorate faster than other cars. It's worth noting that some repairs, such as bushings at 40k and leaks, may not be covered by the warranty.