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2008 Audi S8Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2008 Audi S8, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-415 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 42%Owner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage140kVisibility, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 10, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Audi S8 has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility30
Fuel/propulsion system10
Vehicle speed control10
Visibility/wiper10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2008 Audi S8 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

42%repaired · 2017 Q4

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 16V-415 · Jun 9, 2016 · 536 vehicles · 227 repaired

Risk. If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other S8 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S8 median. How we score

'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2008 Audi S8 safety ratings

2008 Audi S8 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words

What S8 owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2008 Audi S8. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V415000 (Visibility). The contact stated that while driving at 85 MPH, the sunroof glass detached from the sunroof frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or…
Complaint 11447161 · Jan 12, 2022 · 114,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A SUDDEN BOOMING SOUND WAS HEARD. THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR, THE DRIVER COULD SEE THAT THE GLASS SUN ROOF WAS AIRBORNE. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DISCOVERED THAT THE GLASS SUN ROOF HAD DETACHED FROM…
Complaint 11290027 · Dec 19, 2019 · 140,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI S8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BOOMING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE GLASS SUN ROOF DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS AIRBORNE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUDI OF OWINGS MILL (9804 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILL, MD) WAS…
Complaint 11289917 · Dec 18, 2019 · 140,000 miles

Own a 2008 S8?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.