Model year
2016 Audi A8
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 11 complaints for the 2016 Audi A8 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (5), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 16–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,400–$5,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 3 complaints
- 2001 6 complaints
- 2002 1 complaints
- 2003 3 complaints
- 2004 20 complaints
- 2005 6 complaints
- 2006 6 complaints
- 2007 4 complaints
- 2008 8 complaints
- 2009 5 complaints
- 2010 1 complaints
- 2011 15 complaints
- 2012 11 complaints
- 2013 49 complaints
- 2014 18 complaints
- 2015 31 complaints
- 2016 11 complaints
- 2017 8 complaints
- 2018 0 complaints
- 2019 14 complaints
- 2020 3 complaints
- 2021 5 complaints
- 2022 0 complaints
- 2023 0 complaints
- 2024 0 complaints
- 2025 0 complaints
- 2026 0 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
22V178000 · Mar 23, 2022
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.
20V397000 · Jul 7, 2020
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.
19V057000 · Jan 28, 2019
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.
19V035000 · Jan 16, 2019
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.
Complaints
11 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE21009 | Engine Stall - Turbo Failure · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE… | Mar 29, 2021 | May 27, 2022 |
| EA22001 | Engine Stall - Turbo Failure · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE… | Apr 4, 2022 | May 26, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LWB 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
| NWB 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 L · 4L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 29 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| A8 L · 3L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 29 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| A8 L · 3L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 24 | 36 | 28 | — | — | $3,400 |
| A8 L · 6.3L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 13 | 22 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2016 Audi A8 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.