Is the 2013 Audi A8 reliable?

The 2013 Audi A8 has 67 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Audi A8?

Top problems: ENGINE (37 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Audi A8?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY, STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Audi A8?

The 2013 Audi A8 gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Audi A8?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Audi A8 is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Audi A8

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Audi A8 has 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 22. The most common issue is engine problems (55% of all complaints), specifically: driving at speed limit on us highway in heavy traffic in the near northern suburbs of chicago, experienced sudden loss of power. vehicle began running very rough and eventually stalled in left lane. sudden lack of power, stall and unanticipated loss of speed nearly caused accident and did cause maj. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

37 complaints

55%

• DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT ON US HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE NEAR NORTHERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN LEFT LANE. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER, STALL AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF SPEED NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT AND DID CAUSE MAJ
• SMELLING OF ENGINE COOLANT. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, YOU CAN SEE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD BUT NO LEAK.
• MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING AUDI TSB & NHTSA DOCUMENTED BULLETINS AND COMPLAINTS: NHTSA 1-888-327-4236 NHTSA ID 10118418 TSB ID A211724 2044640 & TSB 2040644/10 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL SEPARATOR - $254 (WITH FREE SHIPPING) FROM AUDIUSAPARTS.COM. YOU

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT ON US HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE NEAR NORTHERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN LEFT LANE. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER, STALL AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF SPEED NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT AND DID CAUSE MAJ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Audi A8

Based on 30 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 65K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 65K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25/06/2018

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Audi A8

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Audi A8

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi A8 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2013 A8, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 67 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT ON US HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE NEAR NORTHERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN LEFT LANE. SUDDEN LACK OF POWER, STALL AND UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF SPEED NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT AND DID CAUSE MAJ
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR AT FIRST FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR; THEN IT SURGED UNTIL BRAKED; THEN IT FAILED TO MOVE THE CAR ON THE NEXT DEPRESSION; AGAIN FOLLOWED BY A SURGE. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS TURNING INTO A LANE OF ONCOMING CARS WHERE I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MAKE THE TURN SAFELY BUT THAT TIME WAS CHEW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SMELLING OF ENGINE COOLANT. AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, YOU CAN SEE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD BUT NO LEAK.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A8L. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE SIDE WALL ON THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT WAS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL INSTALLATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)