2021 Audi S8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 13 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 203.9 in
- Curb weight
- 5,313 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 34% below the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Audi S8 is a large car offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,313 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (13 city / 22 highway), 34% worse than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 S8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 S8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 203.9 in | 76.8 in | 57.9 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 5,313 lb |
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 Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -34% | $5,150 | 545 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Audi S8.
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi S8 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 7 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | 405 mi | Not rated | 23 |
Recalls (8)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 31, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V201000 · 44,387 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 20, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V825000 · 2,857 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Risk
- A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) · Feb 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V111000 · 238 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
Not every 2021 Audi S8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Audi S8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2014 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 6 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →