2021 Audi S8 Problems: 7 Known Issues
2021 model year · 580+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2021 Audi S8 has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure ($1,200-$4,500 repair), ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues ($2,500-$6,000 repair), 2020-Early 2021 S8 Coolant-Pump Leak - Diagnosis Required and 2020-2026 S8 Rearview/Top-View Camera Image May Not Display - Recall 25V900. The most commonly reported issue is Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure with 292 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi S8 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2021 Audi S8 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure, ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues, 2020-Early 2021 S8 Coolant-Pump Leak - Diagnosis Required. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Audi S8 reliable?
The 2021 Audi S8 has 7 known issues documented across 580+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure and ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues and 2020-Early 2021 S8 Coolant-Pump Leak - Diagnosis Required and 2020-2026 S8 Rearview/Top-View Camera Image May Not Display - Recall 25V900. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Audi S8 problems?
Repair costs for known Audi S8 issues range from $1,200 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure, typically costs $1,200-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2024 Audi S8 Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Point Failure?
The S8 full-size luxury sedan places extreme demands on the air suspension system. All four struts and the compressor commonly need replacement between 60,000-100,000 miles. The heavy curb weight accelerates bladder wear. Repairs typically run $1,200-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2024 Audi S8 ZF 8-Speed Torque Converter and Valve Body Issues?
The S8 high-torque application stresses the ZF 8HP torque converter and valve body. Shudder, delayed shifts, and harsh engagement develop as the converter clutch wears and valve body solenoids degrade. Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Audi S8 2020-Early 2021 S8 Coolant-Pump Leak - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2065040/4 covers 2020 S8 vehicles and 2021 S8 vehicles through VIN 012194 with the 4.0 TFSI when a coolant warning, overheating or coolant loss is present and workshop diagnosis identifies the coolant pump as the leak source. It does not validate the former 2013-2018 the… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Audi S8 2020-2026 S8 Rearview/Top-View Camera Image May Not Display - Recall 25V900?
NHTSA recall 25V900 / Audi 90TV covers certain 2020-2026 S8 vehicles. Software may not be robust enough to recover a camera communication failure, so the rearview or Top View image may fail during a driving cycle and reduce rear visibility. This record is limited to 90TV and does… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2024 Audi S8 2020-2024 S8 Air-Suspension Malfunction with J1135 Communication Fault - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2059363/4 covers an air-suspension malfunction on 2020-2024 S8 vehicles when the suspension controller stores C1260F0 for no communication with the compressor control unit or U112100 with symptom code 262400 for a missing message. The bulletin identifies the electrical p… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Audi S8 2020-2023 S8 High Oil Consumption and Updated Piston Rings - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2071114 applies to 2020-2023 S8 vehicles, and 2024 S8 vehicles in the VIN range 000000-006056, with the EA825 4.0L engine when the oil level is repeatedly low or measured consumption is excessive. Audi identifies a change to piston-ring geometry and an updated-ring produ… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2021 Audi S8 2020-Early 2021 S8 Front Lower Guide-Link Hydro-Bushing Noise - Diagnosis Required?
Audi TSB 2058489/8 covers 2020 S8 vehicles and 2021 S8 vehicles through VIN 028090 with squeaking, creaking or rumbling from the front over uneven roads, sometimes perceived in the footwell or behind the dashboard. The lower guide-link hydro-bushing can be the source, and Audi no… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.