2013 AUDI A8 Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

25 complaints

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, however it seems this is exactly what caused it.

Oct 11, 2025

Driving up an inclined road at night. Car engine started to sputter and jerk and lost power. Was able to get to the side of the road out of traffic at the top of the hill? I was able to coast down the hill to a gas station. Carl would not drive without Jerking or accelerate, add check engine, light on and flashing. With the smell of burning from the engine, compartment waited two hours for a tow truck towed it home, the following day, I had to take off of work. I checked all the spark plugs to find multiple spark plugs completely soaked in oil, took an Uber to parts store to buy new spark plugs. At this point I had found out about the recall for the same problem. On the same engine. In all of audi's cars, except for the A8 line was excluded, do not know the reason why it's the same engine in multiple vehicles that were listed in the recall for the piston rings. My other Audi a 6 has over 200000 miles and does not have this issue. Get these low tension piston ring failures that have been recalled. On the issue with all of audi's in this year

Jun 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Audi A8. The contact stated that while her son was driving at highway speeds, the warning lights on the instrument panel flashed as the vehicle shut off. The contact's son managed to pull over despite the failure. The vehicle was initially towed to one dealer; however, the dealer failed to service the vehicle promptly. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective ECM(Electronic Control Module) that needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for a month before the vehicle was repaired. Despite the repair, the contact was notified that the failure persisted and was then informed that a defective engine cylinder now needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Nov 15, 2024

Unknown at this moment service vist is next week. The problem is a know piston ring issues on other years of same engine with massive oil consumption 1 qt a week with minimal driving less then 100 miles. Spent 3k on pvc and coolant pump that are a known issue of totaling engine but burning oil non stop and risk or seized engine if on highway

May 16, 2024

In March of 2022, a safety recall number 21H7, was issued for my 2013 Audi A8L regarding the oil strainer which could clog and result in the turbocharger failing and subsequent consequences. I have contacted my Audi dealer numerous times since first receiving written notification with the most recent contact being today October 31. The dealer says they still don’t have the necessary parts and even though there is still supply chain issues internationally, quite enough time has passed and when I reached out to Audi USA, they said parts have been available since August! I have not had any issues yet in driving the car but still feel reluctant to do so and would like this fixed asap. Thank you.

Oct 31, 2022

+ 20 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Sunroof shattered while driving.

Nov 23, 2022

While traveling on Interstate 65 through Nashville, TN my 2013 Audi A8L showed an EPC light alert then <5 miles later while traveling through interstate split going 20mph the car without alert shut down and I lost power steering, brake control, accelerator control, electric control and was forced to navigate hazardously across 3 lanes of traffic to a modified left side median. I had large vehicle traffic dodging my car going 50-60mph and was forced to call 911. I stayed in the car because much too dangerous to leave the vehicle and was able for a brief minute to restart and get off an exit ramp where it abruptly died again. I had the car towed to Audi dealership where diagnosis showed dual turbocharger failure and they recommended replacement. * Catastrophic turbo charger failure - it is available for inpsection * Car catastrophically shut down going 15-30 mph on interstate in downtown nashville causing loss of power steering/brake control. This led to immediate danger and harm caused by loss of vehicle control and traffic collision risk * Yes - dealer confirmed in multiple locations (Nashville and Louisville of turbocharger failure * No * The car EPC light came on <5 miles prior to shutdown I understand that the NHTSA already has an investigation into this model and year audi regarding turbocharger failure and I would like to add that I have had a similar problem with this vehicle. It should be recalled to address these safety concerns

Dec 06, 2021

WATER LEAK FROM WINDSHIELD. TECHNICIAN NOTED LEAK FROM WINDSHIELD SEALANT. EVERY TIME IT WOULD RAIN PASSENGER SIDE WOULD GET FLOODED WITH WATER FROM LEAK CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM FROM THE SEALANT.

Mar 23, 2019

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Vehicle windshield started leaking from top and visibly moves when pressed from outside. This is the original windshield, never in an accident.

Dec 30, 2021

AT 69946 MILES IT STARTED LEAKING WATER WHEN RAINING FROM TOP OF WINDSHIELD IN THE MIDDLE BY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR,ON TOP OF ALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.FROM THAT INCIDENT CAR IS NOT RUNNING,BECAUSE WATER GOT ON TO ALL KIND OF ELECTRONICS THAT CONTROL ENGINE,TRANSMISSION,RADIO.......WHEN I DID RESEARCH,FIND OUT THAT ITS KNOW PROBLEM WITH THOSE VEHICLES AND IM NOT THE FIRST ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM

Feb 27, 2019

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

FAILURE BOTH TURBOS Purchased Audi Naples Jan 2018 Maintained at Audi Ft Myers Audi While on a vacation from our home in Florida to New England our Audi A8 experienced a major turbo failure while on an Interstate highway. On 8/6/21 I was traveling in the middle lane of I495 at 65 mph, when traffic slowed, the car stalled. With cars passing me on both sides I eventually managed to get the car started and made it to exit 15 (rt44) going toward Plymouth, MA. This truly was a scary situation, waiting to be rear ended. While on rt 44 it died again in traffic. I managed to make it into the breakdown lane. At about 2:55 pm a state Trooper stopped and asked if he could help me get to a safer spot but by that time I had called AAA. At 3:30pm AAA arrived and towed us to a safe spot. At no time before, during or after this failure did I receive any message or warning that this failure was imminent. The car was taken to Audi Norwell and diagnosed with defective turbos due to failure of turbo shaft bearings . The screens were clogged preventing oil from reaching the bearings. The turbos were the original equipment. I have read in the Audi Forum this is not an uncommon problem. I understand the screens have been redesigned as a result.

Nov 15, 2021

DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT ON US HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE NEAR NORTHERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN LEFT LANE. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER, STALL AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF SPEED NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT AND DID CAUSE MAJOR TRAFFIC BACK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP. DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED CAUSE OF SUDDEN POWER LOSS WAS DAMAGED TURBOCHARGERS (X2). TURBO IMPELLER BEARINGS WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED DUE TO LUBRICATION STARVATION, WHICH CAUSED DISINTEGRATION OF TURBOCHARGER IMPELLERS. SHOP INDICATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE AUDI (VAG) 4.0 TWIN TURBO V-8 ENGINES. SUPPORTING THIS NOTION, THE DEALER HAD THE TURBOS AND ASSOCIATED REPAIR PARTS IN STOCK (OVER $6,000 OF PARTS). VEHICLE IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BY CERTIFIED AUDI DEALER. VEHICLE INDICATED ABOUT 63,000 MILES ON ODOMETER AT TIME OF INCIDENT. VAG USES THIS ENGINE IN SEVERAL MODELS ACROSS THE AUDI LINE: S6, S7, RS7, A8, AND S8 (SOME MODIFICATIONS BETWEEN SOME MODELS).

Nov 19, 2018

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

I HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL. I CHECKED INTERNET AND READ, 2013 AUDI A8 (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. IT COULD CAUSE FIRE. ACTION NEED TO FIX IT: AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I NOTIFIED FLOW AUDI IN GREENSBORO, NC, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT AUDI AMERICA. WHAT DO I DO?

Jul 13, 2020

DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR AT FIRST FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR; THEN IT SURGED UNTIL BRAKED; THEN IT FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR ON THE NEXT DEPRESSION; AGAIN FOLLOWED BY A SURGE. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS TURNING INTO A LANE OF ONCOMING CARS WHERE I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MAKE THE TURN SAFELY BUT THAT TIME WAS CHEWED UP TRYING TO GET THE CAR MOVING. THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN EXCEPT THIS TIME I EXPECTED NON-PERFORMANCE AND WAITED 2 OR 3 MINUTES FOR ALL TRAFFIC TO STOP AT A LIGHT. THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THIS COULD LEAD TO A FATAL CRASH. *TR

Jun 20, 2014

STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Audi, A8L 2013, also has the stuck piston. Rings end oil blow by like the other Volkswagen, defected engines of the same year yesterday while driving my car ended up stalling on a road with traffic behind me going up a hill because too much oil I'd burnt in the cylinders, causing the spark plugs to become completely coated in oil and the cars. Electronic system registered multiple misfires, multiple cylinders. Are misfired and multiple other safety epc codes, causing the vehicle to not be able to drive more than 5 miles an hour, stuttering. Which also caused the engine to almost stall, losing power steering. If this was on the highway this could have been exceptionally bad. I request the Audi AH. L and 8 series to be added to the current recall. For the A6Q5A4 A seven with the exact same problem

Aug 22, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Brake pedal is hard when starting the vehicle. Brake pedal turns soft when engine is started. The brake pedal is so hard that it requires significant force to depress sufficiently to start the engine. This indicates loss of vacuum in brake booster when engine is off. The vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system and it seems likely that the brakes would not sufficiently hold the vehicle when the start/stop system turns off the engine.

May 28, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] in Roseville, CA highway Interstate [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the problem. Typically, Audi service will give you a vehicle to drive but the had no vehicles available, so they told us they would take us to a rental car company and cover the cost of the vehicle except for the insurance on rental car, which we had to pickup at a rate of $ 35.00 per day. As we were on a work trip we had to hustle to our customers as we had a meeting scheduled for 2:30 PM at Manna Beverage in Anaheim, CA. We went to our meeting and then returned to the Audi Dealership in Van Nuys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Feb 26, 2024

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down highway [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the problem. Typically, Audi service will give you a vehicle to drive but the had no vehicles available, so they told us they would take us to a rental car company and cover the cost of the vehicle except for the insurance on rental car, which we had to pickup at a rate of $ 35.00 per day. As we were on a work trip we had to hustle to our customers as we had a meeting scheduled for 2:30 PM at Manna Beverage in Anaheim, CA. We went to our meeting and then returned to the Audi Dealership in Van Nuys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Feb 24, 2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2013 Audi A8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact had scheduled three separate appointments with a dealer and was cancelled after each scheduled appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Dec 28, 2023

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

1. OeM audi windshield started leaking water inside the vehicle. Thia is very unsafe when driving thru rain as water pours down the inside of the glass. 2. Uneven and creaky suspension. Vehivle pulls on side where suspension is not leveling thw vehicle out. 3. Followed all processes in changing brake pads, toros, sensors etc. Brake light doesnt go away after replacing all brake components and resetting brake warning light. Very uneasy feeling driving around qithtbhe light on as unsure as to brakes would spontaneously fail.

Oct 22, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

There is an open recall: 16V619000 Which applies to a set of VIN numbers. This same issue happened on my vehicle and my VIN is not part of the recall. Other VIN numbers should be included in this recall like mine. I had to get the repaired on my own for $2500 because this recall isn’t showing up for my vin number

Sep 26, 2022

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V397000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FATHERS & SONS-AUDI WEST SPRINGFIELD (434 MEMORIAL AVE, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Sep 10, 2020

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

2X TURBO DAMAGE 66000KILOMETERS

Apr 20, 2020

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH, AND SHORTLY AFTER DIED OUT COMPLETELY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME WHEN THE CAR DIED, AND THAT I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP ONTO THE SHOULDER. WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE A FAULTY TURBOCHARGER WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE REASON FOR VEHICLE BREAKING DOWN

Apr 01, 2020

SUSPENSION,ENGINE

1 complaint

SUSPENSION FAILS DURING DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS.

Jul 06, 2019

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

SMELLING OF ENGINE COOLANT. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, YOU CAN SEE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD BUT NO LEAK.

Jan 10, 2019

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A LOUD BOOMING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE GLASS SUN ROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THE SUN ROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI OF LAFAYETTE LOCATED IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V448000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Jun 20, 2017

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8L. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE SIDE WALL ON THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL INSTALLATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300....UPDATED 05/08/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION WITH THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FOOTWELL SIDE WALL WAS DIFFERENT BETWEEN 2011 AND 2013 MODEL YEARS. THE LOSS OF 3/4 OF AN INCH IS WAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE. UPDATED 05/30/2013 *JS

Apr 08, 2013

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4.3/5.0

70 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2013 AUDI A8 have?

The 2013 AUDI A8 currently has 48 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2013 AUDI A8?

The most common problems reported for the 2013 AUDI A8 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2013 AUDI A8 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2013 AUDI A8 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.