2018 Audi S8 Problems: 4 Known Issues
2018 model year · 580+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi S8 has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings ($450-$6,000 repair) and 8-Speed Automatic: Rough Shifts, Converter-Clutch Warning Light and Shudder ($2,500-$6,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings with 292 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
TIRES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi S8 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi S8 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings, 8-Speed Automatic: Rough Shifts, Converter-Clutch Warning Light and Shudder, 2013-2018 S8 Warm-Soak Long-Crank or No-Start - Fuel Diagnosis Required. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Audi S8 reliable?
The 2018 Audi S8 has 4 known issues documented across 580+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings and 8-Speed Automatic: Rough Shifts, Converter-Clutch Warning Light and Shudder. 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, Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings, typically costs $450-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2024 Audi S8 Air Struts Leak and Compressor Wears Out, Causing Sagging and Suspension Warnings?
The S8 uses adaptive air suspension: a rubber air bladder on each strut, an electric compressor and a valve block that sets ride height. As the cars age, the bladders crack at the bellows or where they seat on the strut, and the press-fit line connectors can leak. A slow leak mak… Repairs typically run $450-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018, 2020-2024 Audi S8 8-Speed Automatic: Rough Shifts, Converter-Clutch Warning Light and Shudder?
On the 2013 S8, the 4.0 TFSI V8 (engine code CGTA) is paired with Audi's 8-speed automatic (gearbox code 0BK). Audi issued two software fixes for this gearbox in the 2013 model year. Update 37H1 (October 2012) covers 2013 A8 and S8 4.0 TFSI cars in VIN range 004908-013096 where s… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Audi S8 2013-2018 S8 Warm-Soak Long-Crank or No-Start - Fuel Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2046724/5 covers sporadic warm-engine no-start or long cranking after the vehicle sits without fully cooling. A rich-mixture DTC may occur, but often there is no DTC. Audi’s procedure distinguishes fuel in the oil from a short-trip profile, ECM software, high-pressure in… Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2009, 2013-2018 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.