Total Complaints
7 filings
AUDI S8 · model year
2016 AUDI S8
7 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2016AUDIS8 carries 7 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 S8 is service brakes with 2 filings, followed by steering (1) and power train (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2016 S8. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
7
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated
· Front: Not Rated/5
· Side: Not Rated/5
· Rollover: Not Rated/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
Recalls (3)
19V05700028/01/2019
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.
22V17800023/03/2022
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.
20V39700007/07/2020
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.
Recent Complaints
20191124SERVICE BRAKES
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STEERING: SYSTEM FAULT YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 6
Mileage: 37,500
20191124STEERING
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STEERING: SYSTEM FAULT YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 6
Mileage: 37,500
20191124POWER TRAIN
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: SPORT DIFFERENTIAL: SYSTEM FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPP
Mileage: 37,500
20191124SUSPENSION
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: AIR SUSPENSION: SYSTEM FAULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPENED
Mileage: 37,500
20191124ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: STABILIZATION CONTROL (ESC): FAULT! SEE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING
Mileage: 37,500
20191124UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: HILL-START ASSIST: UNAVAILABLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THIRD HAPPEN
Mileage: 37,500
20191124SERVICE BRAKES
I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/CALIBRATION AND THE FAULTS) CONNECTED OR IF THIS IS JUST A COINCIDENCE. I DID NOT TAKE ANY NOTES OF THE FAULTS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY PHONE OR ANYTHING TO WRITE WITH. NOW, TODAY, I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND WAS DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL HAVING THE STEERING WHEEL GO COMPLETELY OFF CENTER AND HAVE THE SUSPENSION HARD AS A ROCK. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I DID DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND VIDEO TAPED THE FAULTS. THE ACTUAL FAULT IS: ACC AND AUDI BRAKING GUARD: UNAVAILABLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 11/15/2019, 11/18/2019, AND 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED SOON AFTER I STARTED THE CAR. THE SECOND HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE PARKWAY TRAVELING 60 MPH. THE THI
Mileage: 37,500
Compare 2016AUDIS8 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI S8 have?▼
The 2016 AUDI S8 has 7 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI S8?▼
The 2016 AUDI S8 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 AUDI S8?▼
Yes, the 2016 AUDI S8 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI S8?▼
The most-complained component for the 2016 AUDI S8 is SERVICE BRAKES with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2016 AUDI S8 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 AUDI S8 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.