DecodedCars2013 Audi S8
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 4.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 201.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,641 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 29% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Audi S8 is a midsize car offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine 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 4,641 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 26 highway), 29% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 5.2L 10-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 15 to 18
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 S8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,641 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S8 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 26 / 18 | -29% | $4,550 | 483 |
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 S8.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi S8 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (5)
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.
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 S8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Audi S8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 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 S8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S8 | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 S8 | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 S8 | 16 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 1 |
| 2020 S8 | 16 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2015 S8 | 20 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →