2010 Audi S8

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2010 Audi S8. The 2010 Audi S8 is a high-performance luxury sedan equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 450 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. However, potential drawbacks include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and relatively poor fuel economy.

Engine

5.2L V10

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover, and rear main seal. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Thorough cleaning of the engine to identify the source of the leak is important.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the source and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the V10 are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. This restricts airflow, leading to rough idling, reduced performance, and decreased fuel economy.
  • Solution: Walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of the intake valves to remove the carbon deposits.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coils Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires can occur due to faulty ignition coils. Symptoms include a check engine light, rough running engine, and decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coils. Replacing all the coils at the same time is recommended to avoid future problems.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil depending on OEM vs aftermarket and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, or a complete loss of drive can indicate a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the torque converter. Transmission fluid flush is also recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in a gear can be caused by problems with the valve body.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body. A software update might also resolve some valve body issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, leading to the car sitting low, especially overnight. The compressor might also run constantly or make excessive noise.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Air struts can develop leaks, causing the car to sag on one or more corners. This can also overwork the air suspension compressor, leading to its failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to a dead battery, especially if the car sits for extended periods. This can be caused by a faulty module or accessory that is not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain. This can involve testing various modules and components to identify the culprit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/MMI System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates, module replacement, or MMI system replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights that don’t self-level properly, flicker, or display error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly, control module, or related sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak water.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, or repairing the sunroof seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Audi S8 offers impressive performance and luxury but is prone to several potentially costly issues. Engine-related problems like oil leaks and carbon buildup can lead to significant repair bills. Suspension issues, particularly with the air suspension, are also common and can be expensive to fix. Electrical problems, especially battery drain and MMI system malfunctions, are also frequently reported. While the car is enjoyable to drive and own, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for high maintenance costs and the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.