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2020 Audi S8

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By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2020 Audi S8 is a high-performance luxury sedan, boasting a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. People often praise the S8 for its powerful engine, comfortable and luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. Common complaints include its high price tag, potential for expensive repairs, and complex infotainment system.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, timing cover, and oil cooler lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the affected gaskets or seals. For oil cooler line leaks, replacing the entire line assembly is often recommended.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the leak location and complexity).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported turbocharger failures, potentially due to oil starvation or excessive heat. Symptoms include a loss of power, whistling noises from the engine, and error codes related to turbocharger performance.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s). Address any underlying issues causing the failure, such as oil supply problems.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+ (depending on the specific turbocharger and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can manifest as jolting, hesitation, or a clunking sound during gear changes.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the valve body may need to be inspected and possibly replaced. In more severe cases, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $6,000+ (depending on the issue and solution).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s hydraulic functions, can fail. Symptoms include erratic shifting, difficulty engaging gears, and transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit and reprogram the transmission control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience issues with the air compressor, air struts, or air lines. Symptoms include the vehicle sagging on one or more corners, the suspension failing to adjust properly, and error messages related to the air suspension system.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the problem (leaks in air lines, failed compressor, faulty struts) and replace the affected components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the component that needs replacing).
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches such as freezing, lagging, unexpected reboots, and connectivity issues with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
    • Solution: Try a software update. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $2,000+ (for unit replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle (e.g., parking sensors, blind spot monitoring sensors) can malfunction, leading to false alarms, error messages, or system failures.
    • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the sensor and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: LED headlights can experience problems such as flickering, dimming, or complete failure. The complex control modules for the headlights can also fail.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty headlight assembly or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (depending on the headlight and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters or coolers may stop working or become inconsistent.
    • Solution: Replace the heating/cooling element or the control module for the seats.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (depending on the issue and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Audi S8, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is not without its potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly oil leaks and rough shifting, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical issues are also relatively common. While the S8 benefits from a well-equipped interior and cutting-edge technology, these systems can also be prone to glitches. While some issues are minor, others can be quite expensive, potentially making long-term ownership of an S8 a costly venture.

Audi, S8
Audi S8 2020
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