The 2013 S8 with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is a technological powerhouse that suffers from catastrophic turbocharger failures and engine internal damage when owners ignore critical early warning signs. When maintained obsessively it's brilliant, but deferred maintenance turns expensive fast.
Turbocharger Failure Leading to Catastrophic Engine Damage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, Metal shavings in oil, Rattling/whining from engine bay under boost, Sudden loss of power, Check engine light with boost pressure codes
Fix: Turbo failures dump metal debris into the engine oil system, destroying bearings and scoring cylinder walls. Requires both turbos, full engine tear-down for inspection, often necessitates short block replacement or complete rebuild. 40-60 labor hours for engine-out rebuild depending on damage extent.
Estimated cost: $15,000-28,000
Piston Ring Land Failure and Cylinder Scoring
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1qt per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue exhaust smoke during acceleration, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Misfires under load, Fuel trim codes
Fix: Carbon buildup on direct-injection engines combined with aggressive boost loads causes ring land cracking. Requires complete engine disassembly, new pistons, rings, honing or boring cylinders, often new turbos as preventive measure. 45-55 hours labor engine-out.
Estimated cost: $18,000-25,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle, Pink/red fluid dripping from bellhousing area, Harsh shifting when cold, Transmission temperature warning light
Fix: Plastic quick-connect fittings on cooler lines become brittle and crack. Requires cooler line replacement, transmission fluid flush, sometimes transmission pan reseal. 3-5 hours labor depending on line location accessibility.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle when cold, Hesitation on acceleration, Misfires at startup, Reduced fuel economy, P0300-P0308 misfire codes
Fix: Direct injection leaves intake valves without fuel wash, causing heavy carbon deposits. Requires walnut blasting service, intake manifold removal for access. 6-8 hours labor. Should be performed every 50,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in Drive, Excessive driveline movement during hard acceleration, Visible transmission sag when inspected on lift
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails from heat and stress. Requires subframe partial drop for access. 3-4 hours labor including alignment check.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Fuel System High-Pressure Line Leaks (Recall-Related)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Strong fuel smell in cabin or engine bay, Visible fuel weeping from engine valley, Fuel pressure fault codes, Hard starting, Fire risk
Fix: High-pressure fuel lines develop cracks at crimp points. Covered under NHTSA recall 14V-394 and 15V-527 but many vehicles never had work completed. Requires fuel system depressurization, line replacement. 4-6 hours labor if paying out of pocket.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Timing Chain Tensioner Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start for 2-3 seconds, Timing advance/retard codes, Check engine light, Rough running, Metal debris in oil filter
Fix: Tensioners wear and chains stretch, risking valve-to-piston contact. Requires timing chain service including guides, tensioners, chains on both banks. Engine-in service possible but tight. 18-24 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles maximum with high-quality 5W-40 synthetic—extended intervals kill these engines
Walnut blast intake valves every 50,000 miles as preventive maintenance
Monitor oil consumption religiously; anything over 1qt per 3,000 miles warrants immediate investigation
Verify all fuel system recalls were completed before purchase
Budget $3,000-5,000 annually for maintenance and repairs after 60,000 miles
Only buy if you have a $10,000 emergency fund and full service records proving religious maintenance—these are spectacular when perfect but financially devastating when neglected.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; located under rear seat
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Every control module on the 2013-2017 Audi S8 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Two modules; memory positions lost on replacement. Massage/ventilation functions included.
Rear View Camera Control Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Trunk lid, integrated with camera
🔧 VCDS or Autel
⚠️ Calibration lines may need adjustment.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · 22V178000
2022-03-23 · PE21009
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Consequence: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD · 20V397000
2020-07-07
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Consequence: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 19V057000
2019-01-28
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Consequence: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 18V430000
2018-06-25
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 13V448000
2013-09-23
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
Consequence: Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
Performance
Horsepower
520hp
Torque
479lb-ft
0–60 mph
3.5sec
Quarter mile
11.9sec
Top speed
155mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
4,795lb
Wiper blades
D4 generation (2013-2018). Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Audi S8 4.0L Turbo V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.