2021 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 2021 Audi S8 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2021 Audi S8, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Shifting Hard: Owners have complained about transmission shifting hard, indicating potential issues with the transmission system that may affect the driving experience and overall performance of the vehicle.
- Random Software/Hardware Issues: Some owners have experienced random software and hardware issues with the 2021 Audi S8, which can range from minor glitches to more significant malfunctions affecting various systems in the car.
- Seal Around Engine Compartment: There have been recalls related to the seal around the engine compartment coming loose and potentially contacting hot engine components, posing a fire risk.
- Lock Nut on Trailing Arm: Another recall involved the lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle breaking due to stress corrosion, which could misalign the rear axle, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Missing Sealing Pin in Engine Control Module Connector: A recall highlighted a missing sealing pin in the engine control module connector, which could allow moisture to enter and cause a control module malfunction, potentially leading to engine stalling and an increased risk of a crash.
- Turbocharger Oil Supply Strainer Blockage: Owners have reported issues with the turbocharger oil supply strainer becoming blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication, which can result in the turbine wheel contacting the turbocharger housing or shaft, affecting the vehicle's performance.
These problems highlight various concerns with the 2021 Audi S8, ranging from water-related issues to mechanical and electrical malfunctions. Owners experiencing these issues should seek prompt assistance from authorized Audi service centers to address and rectify these problems effectively.
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.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
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.
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.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
2021 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:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Audi S8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Audi S8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Audi S8.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-17
- VIN: WAU8SAF85MN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the dealer so I attempted to drive it to their location. On the way, the warnings continued to show. After about 0.6 miles, the transmission fully disengaged from the engine. I coasted to the side of the street, shut off the vehicle, re-started it (same warnings showed) but the transmission was reset and worked. I drove to the dealership where my Audi mechanic knew exactly what the issue is--there is a huge problem with a Continental-supplied 48V belt starter/generator that needs to be replaced. However, none are available and won't be available until sometime in Q1 2023 or later. The replacement part is backordered with every Audi dealership experiencing this issue with multiple models in the MY's of 2018 through 2023. Had this issue occurred on an Interstate highway (complete loss of transmission), I could have been rear-ended by a vehicle following me. In a multi-lane situation, coasting to the either side of the highway may not have been possible....again, creating a very hazardous situation for me and other vehicles. I tried to attach the Audi Technical Service Bulletin showing the extent of the issue within Audi's model range and model years but it would not upload to your site. The TSB is 27 22 45 2058831/5 September 27, 2022. This is issue is leaving thousands of Audi vehicles unsafe and un-driveable. I urge you to act immediately to force Audi to recall these vehicles.
2021 Audi S8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2021 Audi S8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
- Summary: 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 Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
- Summary: 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 control module malfunction.
- Consequence: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
Positive 2021 Audi S8 car reviews
Additional sources
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Are you having problems with your 2021 Audi S8?
Cleve Boehm 2024-07-01
With 560 horsepower, an active suspension, and luxurious interior, what more could you ask for?
Dallas Grant 2024-01-07
A scientific marvel! At first it seemed so much larger and technologically intimidating than my previous gen S8 I felt dwarfed. However after a few days becoming acclimated we bonded. Whether driving, or being driven in one of the safest, most comfortable automobiles on the road you are completely insulated. I've owned/own numerous exotics and performance sedans. This car is a bargain.