Audi · Known Issues
2018 Audi S8 Problems: 7 Known Issues
2018 model year · 823+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2018 model year · 823+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 823+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi S8 has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure ($1,200-$4,500 repair), ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues ($2,500-$6,000 repair), 4.0T Turbo Coolant System Degradation ($1,000-$3,500 repair) and Water-to-Air Intercooler Internal Coolant Leak (Coolant into Intake) ($1,500-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure with 292 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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."
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."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 823+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi S8 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure, ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues, 4.0T Turbo Coolant System Degradation. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2018 Audi S8 has 7 known issues documented across 823+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure and ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues and 4.0T Turbo Coolant System Degradation and Water-to-Air Intercooler Internal Coolant Leak (Coolant into Intake). 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.
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, Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure, typically costs $1,200-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The S8 full-size luxury sedan places extreme demands on the air suspension system. All four struts and the compressor commonly need replacement between 60,000-100,000 miles. The heavy curb weight accelerates bladder wear. Repairs typically run $1,200-$4,500. Severity: high.
The S8 high-torque application stresses the ZF 8HP torque converter and valve body. Shudder, delayed shifts, and harsh engagement develop as the converter clutch wears and valve body solenoids degrade. Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
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.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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The S8 4.0T V8 shares coolant line issues with other 4.0T Audi models but the heavier sedan and higher power tune accelerate wear. Turbo oil and coolant line failures can cause expensive damage if not caught early. Repairs typically run $1,000-$3,500. Severity: high.
The 4.0T uses a compact water-to-air charge-air cooler mounted in the hot 'V' between the cylinder banks. The intercooler core can develop an internal leak that allows engine coolant to weep directly into the pressurized intake path. Owners report slow, unexplained coolant loss w… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
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.
Like other VAG direct-injection engines, the 4.0T runs port-bypassing direct injection, so no fuel washes the back of the intake valves. Carbon deposits accumulate on the valves and ports over time, restricting airflow and degrading the seal. Owners report a gradual power loss, r… Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: medium.
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.