2021 Audi S8

The 2021 Audi S8 is a high-performance luxury sedan, boasting a refined interior, advanced technology, and a powerful engine. It comes standard with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Many appreciate the S8 for its blend of comfort, performance, and understated styling. However, some criticisms include its high price point and complex electronics, which can sometimes lead to issues.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, and turbocharger oil feed lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves pinpointing the source of the leak. Replacing the affected gaskets or lines is the typical remedy. Retorquing bolts is the first step to fixing it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise, lack of power, and check engine light. Could also be a buildup of carbon causing the turbo to fail.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbo or removing carbon build-up
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly during lower gear changes.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a transmission fluid flush or valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Software Update) - $2,500+ (Valve Body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The S8 features an air suspension system, which can sometimes experience issues. Common symptoms include the car not maintaining the correct ride height, leaning to one side, or displaying warning lights on the dashboard. Leaks in the air struts or failure of the air compressor can be the cause.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking for leaks in the air struts and lines, as well as testing the air compressor. Replacing the faulty components is the usual solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+, depending on the affected component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The MMI infotainment system can sometimes experience glitches, such as freezing, slow response times, or random reboots.
  • Solution: A software update is often the first step in resolving these issues. In more severe cases, the infotainment system module may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (Module Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, rely on various sensors. Malfunctions in these sensors can lead to warning lights and reduced functionality.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the adaptive headlights not functioning properly, such as failing to turn with the steering wheel or displaying error messages.
  • Solution: Headlight replacement or recalibration.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can sometimes experience issues, such as getting stuck, making excessive noise, or failing to close completely.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves inspecting the sunroof tracks and motor. Lubrication or replacement of worn components may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Audi S8, while a luxurious and high-performing vehicle, can be prone to certain issues. The most common problems involve the air suspension, infotainment system, and engine oil leaks, which can be costly to repair. While some issues are minor and easily fixed with software updates, others require more extensive repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor them into their purchase decision, especially considering the high cost of ownership associated with luxury vehicles.