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Audi · Known Issues

2007 Audi S8 Problems: 2 Known Issues

2007 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007 Audi S8 has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 5.2 V10 Timing Chain Tensioner / Guide Wear (D3 Cold-Start Rattle) ($2,500-$6,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • S8 Engine1
  • S8 Body/Panels1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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On the 2007-2012 Audi S8 5.2L FSI V10 (BSM), the D3-generation S8 uses the 5.2L FSI V10 (shared lineage with the Lamborghini Gallardo/R8 V10). Its timing is driven by chains with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners located at the rear of the engine. Over time and with deferred oil changes, the tensioners and guides wear, producing a rattle on cold startup that can persist. If a guide breaks or the chain skips, valve-to-piston contact can cause catastrophic engine damage. Access is poor (rear of the V10), making this an engine-out-level job and one of the most expensive risks on the D3 S8.

This issue also affects: Audi A4, Audi A1, Audi A5

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle from engine on cold startup
  • Metallic chain noise from rear of engine
  • Rough running or misfire if timing has shifted
  • Check engine light for camshaft/crankshaft correlation

How to Fix

Investigate any cold-start rattle promptly: inspect tensioner travel and guide condition. Replace the timing chains, tensioners, and plastic guides as a set with updated genuine parts; this is a major, labor-intensive repair (often engine-out). Strictly follow short oil-change intervals with the correct grade to maximize tensioner/guide life, and address any low-oil-pressure condition immediately. Do not drive a V10 with a persistent timing rattle.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $6,000

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2007-2018 Audi S8, like other large Audi sedans, the S8 relies on sunroof drain channels and cowl/plenum drains to route rainwater away from the cabin and the electronics housed in the plenum area. The plastic drain connectors and channels become brittle and crack, and the plenum drains clog with debris. When they fail, water backs up and finds its way into the cabin through the pollen-filter box or directly onto plenum-mounted control modules, soaking footwells/headliner and potentially short-circuiting sensitive electronics or the brake booster. RepairPal documents rainwater accumulating in the plenum tray due to clogged drains on both the A8 and S8.

This issue also affects: Audi R8

Common Symptoms

  • Wet or damp front footwells after rain
  • Musty smell / damp headliner
  • Water pooling in the plenum/cowl tray
  • Intermittent electrical faults after heavy rain
  • Fogged windows / interior condensation

How to Fix

Clear and flush all sunroof and plenum/cowl drains; replace cracked drain hoses, grommets, or channel connectors. Dry out saturated carpet/insulation and inspect plenum-area modules for corrosion, replacing any water-damaged control units. Preventively clean the drains at least annually and keep the cowl area free of leaves/debris.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $3,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.

Campaign #18V43000025/06/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.

Campaign #19V05700028/01/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.

Campaign #20V39700007/07/2020
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Other Audi Models

Audi R830Audi Q329Audi A427Audi A623Audi S722Audi S419

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S8 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007 Audi S8 has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 5.2 V10 Timing Chain Tensioner / Guide Wear (D3 Cold-Start Rattle), Clogged Sunroof / Plenum Drains Causing Water Intrusion and Electronics Damage. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S8 reliable?

The 2007 Audi S8 has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 5.2 V10 Timing Chain Tensioner / Guide Wear (D3 Cold-Start Rattle). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S8 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi S8 issues range from $200 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 5.2 V10 Timing Chain Tensioner / Guide Wear (D3 Cold-Start Rattle), typically costs $2,500-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2012 Audi S8 5.2 V10 Timing Chain Tensioner / Guide Wear (D3 Cold-Start Rattle)?

The D3-generation S8 uses the 5.2L FSI V10 (shared lineage with the Lamborghini Gallardo/R8 V10). Its timing is driven by chains with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners located at the rear of the engine. Over time and with deferred oil changes, the tensioners and guides wear… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2018 Audi S8 Clogged Sunroof / Plenum Drains Causing Water Intrusion and Electronics Damage?

Like other large Audi sedans, the S8 relies on sunroof drain channels and cowl/plenum drains to route rainwater away from the cabin and the electronics housed in the plenum area. The plastic drain connectors and channels become brittle and crack, and the plenum drains clog with d… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

Campaign #22V17800023/03/2022

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.

Campaign #13V44800023/09/2013

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.