NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Audi S8 Recalls & Complaints

The 2021 Audi S8 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Audi S8. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2021 Audi S8 owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi S8, describing incidents dated November 17, 2022.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 1 complaint
Engine 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11499620 · Filed December 31, 2022
When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the…

Read the full complaint

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #25V900000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported December 19, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 356,894 vehicles

Repair completion: 69.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 90TV · Owners notified January 14, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Instrument Panel Display Failure

NHTSA #25V201000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 44,387 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 90VC · Owners notified April 24, 2025

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Safety consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #22V742000 · Back Over Prevention — Display Function · NHTSA notice

Reported October 5, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 170,296 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 91DZ · Owners notified October 25, 2022

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

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.

Rear Axle May Be Misaligned

NHTSA #22V034000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported January 26, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 31,058 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 42L5 · Owners notified March 3, 2022

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Safety consequence

Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

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.

Rear-View Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

NHTSA #21V825000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported October 20, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2,857 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 91CR · Owners notified November 9, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety consequence

A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.

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.

Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #21V606000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor · NHTSA notice

Reported August 5, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 45,496 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69CR, 69CS · Owners notified August 27, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

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.

Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break

NHTSA #21V295000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported April 26, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 40,993 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 42L1 · Owners notified June 4, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Safety consequence

A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

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.

Engine Control Module Malfunction

NHTSA #21V111000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM) · NHTSA notice

Reported February 24, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 238 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.16% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 97EV · Owners notified March 12, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

Safety consequence

An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.

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.

2021 Audi S8 4 DR AWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning

1 owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi S8.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11499620

Incident: November 17, 2022 · Filed: December 31, 2022

When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were displayed. I was about 0.8 mile from the dealer so I attempted to drive it to their location. On the way, the warnings continued to show. After about 0.6 miles, the transmission fully disengaged from the engine. I coasted to the side of the street, shut off the vehicle, re-started it (same warnings showed) but the transmission was reset and worked. I drove to the dealership where my Audi mechanic knew exactly what the issue is--there is a huge problem with a Continental-supplied 48V belt starter/generator that needs to be replaced. However, none are available and won't be available until sometime in Q1 2023 or later. The replacement part is backordered with every Audi dealership experiencing this issue with multiple models in the MY's of 2018 through 2023. Had this issue occurred on an Interstate highway (complete loss of transmission), I could have been rear-ended by a vehicle following me. In a multi-lane situation, coasting to the either side of the highway may not have been possible....again, creating a very hazardous situation for me and other vehicles. I tried to attach the Audi Technical Service Bulletin showing the extent of the issue within Audi's model range and model years but it would not upload to your site. The TSB is 27 22 45 2058831/5 September 27, 2022. This is issue is leaving thousands of Audi vehicles unsafe and un-driveable. I urge you to act immediately to force Audi to recall these vehicles.

Other Audi S8 model years

Check your 2021 Audi S8 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi S8 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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