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2018 Audi S8

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By Research the Car 4 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Audi S8, categorized by component and engine/transmission option, adhering to your specified format.

The 2018 Audi S8 is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine, advanced technology, and comfortable interior. This particular model year came standard with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 605 horsepower and 517 lb-ft of torque. It was exclusively paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the S8’s blistering acceleration, refined handling, and luxurious features. However, some common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, the complexity of the infotainment system, and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

4.0L TFSI V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or lines is the typical solution.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+, depending on the location of the leak and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The twin turbochargers can experience failures, leading to reduced power, whistling noises, or even complete engine failure. This can be caused by oil starvation.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the affected turbocharger(s) is required. Ensuring proper maintenance and oil changes is critical.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $6000+ per turbocharger, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may arise from plastic coolant pipes, the water pump, or the thermostat housing. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking components is necessary. Upgrading to metal coolant pipes can prevent future issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can sometimes be attributed to wear or contamination of the transmission fluid.
    • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and filter change may resolve the issue in some cases. In more severe situations, valve body repair or replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 for a fluid flush; $1000 - $3000+ for valve body work.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s shifting, can sometimes fail. Symptoms include erratic shifting, inability to shift, and error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the Mechatronic unit is usually required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4500+, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to issues such as air leaks, compressor failure, or sensor malfunctions. This can lead to the vehicle sagging, uneven ride height, or failure to adjust ride height.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air springs, failed compressor, or malfunctioning sensors is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per air spring; $1000 - $3000+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can exhibit glitches, such as freezing, lagging, or failing to respond to inputs.
    • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, replacing the infotainment system may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates) - $3000+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle, such as parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring sensors, or adaptive cruise control sensors, can fail.
    • Solution: Replacing the malfunctioning sensor is required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the sensor and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience failures such as getting stuck open or closed, rattling noises, or water leaks.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof mechanism, seals, or motor may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to heat or may overheat.
    • Solution: Replacing the heating element or control module may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per seat.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Audi S8 offers exhilarating performance and luxury, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs. Engine issues, especially oil leaks and turbocharger problems, can be expensive to address. The air suspension system is another area of concern. While some electrical glitches are relatively minor, they can be frustrating. Overall, the severity of the issues ranges from moderate to severe, with repair costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Pre-purchase inspections by qualified mechanics are highly recommended.

Audi, S8
Audi S8 2018
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