Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2016 Audi A8 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Audi A8. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Audi A8
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
635.3%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
317.6%
Other & Unspecified
211.8%
Tires
211.8%
Median failure at 3,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
15.9%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Suspension
15.9%
Body & Structure
15.9%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
228.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
457.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2016peak 3Oct 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Audi A8
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA22001Opened 4 Apr 2022Closed 26 May 2023ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor to the engine stalling was the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints cited the turbocharger fa...
PE21009Opened 29 Mar 2021Closed 27 May 2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the major contributing factor to the engine stalling is the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints...
Recalls on the 2016 Audi A8
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20221332,548 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the oil strainer for the turbocharger oil supply could get blocked. If this happens, a turbocharger could fail. This could cause loss of engine power and/or cause the engine to stall. Note: This problem could cause different warning messages to display or the engine oil warning light to turn on. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Audi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the oil strainer for the turbocharger oil supply. The dealer will also inspect and document the performance of the boost pressure system and change the engine oil.
Recall 2020308810 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine compartment seal may become loose over time and fall into the engine compartment. If this happens, the seal could contact a hot surface in the engine compartment. Safety Risk: A rubber seal that falls onto a hot surface could cause a fire. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a retaining plate on the engine compartment seal.
Recall 2019040407 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel line to the high-pressure fuel pump could leak. This may cause a gasoline odour or leak. Safety Risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, creates the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for repair. A fuel pressure damper will be installed in the low pressure fuel supply located inside the fuel tank.
Recall 20190248,631 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a small amount of fuel may leak from one or both fuel rails. Safety Risk: Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the left and right fuel rails replaced.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Shoreline, WA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11692367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shoreline, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11692367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shoreline, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11692367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
My car was schedule for the 21H7 recall. I received 2 letters this year to have the recall work done. Audi of Pittsburgh's only available date was 12/08/22. I took the car in and later that day I got a call stating the recall was done back in March of this year. I told them it was not. Later I got a call saying it was done in April of 2019. I asked for the repair order and no one will provide it. To me it seems that Audi is looking for a reason not to perform the work.
NHTSA complaint #11497032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesValley Stream, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 20V397000 (Structure), and 19V057000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11480781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesValley Stream, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 20V397000 (Structure), and 19V057000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11480781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesValley Stream, NY
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 20V397000 (Structure), and 19V057000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11480781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
SUSPENSION
Recall for turbo internals, but nothing done to remedy problem . Second issue in leaking suspension parts, which the dealership let problem continue, until warranty up.
NHTSA complaint #11463254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ENGINE
Recall for turbo internals, but nothing done to remedy problem . Second issue in leaking suspension parts, which the dealership let problem continue, until warranty up.
NHTSA complaint #11463254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukee, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Turbos failed which caused the car to shut down in heavy traffic on an interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11454753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeville, MN
ENGINE
I was driving and my turbos blew causing my car to shut down and not be able to restart. I was in the middle of traffic and was lucky to pull over. There was no warning and I had my 2 young kids in the car and it could have caused an accident. This was dangerous for myself and other motorists. I use this vehicle as a daily driver and this should not happen. I have not had it repaired yet but I can only imagine it will costs thousands of dollars.
NHTSA complaint #11422431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMilford, PA
ENGINE
CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY. CAUSE DUE TO TURBO ISSUES
NHTSA complaint #11406251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesWashington, DC
ENGINE
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR 2 HOURS, SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT TO A GAS STATION, ONCE ON THE ROUTE CAR SHUT DOWN, ALL SYSTEMS INOPERATIVE STEERING AND BRAKES SOON HARDEN COULD SECURELY STOP AT GAS STATION WITH IMPULSE. CAR COULD NOT BE TURNED ON AGAIN EASILY, AND IN MY DRIVE TO THE CLOSEST HOTEL (2 MNILES) CAR WILL SHUT DOWN IF NOT CONSTANTLY ACCELERATED. DEALER TOLD ME TWO TURBOS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAD 45K MILES, LESS THAN ONE MONTH OFF CPO WARRANTY (I.E., PERFECTLY MAINTAINED).
NHTSA complaint #11388662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moore, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AS A RESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA I PURCHASED A 2016 AUDI A8 FROM VROOM IN NOVEMBER 2019. I PAID THEM 30,000 CASH DOWN TO INCLUDE $4025 IN SALES TAX $73.75 DEALER INVENTORY TAX $105.50 GOV LICENSE AND REGISTRATION FEES $11.00 CERT OF TITLE FEE $25.00 VEHICLE INSPECTION FEE $150.00 SOME RANDOM DOCUMENT FEE RELATED TO REGISTRATION ALL OF WHICH VROOM HAS REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH!!! IT'S GOING ON NINE MONTHS AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF REGISTRATION, LICENSE PLATE, TEMPORARY PLATE SINCE JANUARY 2020 THAT'S VALID ON THE CAR THAT I PURCHASED FROM THIS SHADY COMPANY! I SIGNED ALL THE CONTRACTS, SENT THEN THE VIN VERIFICATION FORM AND STILL NOTHING. NOT EVEN ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY PLATES UNTIL THEY GET THEIR CRAP TOGETHER!! I'VE CALLED THEM, EMAILED THEM AND ONCE THEY RECEIVED MY PAYMENT IT'S LIKE I DIDN'T EXIST. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. I'VE BEEN TO MY OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO SEE IF THEY COULD HELP ME FILE A COMPLAINT OR DO SOMETHING GIVE ME A LICENSE PLATE SINCE I'VE ALREADY PAID FOR TAX, TITLE & REG BUT BECAUSE THE COMPANY IS LOCATED IN TEXAS THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. IF I HAD A DRIVABLE CAR I MIGHT BE ABLE TO DRIVE DOWN TO A TEXAS DMV BUT BECAUSE OF VROOMS POOR BUSINESS PRACTICES, THEFT AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THEIR OWN CONTRACTS I'VE BEEN PAYING ON A CAR THAT IS USELESS TO ME. PLEASE HELP ME FORCE THIS COMPANY TO SEND ME MY PLATES AND PROSECUTE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. ''- VIN [XXX] COMPANY FAILING TO COMPLY WITH CONTRACT & STEALING CONSUMER MONEY: VROOM 12053 SW FRWY STAFFORD TX 77477 REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11342620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesChapel Hill, NC
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A8 EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 5P TIRES, SIZE: 275/35R21 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FLATTENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED TO ALERT THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
NHTSA complaint #11182840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesChapel Hill, NC
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A8 EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 5P TIRES, SIZE: 275/35R21 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FLATTENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED TO ALERT THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
NHTSA complaint #11182840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oracle, AZ
POWER TRAIN
I DON'T HAVE A COMPLAINT, PER SE, I AM ALERTING YOU TO THE FACT THAT THE AUDI A8 HAS THE SAME SHIFTER AS THE JEEP CHEROKEE THAT HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS LATELY. SAME SUPPLIER, ZF.
NHTSA complaint #10876382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.