What engine problems does the 2013 Audi A8 have?

NHTSA lists 37 engine complaints for the 2013 Audi A8, 76% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners most often describe turbocharger failures tied to a blocked oil strainer, leading to stalling and loss of power, with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Audi A8 engine?

Yes. Recall 22V178000 covers a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked and wear the bearings from lack of lubrication; dealers replace the strainer and change the oil for free. A second recall, 16V619000, addresses a coolant valve leak on 2010-2013 A8s built in a specific window.

How does 2013 compare to other A8 model years for engine complaints?

The 2013 A8's 76% share of complaints tied to the engine is the highest among all listed A8 model years; 2011 and 2014 are next at 67%, while 2018 and several later years show 0%.

At what mileage do these engine failures typically happen?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 64,500 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2013 Audi A8.

2013 Audi A8 Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 37 of 49 total complaints (76%) filed against the 2013 Audi A8, the highest share of any model year for this component. Owners report turbo and oil-strainer failures causing stalling, with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles. A related recall (22V178000) covers the turbocharger oil supply strainer.

Engine complaints: 37; 76% of 49
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 64,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Sudden loss of power and stalling in traffic or on the highway, sometimes with rough idling beforehand.
Turbocharger failure diagnosed by dealers, often linked to a blocked or faulty oil strainer restricting lubrication.
Vehicle dies at low speed or at a stop and will not restart, sometimes requiring towing.
EPC warning light illuminates before the engine loses power and shuts off.
Coolant smell and visible steam from the hood after extended driving, without an obvious leak.
Engine stalling accompanied by loss of steering assist and brake pressure in at least one report.

When 2013 Audi A8 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 19, 2018, latest Apr 19, 2026.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2018 to Apr 2026; peak Jul 2020 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Audi A8

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 16V619000Aug 24, 2016Engine9,067 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Engine complaints by A8 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
201110 (67%)
20125 (45%)
201337 (76%)
201412 (67%)
201519 (61%)
20166 (55%)
20174 (50%)
20180 (0%)
20194 (29%)
20201 (33%)
20211 (20%)
20220 (0%)
20230 (0%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What engine problems does the 2013 Audi A8 have?: NHTSA lists 37 engine complaints for the 2013 Audi A8, 76% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners most often describe turbocharger failures tied to a blocked oil strainer, leading to stalling and loss of power, with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Audi A8 engine?: Yes. Recall 22V178000 covers a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked and wear the bearings from lack of lubrication; dealers replace the strainer and change the oil for free. A second recall, 16V619000, addresses a coolant valve leak on 2010-2013 A8s built in a specific window.
How does 2013 compare to other A8 model years for engine complaints?: The 2013 A8's 76% share of complaints tied to the engine is the highest among all listed A8 model years; 2011 and 2014 are next at 67%, while 2018 and several later years show 0%.
At what mileage do these engine failures typically happen?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 64,500 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2013 Audi A8.