2018 Audi A8 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Not
scored

Not scored

Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a reliable rate.

Owner complaints: 0
Per 10,000 cars: 0.0; 761 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: –
Serious outcomes: 0; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2017 A8 2019 A8 →

Should You Buy the 2018 Audi A8?

We do not score the 2018 Audi A8. Too few were made for a reliable rate, so we show the facts only.

The 2017 A8, from the same generation, scored 77 and rated Good. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.

It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the emissions system and driver assistance systems.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-05 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
2 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

None stand out.

How the 2018 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years

The other A8 years of the 3rd generation (D4), 2011 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	67	1.5×	29.0	3	Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive
2018 This year	Not scored	–	–	0.0	2	–
2017	Good	77	0.62×	16.6	3	–
2016	Good	72	0.92×	39.5	4	Suspension (part not stated): sticking or stiffness
2015	Caution	64	1.8×	51.6	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2014	Caution	66	1.4×	41.2	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2013	Avoid	58	2.7×	84.1	6	Turbocharger: stalling
2012	Good	77	0.66×	24.2	1	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	74	0.83×	29.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2010	Not scored	–	–	15.4	1	–

See every A8 year

2018 Audi A8 Recalls

Two recalls cover the 2018 Audi A8. The most recent was issued in July 2020: “Engine Compartment Seal May Detach.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Engine Compartment Seal May Detach
If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V397000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 7, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2018 Audi A8 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2018 Audi A8, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the emissions system and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-05
Rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
The problem:
The rear oxygen sensor on the 4.0 TFSI engine can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed rear oxygen sensor, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2016 to 2018 S6, S7, RS7, A8 and S8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 A8, from its two recalls and two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Engine Compartment Seal May Detach NHTSA 20V397000
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-20-05: rear oxygen sensor failure, 4.0 TFSI
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

Ask the Seller

Ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A8 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.