ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
2016 Audi A8
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Audi A8, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and body & structure categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 855 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 2 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 7 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 8 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 9 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 10 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 11 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine650.0%
- Driver assistance18.3%
- Body & structure18.3%
- Powertrain (other)18.3%
- Suspension18.3%
- Tires & wheels18.3%
- Fuel system18.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE 21-009) after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7 equipped with the 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported the vehicles would stall with no warning while driving at highway or city traffic speeds. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints alleged the major contributing factor to the engine stalling was the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints cited the turbocharger failure was a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making servicing the component difficult. The oil strainer removes particles and carbon deposits from the oil before lubricating the turbochargers. Over time, if the debris is not removed from the oil strainer, it becomes clogged and prevents oil from flowing to the turbochargers. This causes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat resulting in turbine shaft failure due to thermal stress.On April 04, 2022, PE21-009 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA22-001) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect. Volkswagen filed recall 22V-178 to replace the 30?m mesh oil strainer with a 90?m mesh oil strainer in the subject vehicles. VW introduced the larger mesh oil strainer into production in March of 2017 effecting the 2017-2018MY vehicles.ODI reviewed information from VW for vehicles that had the larger mesh installed in production. The data received showed, since the new oil strainer size of 90?m went into production for the 2017-2018MY, there has not been any reported incidents of turbocharger failures due to oil starvation or other failures that could be related to the larger screen mesh. In view of the recall being conducted by VW and lack of any detrimental side effect to the turbocharger caused by the larger mesh, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.11502847,11506565,11494663,11488813,11486393,11480926,11479882,11476289,11466761 11464663,11463254,11460580,11460496,11458973,11458804,11457556,11454753,11452668 11452589,11452584,11452383,11452175,11452111,11451724,11451724,11450995,11450988 11449661,11447092,11443657,11442867,11440536,11440052,11439959,11438691,11436461 11435619,11433925,11433733,11432336,11431661,11431421,11429704,11429584,11428128 11426929,11424203,11423603,11423337,11422431,11421084,11420626,11420342,11419693 11418884,11418437,11418433,11418135,11417635,11417351,11416095,11414578,11414235 11414064,11413359,11413285,11413214,11407510,11407450,11406897,11406821,11406637 11406460,11406416,11406291,11406287,11406277,11406273,11406263,11406256,11406251 11406229,11406222,11406208,11406204,11406197,11406182,11406015,11404665,11404426 11404348,11403823,11403430,11403268,11402684,11399435,11397821,11396241,11394763 11391037
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 21-009 after the agency received 58 reports alleging engine stalling in 2013-2016MY Audi vehicle models A8, S6, S7, S8 & RS7. The subject vehicles are equipped with 4.0L, twin-turbocharged engine. Complainants reported that the vehicles stall suddenly with no warning while driving on the highway or in city traffic. Several of the complainants alleged an inability to restart. The complaints allege the major contributing factor to the engine stalling is the failure of the turbochargers. The complaints further allege the turbocharger failure is a result of oil starvation due to a clogged oil strainer.The location of the oil strainer in the turbocharger oil supply line is in the inner valley of the engine. It is not easily accessible, making regular service difficult. The oil strainer removes dirty particles and carbon deposits from the oil before flowing to lubricate the Turbochargers. Overtime if the debris are not removed from the oil strainer, it clogs the strainer and prevents free flow of oil to the turbochargers and makes the turbine bushings to run dry and overheat which causes the turbine shaft to break due to thermal stress. In VW's response to ODI's Information Request letter, VW provided approximately 611 warranty claims with unique VINs, 70 Field Reports and 45 Consumer complaints. These reports allege engine stalling due to turbocharger failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above. To date, NHTSA has received approximately 98 allegations of stall due to turbocharger failures. The total of 824 reports shown in the table above eliminates duplicate reports received by both ODI and the manufacturer.This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect of engine stalling due to turbocharger failureThe ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11452589, 11452584, 11452383, 11450995, 11450988, 11449661, 11447092, 11442867 11440536, 11440052, 11439959, 11438691, 11436461, 11435619, 11431661, 11429704 11429584, 11426929, 11424203, 11423603, 11423337, 11421084, 11420626, 11420342 11418884, 11418437, 11418433, 11417635, 11417351, 11416095, 11414235, 11413359 11413214, 11413285, 11413133, 11407510, 11407450, 11407289, 11406821, 11406416 11406291, 11406277, 11406273, 11406256, 11406251, 11406229, 11406222, 11406204 11406197, 11406182, 11404665, 11404426, 11404348, 11403430, 11403268, 11399435 11397821, 11396241, 11394763, 11391037, 11388662, 11387166, 11377446, 11363283 11354107, 11344193, 11342497, 11342360, 11340302, 11325065, 11324163, 11322168, 11321144, 11318477, 11306754, 11279429, 11268109, 11256706, 11252723, 11246579 11234853, 11234714, 11231582, 11231013, 11230589, 11229484, 11222281, 11218822 11218749, 11217604, 11209168, 11209142, 11197149, 11191243, 11175842, 11170776 11164032, 11152418.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Part #: 4h0907217fx which is a windshield camera has stopped working and Audi has no solution to repair it. I have been without Cruise control, ABS error codes for 2 years. Please help.
- NHTSA ID
- 11692367
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2023
My car was schedule for the 21H7 recall. I received 2 letters this year to have the recall work done. Audi of Pittsburgh's only available date was 12/08/22. I took the car in and later that day I got a call stating the recall was done back in March of this year. I told them it was not. Later I got a call saying it was done in April of 2019. I asked for the repair order and no one will provide it. To me it seems that Audi is looking for a reason not to perform the work.
- NHTSA ID
- 11497032
- Incident
- Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A8. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle was shaking until the engine warmed up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 20V397000 (Structure), and 19V057000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11480781
- Incident
- Jun 4, 2022
- Mileage
- 42,000 mi
Recall for turbo internals, but nothing done to remedy problem . Second issue in leaking suspension parts, which the dealership let problem continue, until warranty up.
- NHTSA ID
- 11463254
- Incident
- Mar 21, 2021
Turbos failed which caused the car to shut down in heavy traffic on an interstate.
- NHTSA ID
- 11454753
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2021
I was driving and my turbos blew causing my car to shut down and not be able to restart. I was in the middle of traffic and was lucky to pull over. There was no warning and I had my 2 young kids in the car and it could have caused an accident. This was dangerous for myself and other motorists. I use this vehicle as a daily driver and this should not happen. I have not had it repaired yet but I can only imagine it will costs thousands of dollars.
- NHTSA ID
- 11422431
- Incident
- Jun 25, 2021
CAR STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY. CAUSE DUE TO TURBO ISSUES
- NHTSA ID
- 11406251
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2019
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR 2 HOURS, SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT TO A GAS STATION, ONCE ON THE ROUTE CAR SHUT DOWN, ALL SYSTEMS INOPERATIVE STEERING AND BRAKES SOON HARDEN COULD SECURELY STOP AT GAS STATION WITH IMPULSE. CAR COULD NOT BE TURNED ON AGAIN EASILY, AND IN MY DRIVE TO THE CLOSEST HOTEL (2 MNILES) CAR WILL SHUT DOWN IF NOT CONSTANTLY ACCELERATED. DEALER TOLD ME TWO TURBOS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAD 45K MILES, LESS THAN ONE MONTH OFF CPO WARRANTY (I.E., PERFECTLY MAINTAINED).
- NHTSA ID
- 11388662
- Incident
- Dec 28, 2020
- Mileage
- 45,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
STRUCTURE:BODY
This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
ENGINE
This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 54.2 |
| 2018 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 8 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2016Viewing | 11 | 4 | 2 | 55.5 |
| 2015 | 31 | 5 | 2 | 54.5 |
| 2014 | 18 | 5 | 2 | 49.2 |
| 2013 | 49 | 6 | 2 | 55.9 |
| 2012 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 30.2 |
| 2011 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 8 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 6 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 38.9 |
| 2003 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2001 | 6 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1999 | 9 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 4 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 46.1 |
| 1996 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.