NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Audi A8 Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Audi A8 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 50 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Audi A8. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2013 Audi A8 owner complaints

Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi A8, describing incidents dated March 9, 2013 to October 24, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 37 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 5 complaints
  • Service Brakes 4 complaints
  • Power Train 3 complaints
  • Suspension 3 complaints

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11773411 · Filed

    Lionhart LH-Five UHP All Season 265/40ZR20 104Y XL Passenger Tire The tire tread separated at the inside seam of the tire at the side wall. One tire had 90-180 degree of tire separation. You could see the inside of the tire and the belt. The tire was still holding pressure. This problem was…

  • ODI #11732258 · Filed

    Engine totaled because of oil starvation I'm guessing or maybe an oil pump failure oil starvation caused Pistons to rub inside of head cost of engine and work is more than the vehicles cost so that means car is totaled

  • ODI #11692779 · Filed

    The pcv oil separator has failed and is making a whistling sound. From researching this issue it is widely known and an investigation shows it is caused in relation to a recall for the oil strainer that was done on this vehicle. I called audi dealership and they said this is not an open recall…

Read all 50 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Audi A8 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer

NHTSA #22V178000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Turbo/Supercharger · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 26,093 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.05% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 21H7 · Owners notified August 4, 2022 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Compartment Seal May Detach

NHTSA #20V397000 · Structure — Body — Hood · NHTSA notice

Reported July 7, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 12,964 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.95% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 51G6 · Owners notified September 4, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Supply Line May Become Porous and Leak Fuel

NHTSA #19V057000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported January 28, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 8,985 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.73% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20BM · Owners notified February 21, 2019 · Vehicles built June 27, 2012 – March 26, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Supply Line may Leak Fuel

NHTSA #18V430000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported June 25, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 6,633 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20AV · Owners notified July 20, 2018 · Vehicles built June 27, 2012 – March 26, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Coolant Leak may cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #16V619000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported August 24, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 9,067 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 80B9 · Owners notified October 18, 2016 · Vehicles built May 15, 2010 – May 14, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sunroof may Shatter

NHTSA #13V448000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2013 · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,120 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 60B6/1L · Owners notified October 21, 2013 · Vehicles built March 12, 2013 – July 15, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.

Safety consequence

Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Audi A8 model years

Check your 2013 Audi A8 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A8 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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