CarBrief

NHTSA has 18 owner complaints for the 2014 Audi A8, and the engine texts we read describe stalls and turbo failures[1][2]. Recalls include one for a turbocharger oil strainer[3].

18owner complaints[1]
5recalls[4]
15–28MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA for the 2014 A8[1]. None of them mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

The engine is the biggest group by a wide margin. 12 complaints name it, and the median mileage at failure is 57,534[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the car stalling or losing power while driving, often on a highway, and then not restarting. Several of the texts say a dealer found a failed turbocharger[2]. We did not count anything beyond that small sample, so it does not tell you how often it happens.

The other groups are small:

The steering complaints we read describe losing steering help after the engine stalled[8]. The fuel/propulsion texts overlap with the engine ones. They mention a turbo stall, a worry about the oil strainer and metal debris in the fuel system[6]. Two of the forward collision avoidance texts we read describe a broken front camera that left safety features not working[9].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they are best used to compare years of the same model.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 A8[4]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

The EPA lists six ratings for the 2014 A8[5][17][18][19][20][21]. All are all-wheel drive with an automatic (S8)[5]. Fuel economy depends a lot on the engine.

Engine City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
A8 L, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel[5] 24 / 36 / 28 $3,400
A8, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, premium[17] 17 / 28 / 21 $3,900
A8, 3.0L 6-cyl, premium[18] 18 / 28 / 21 $3,900
A8 L, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, premium[19] 16 / 26 / 19 $4,350
A8 L, 3.0L 6-cyl, premium[20] 18 / 28 / 21 $3,900
A8 L, 6.3L 12-cyl, premium[21] 13 / 20 / 15 $5,500

The diesel is the most economical at 28 combined MPG[5]. The 6.3L 12-cylinder is the thirstiest at 15 combined MPG[21]. EPA fuel costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 4-door all-wheel drive 2014 A8 show "not rated"[22]. That means there is no star score to compare.

Engine and size

The EPA Test Car List shows three power ratings for the 2014 A8: 240 hp for a car with an electric motor (3.0L), 333 hp for the 3.0L 6-cylinder and 420 hp for the 4.0L 8-cylinder[23][24][25].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so they can differ slightly from US cars.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
A8 3.0 TFSI Quattro[26] 202 in 77 in 57 in 118 in 4,376 lb
A8 4.0 TFSI Quattro / 3.0 TDI Quattro[27] 202 in 77 in 57 in 118 in 4,530 lb
A8L LWB 3.0 TFSI Quattro[28] 207 in 77 in 57 in 123 in 4,409 lb
A8L LWB 4.2 TFSI Quattro / 3.0 TDI[29] 207 in 77 in 57 in 123 in 4,630 lb
A8L LWB W12 6.3 FSI Quattro[30] 207 in 77 in 57 in 123 in 4,773 lb

The A8L variants are 5 inches longer overall than the standard A8 and have a wheelbase 5 inches longer[26][28].

How 2014 compares with other years

1997: 10 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 4 complaints, 3 recalls1999: 9 complaints, 4 recalls2000: 3 complaints, 2 recalls20002001: 6 complaints, 2 recalls2002: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2003: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 20 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 6 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 6 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 5 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2011: 15 complaints, 1 recalls2012: 11 complaints, 1 recalls20122013: 49 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 18 complaints, 5 recalls1820142015: 31 complaints, 5 recalls20152016: 11 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 8 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 14 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 3 complaints, 5 recalls2021: 6 complaints, 10 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each A8 model year. The 2014 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1997102
199843
199994
200032
200162
200211
200331
2004201
200561
200662
200742
200881
200951
201011
2011151
2012111
2013496
2014185
2015315
2016114
201783
2019143
202035
2021610

NHTSA counts 18 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2014 A8[4]. Among all A8 model years on file, only three have more complaints: 2013 with 49, 2015 with 31 and 2004 with 20[4]. For recalls, 2014 ties with 2015 and 2020 at 5[4]. Only 2021 with 10 and 2013 with 6 have more[4].

The neighbors look similar or worse. The 2013 model has 49 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2015 has 31 complaints and 5 recalls[4]. These counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2014 Audi A8?

None of the 18 complaints mention a crash, fire or injury[1]. But the engine accounts for 12 of them, and the engine texts we read describe sudden stalls and turbo failures[2]. Five recalls apply, including two fuel line recalls with a fire risk[4][14][15] and one for the turbo oil strainer, which links to the stall risk[3]. If you are looking at one, ask for proof that every recall was done. Ask for the engine service history too.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Audi A8?
Of 18 NHTSA complaints, 12 name the engine[1][2]. In the sample of texts we read, owners describe stalling and turbo failure[2].
Does the 2014 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 5: turbo oil strainer (22V178), engine compartment seal (20V397), fuel supply line (19V057 and 18V430) and sunroof glass (13V448)[3][13][14][15][16].
What is the gas mileage of a 2014 Audi A8?
EPA combined ratings range from 15 MPG for the 6.3L 12-cylinder to 28 MPG for the 3.0L diesel[21][5]. The 4.0L 8-cylinder is rated 21 combined in the A8 and 19 in the A8 L[17][19].
How does the 2014 A8 compare with other model years?
It has 18 complaints, fewer than 2013 (49) and 2015 (31), and 5 recalls[4].
How many horsepower does a 2014 Audi A8 have?
The EPA Test Car List shows 333 hp for the 3.0L 6-cylinder and 420 hp for the 4.0L 8-cylinder[24][25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Audi A8 (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,534). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V178, filed March 23, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi A8 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for A8 L, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 36 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 2 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 2 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 20V397, filed July 7, 2020: Structure › Body › Hood. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 19V057, filed January 28, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V430, filed June 25, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 13V448, filed September 23, 2013: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for A8, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for A8, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for A8 L, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for A8 L, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for A8 L, 6.3L 12-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 20 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Audi A8 with electric motor: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Audi A8 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 333 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Audi A8 with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 420 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A8 4DR SEDAN 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 202 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,376 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A8 4DR SEDAN 4.0 TFSI QUATTRO/3.0 TDI QUATTRO: length 202 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,530 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A8L 4DR SEDAN LWB 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 207 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 123 in, curb weight 4,409 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A8L 4DR SEDAN LWB 4.2 TFSI QUATTRO/3.0 TDI QU: length 207 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 123 in, curb weight 4,630 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, A8L 4DR SEDAN LWB W12 6.3 FSI QUATTRO: length 207 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 123 in, curb weight 4,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.