2016 Audi S8

The 2016 Audi S8 is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its blend of power and comfort. The primary engine option for this model year is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing 520 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Some like the car’s effortless acceleration, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, while others dislike its relatively high running costs and potential for expensive repairs. The S8 is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Premature wear or failure of the turbochargers is a known issue.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warnings. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and potentially valve body repair or replacement if the fluid flush does not solve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush $200-$400; Valve body repair/replacement: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, “Air Suspension Fault” warning light, compressor running excessively or not at all.
  • Solution: Repair or replace leaking air struts, compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per corner for strut replacement; $800 - $1,500 for compressor replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update, MMI (Multi Media Interface) module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software) - $1,500+ (Module Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, difficulty starting. Can be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain, replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: “Headlight Range Control Defective” error message, headlights not adjusting properly, one headlight aiming too high or too low.
  • Solution: Repair or replace headlight control module or headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, only working intermittently, or overheating.
  • Solution: Replace seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Audi S8, while offering a luxurious and high-performance driving experience, is prone to several issues that can be costly to repair. Engine issues, particularly related to turbocharger failure and oil leaks, are among the most concerning. Air suspension problems are also a common complaint. Electrical and interior issues can be less severe but still add to the overall cost of ownership. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in maintenance and repair costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.