Buying a used 2021 Audi S8? Check these 8 recalls first
The 2021 S8's standout recall is an A8/S8 engine computer issue that can stall the car; also high-severity are a rear suspension nut that can break and a rear belt that may not secure a child seat. Medium items are heavily display-related: three separate camera recalls, dashboard display loss, and axle alignment causing uneven tire wear. No stop-driving or park-outside warning is attached. Only one unverified NHTSA owner complaint exists, touching power train, electrical and engine, with no crash, fire or injury.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Ask whether the engine control software recall was completed and whether any stalling occurred
- Start the car and cycle reverse to confirm the camera and dashboard displays come up every time
- Test child seat installation on the rear belt if relevant, and inspect rear tire wear
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Audi dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2021 Audi S8
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A8 and S8 engine computer may stall car | Engine And Engine Cooling | high |
| Audi Cars and SUVs: Rear Suspension Nut Can Break | Suspension | high |
| Audi and VW rear belts may not secure child seats | Seat Belts | high |
| Audi S8 backup camera may not show image | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| Audi rear axle alignment may not have been checked | Tires | medium |
| Audi backup camera screen may go blank in reverse | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| Audi Sedans and SUVs May Lose Dashboard Display | Electrical System | medium |
| Audi rearview camera may fail to show image | Back Over Prevention | medium |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
1 complaints filed for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 1 | None found |
| Electrical System | 1 | Yes |
| Engine | 1 | Yes |