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Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year, against this model's usual year.
2014CAREFULSerious complaints 2.9× usual, mostly engine and fuel system Extended coverage
19 serious complaints of 24, the most about engine (14) and fuel system (4); 2.9× this model's usual share of all serious complaints about 2014 vehicles. 5 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA22001: engine stall - turbo failure. NHTSA investigation PE21009: engine stall - turbo failure.
What owners report
“I was driving my car and had just crossed a track, when out of no where with no warning my car stopped. My wheel started tightening and I couldn't press on the brakes. Thanks goodness I didnt have a car behind me because the car just lost all power. I couldn't even steer the car to the side of the road.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Nov 2019
“Car went dead on the hwy without any warning. Dealer has the vehicle for a month now and says there is metal shavings in fuel and need more than 15000/- in repairs to replace fuel pump, 6 fuel injectors fuel line and fuel rail.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Jul 2025
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This communication asks dealers to contact Audi Warranty if they have any questions about the extended warranty coverage for 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles. (AWC-18, Mar 2018)
- Extended coverage This bulletin explains the warranty extension for the crankcase ventilation valve on certain 3.0L and 4.0L vehicles. (AWA 19, May 2019)
- Extended coverage Reminders - TDI Approved Emissions Modifications, Emissions Compliant Repairs, corrections and extended warranty / warranty policy and loaner vehicle overview (EmailAUTDI2L-3L, Sep 2020)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers of a 4.0L Turbo warranty extension for 2013-2017 vehicles (AWA 22, Feb 2022)
- Repair program Diagnosed and confirmed malfunction of the vehicle’s AEB system that resulted from failure or malfunction of the AEB system’s control unit, camera(s), LIDAR, and/or sensor(s) which enable automatic emergency braking functionality. (AWA 24, May 2024)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
24 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 15–28 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2014 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. NHTSA doesn't publish sales, so only big differences count. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel; 4.0L 8-cyl turbo; 6.3L 12-cyl · Drive: AWD
2014 A8 trims
| L |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Audi reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Audi aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp | AWD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp | AWD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 0 | — | Yes |
| 2024 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp | AWD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 0 | — | Yes |
| 2023 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp | AWD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 0 | — | Yes |
| 2022 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp | 4WD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 0 | — | Yes |
| 2021 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo mild hybrid, 335–443 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid, 335–443 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo mild hybrid, 453–563 hp | AWD | 18–23 mpg | Not rated | 8 | 7 | Electrical system (3) | Yes |
| 2020 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo mild hybrid, 335–443 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid, 335–443 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo mild hybrid, 453–563 hp | AWD | 18–23 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 3 | Electrical system (2) | Yes |
| 2019 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 335 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 453 hp | AWD | 18–22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 12 | Electrical system (8) | Yes |
| 2018 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged, 333 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 450–605 hp | AWD | 19–22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 0 | — | No |
| 2017 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged, 333 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 450–605 hp | AWD | 22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 6 | Vehicle speed control (2) | No |
| 2016 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged, 240–333 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 240–333 hp 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 450–605 hp 6.3L 12-cyl, 500 hp | AWD | 16–28 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 16 | Engine (5) | No |
| 2015 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 4.0L 8-cyl turbo 6.3L 12-cyl | AWD | 16–28 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 37 | Engine (22) | No |
| 2014 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 4.0L 8-cyl turbo 6.3L 12-cyl | AWD | 15–28 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 24 | Engine (14) | No |
| 2013 | 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged 4.0L 8-cyl turbo 6.3L 12-cyl | AWD | 15–21 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 62 | Engine (47) | No |
| 2012 | 4.2L 8-cyl 6.3L 12-cyl | AWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 11 | Engine (4) | No |
| 2011 | 4.2L 8-cyl | AWD | 21 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 15 | Engine (10) | No |
| 2010 | 4.2L 8-cyl | AWD | 18 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 1 | Visibility (1) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: A8 2019–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | AUDI A8 4 DR MHEV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | AUDI S8 4 DR MHEV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi S8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | Audi S8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi S8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | No | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi S8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | No | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 | Audi A8L 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 10 | 5 |
| 2021 | Audi A8L PHEV 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 8 | 1 |
| 2020 | Audi A8L 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | No | 5 | 3 |
| 2020 | Audi A8L PHEV 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Standard | No | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 12 |
| 2018 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 3 | 6 |
| 2017 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 | Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 4 | 10 |
| 2016 | Audi A8 NWB 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 4 | 10 |
| 2016 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 3 | 6 |
| 2015 | Audi A8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 31 |
| 2015 | Audi A8l 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 30 |
| 2015 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 4 | 6 |
| 2014 | Audi A8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 18 |
| 2014 | Audi A8L 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 18 |
| 2014 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 6 |
| 2013 | Audi A8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 6 | 49 |
| 2013 | Audi A8L 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 6 | 47 |
| 2013 | Audi S8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 13 |
| 2012 | Audi A8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 11 |
| 2011 | Audi A8 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 15 |
| 2010 | Audi A8 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | A8 quattro | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2025 | A8 quattro | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2024 | A8 quattro | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2023 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2022 | A8 L quattro | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2021 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
18–23 |
| 2020 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
18–23 |
| 2019 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo |
18–22 |
| 2018 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo |
19–22 |
| 2017 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo |
22 |
| 2016 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 12 cyl, 6.3 L |
16–28 |
| 2015 | A8 | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
22 |
| 2015 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 12 cyl, 6.3 L |
16–28 |
| 2014 | A8 | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
21 |
| 2014 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 12 cyl, 6.3 L |
15–28 |
| 2013 | A8 | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo |
21 |
| 2013 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 12 cyl, 6.3 L |
15–21 |
| 2012 | A8 | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.2 L | 21 |
| 2012 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.2 L Auto (S8), 12 cyl, 6.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2011 | A8 | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.2 L | 21 |
| 2011 | A8 L | Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.2 L | 21 |
| 2010 | A8 | Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L | 18 |
| 2010 | A8 L | Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L | 18 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.