YearToAvoid

2018 Audi A8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

0/100

#16 most-complained of 16 A8 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2018 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 0 and ranks 16th out of 16 model years, meaning it has the fewest reported problems of any A8 year. It carries 2 recalls, covering a fuel rail leak and an engine compartment seal issue.

Complaints
0
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
20.5
17.5 city / 27.5 hwy

Top 2018 Audi A8 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

No component data.

2018 Audi A8 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

2018 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17.5 MPG
Highway
27.5 MPG
Combined
20.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,925
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.

2018 compared with other A8 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Caution6011422
2017Caution678322
2018No verdict00220.5
2019Avoid8714320
2020No verdict473521

All Audi A8 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA lists 0 complaints and a complaint index of 0 for the 2018 Audi A8, the lowest of all 16 model years tracked, ranking it 16th out of 16 (least problems).
Does the 2018 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for fuel rails on the left and right side that may leak fuel, and one for an engine compartment seal that may come loose and touch hot engine parts.
How does the 2018 A8 compare to other A8 years?
The 2018 A8 has a complaint index of 0, far below years like 2013 (100), 2015 (93), and 2019 (87), which are flagged as Avoid years for the A8.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Audi A8?
EPA rates the 2018 Audi A8 at 20.5 mpg combined (17.5 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,925.
Are either of the 2018 A8 recalls a do-not-drive recall?
No, neither of the two recalls for the 2018 Audi A8 is classified as a do-not-drive recall.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.