2013 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 6.3L 12-cyl
- Horsepower
- 333–420 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 201.6–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,376–4,773 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 17% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Audi A8 is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo and 6.3L 12-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 17% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- Engines added: 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 A8 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 A8 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,376 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,531 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,409 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,597 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,773 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -17% | $3,900 | 418 |
| A8 L | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +4% | $3,900 | 418 |
| A8 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 28 / 21 | -17% | $3,900 | 424 |
| A8 L | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 460 |
| A8 L | 6.3L 12-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -26% | $5,500 | 585 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Audi A8.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi A8 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW 7 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · 26,093 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Structure › Body › Hood · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · 12,964 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jan 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V057000 · 8,985 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V430000 · 6,633 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Aug 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V619000 · 9,067 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Sep 23, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V448000 · 1,120 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
Not every 2013 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →