2013 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Audi A8 ranks worst of 21 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 100 and 49 complaints, most tied to the engine. It carries 6 recalls covering the engine, fuel system, and sunroof, and NHTSA lists a median failure mileage of 62,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 49
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 17 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine37 (76%)
- Fuel System5 (10%)
- Other5 (10%)
- Brakes4 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (6%)
- Electrical System2 (4%)
- Steering2 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Turbochargers fail and engines stall or lose power suddenly, sometimes at highway speed in traffic.
- Rough idle followed by the engine cutting off and refusing to restart, traced to failed turbos.
- Coolant smell and visible steam from under the hood after extended driving, without an obvious external leak.
- Sunroof glass has shattered suddenly while driving at highway speed with the roof closed.
- Water leaks through the windshield top near the rear-view mirror, reaching electronic modules and disabling engine, transmission, and radio functions.
- Strong gasoline smell reported by owners linked to the fuel supply line recall for the high-pressure fuel pump.
2013 Audi A8 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V397000Jul 7, 2020Structure & Body12,964 vehicles
Structure:body:hood
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V057000Jan 28, 2019Fuel System8,985 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Audi A8 reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the Audi A8, 2013 has the worst complaint index (100) and ranks first for problems, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 Audi A8?
- Engine issues dominate, accounting for 37 of 49 complaints (76%), with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles, largely tied to turbocharger and oil supply problems.
- Does the 2013 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Audi A8, covering the engine oil strainer, engine compartment seal, high-pressure fuel line, coolant valve, and sunroof glass.
- How does the 2013 A8 compare to other years?
- The 2013 A8 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in the lineup, worse than 2015 (95) and 2019 (90), making it the year most flagged as Avoid.