The 2014 S8 with the 4.0T twin-turbo V8 is a complex performance sedan with catastrophic engine failure tendencies due to cold-start carbon buildup on cylinder walls, leading to scored bores and complete rebuilds. When they run right, they're phenomenal, but catastrophic failures make ownership a high-stakes gamble.
Cold-Start Piston Scuffing and Cylinder Scoring (Engine Failure)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start that clears after warmup, Rough idle when cold, Metallic rattling noise first 30 seconds after startup, Rising oil consumption (quart per 500-1000 miles), Eventually rough running at all temps and check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Carbon buildup on intake valves and piston ring lands causes inadequate ring seal during cold starts, leading to bore scoring. Engine rebuild or replacement required. 40-60 hours labor for complete rebuild with machining, or 25-35 hours for short block swap. Many owners opt for used engine replacement to cut costs. This is THE fatal flaw of the 4.0T platform.
Estimated cost: $18,000-28,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks and Trans Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Red transmission fluid pooling under car, Excessive vibration in Drive at idle, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Transmission overheat warning on spirited drives
Fix: Oil cooler develops external leaks at crimped seams; trans mount delaminates from heat and torque. Cooler replacement is 4-6 hours (must drop subframe partially), mount is 3-4 hours. Often done together since access overlaps. Use OE cooler only; aftermarket units fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, Hesitation on acceleration, Misfires under load, Reduced power and MPG, Long crank time when starting
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel washing over valves. Carbon accumulates heavily. Walnut blasting required every 50-60k miles. 6-8 hours labor to remove intake manifold, blast all eight ports, clean throttle bodies. This is preventive maintenance on this platform, not a 'maybe.' Catch-can systems help but don't eliminate the issue.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling from engine bay on cold start (sounds like loose heat shield), Overboosting or underboosting codes, Reduced power and limp mode, Turbo whistle changes pitch or becomes louder
Fix: Wastegate actuator arms wear and rattle, eventually sticking open or closed. Turbo replacement required; rebuilds don't hold up. 12-16 hours per side if doing one, but labor doesn't double for both—about 20-24 hours total. Replace both if one fails over 100k miles. Recall covered some early wastegate issues but not wear-related failures.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Air Suspension Compressor and Strut Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Vehicle sits low after sitting overnight, Compressor runs constantly, Suspension fault warning, One corner sags, Harsh ride quality
Fix: Compressor wears out from cycling; struts leak from cracked air bladders. Compressor replacement is 3-4 hours, single strut is 2-3 hours. Converting to coilover setup costs about the same as fixing OE once but eliminates future air suspension headaches. Many owners go conversion route around 100k miles.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500
Fuel Line Recall and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Leaks
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Strong fuel smell in cabin or near engine, Fuel puddles under car, Rough running or no-start, Fuel pressure codes
Fix: NHTSA recall for fuel line fittings that can crack and leak (fire risk). Also, high-pressure pumps on 4.0T develop internal and external leaks. Pump replacement is 8-10 hours (engine partially out or major disassembly). Check recall completion status before purchase. Fuel smell is never normal—diagnose immediately.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Owner tips
Budget $2,000/year minimum for the inevitable repairs—carbon cleaning at 50-60k is non-negotiable maintenance
Pre-purchase inspection MUST include compression and leakdown tests on all cylinders plus borescope inspection for scoring
Avoid cars with incomplete service records or those that saw short trips and cold starts predominantly
Extended warmup (30-60 seconds at idle before driving) and quality oil (0W-40 meeting VW 502.00 spec) every 5k miles may delay but won't prevent carbon issues
If buying over 60k miles, assume you're inheriting a ticking time bomb—price accordingly or walk away
Only buy if you've got $20k set aside for an engine rebuild or you're getting the car cheap enough to justify the risk—this platform's engine issues are deal-breakers for most rational buyers.
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
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
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
481lb-ft
0–60 mph
3.7sec
Quarter mile
12.0sec
Top speed
155mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
15mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
18mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
4,685lb
EPA class
Midsize Cars
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 2014 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.