2016 Audi S8 Problems

Good Record

The 2016 Audi S8 has a low complaint count but notable brake and steering issues to consider. Based on 6 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.

older3 years2017

Before you buy

This 2016 Audi S8 has 6 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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6
Complaints
—
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Injuries
—
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2016 Audi S8 Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2016 Audi S8.

15
MPG City
25
MPG Hwy
18
MPG Combined
484
g CO₂/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $10,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2016 Audi S8 Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
✓Stability Control: Standard○Forward Collision Warning: Optional○Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

AUDI S8 2016 has 6 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Brake system issues lead with 2 complaints, while steering, transmission, suspension, and stability control each have 1. No crash complaints were reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2016 Audi S8 — key reliability facts
Make
Audi
Model
S8
Model year
2016
NHTSA owner complaints
6
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Brake System
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
18
EPA MPG city / highway
15 / 25
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Common problems

Most common 2016 Audi S8 problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
2
complaints

Brake System

#2
1
complaints

Steering Defects

#3
1
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2016 Audi S8?

The 2016 Audi S8 is worth considering for buyers who prioritize performance and luxury, but pre-purchase inspection should focus on brake and steering components. The low complaint count is reassuring, but the 3 recalls require verification.

Brake and steering issues can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers seeking a high-performance luxury sedan who are willing to perform thorough due diligence on known issues.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers wanting a worry-free ownership experience with minimal service requirements may want to avoid this year.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2016 Audi S8

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect brake system for any signs of malfunction or wear.
  • Check steering components for responsiveness and unusual noises.
  • Verify transmission and drivetrain operation during test drive.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect brake system for any signs of malfunction or wear.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2016 Audi S8, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Audi S8 has 6 total complaints and 3 recalls. Brake system issues account for 2 complaints, while steering defects, transmission/drivetrain, suspension failures, and electronic stability control each have 1 complaint. With no crash-related complaints, the data suggests a generally reliable vehicle but with specific areas to inspect. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: With only 6 complaints across one model year, the 2016 S8 shows fewer complaints than some other luxury performance sedans in the same period.

Recall context: The 3 recalls indicate that verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase.

Key Findings
  • Brake system complaints total 2, the highest among all components.
  • Steering defects account for 1 complaint.
  • Transmission/drivetrain issues account for 1 complaint.
Top Concerns
  • Brake system issues reported in 2 complaints.
  • Steering defects reported in 1 complaint.
  • Transmission/drivetrain issues reported in 1 complaint.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low complaint count (6) may not reflect the full ownership experience.

Full breakdown

All 2016 Audi S8 complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S8. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System2———
Steering Defects1———
Transmission / Drivetrain1———
Suspension Failures1———
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1———
Uncategorized Issues1———

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Audi S8. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 6 most recent complaints

Steering DefectsNov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Suspension FailuresNov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Nov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Uncategorized IssuesNov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Brake SystemNov 24, 2019

I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE IF THE TWO (ACCIDENT/…

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Audi S8.

Safety recalls

2016 Audi S8 recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Audi S8. The 3 recalls indicate that verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#19V057000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS28/01/2019
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

#20V397000STRUCTURE:BODY:HOODJul 7, 2020
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

#22V178000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER23/03/2022

Across model years

Compare Audi S8 model years

With only 6 complaints across one model year, the 2016 S8 shows fewer complaints than some other luxury performance sedans in the same period.

202320172016

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

All Audi reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

Questions

2016 Audi S8 buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2016 Audi S8 reliable?▾

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 6 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Audi S8 is worth considering for buyers who prioritize performance and luxury, but pre-purchase inspection should focus on brake and steering components. The low complaint count is reassuring, but the 3 recalls require verification. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi S8?▾

#1: Brake System (2 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (1 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Audi S8?▾

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Audi S8?▾

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Audi S8, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 6 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Audi S8 have any recalls?▾

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Audi S8. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. The 3 recalls indicate that verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2016 Audi S8?▾

The 2016 Audi S8 is worth considering for buyers who prioritize performance and luxury, but pre-purchase inspection should focus on brake and steering components. The low complaint count is reassuring, but the 3 recalls require verification. Brake and steering issues can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Audi S8 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2016 Audi S8 based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.