2021 Audi S8 Safety Report

2021 Audi S8 faces numerous safety recalls despite minimal consumer complaints and unrated crash tests.

1Complaints
8Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi S8

The 2021 Audi S8 presents a mixed safety picture. While NHTSA has not conducted crash tests for this specific model, indicating no official safety ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are N/A), the vehicle has been subject to a significant number of recalls. There are 8 recalls issued for the 2021 S8, which is a high number for a single model year. These recalls address critical safety components, including multiple issues with the rearview camera system, instrument panel display, rear axle alignment, seat belt retractors, and the engine control module. Complaint data for the 2021 Audi S8 is extremely low, with only 1 total complaint reported to NHTSA. This single complaint references an electrical system and battery malfunction, leading to multiple warning lights and advice not to drive the vehicle. This aligns with one of the top complaint components, 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM', which is listed alongside 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE'. The low complaint volume, with 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported, suggests that while there are identified manufacturing defects leading to recalls, these issues have not yet translated into a high volume of consumer-reported incidents or severe outcomes. The recall history is a primary concern. Multiple recalls relate to the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' and 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION', indicating persistent issues with the rearview camera not displaying, which significantly increases crash risk. Other critical recalls include 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL' for a display failure, 'SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY' and 'TIRES' for rear axle misalignment potentially causing loss of control, and 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)' for potential engine stalling. The 'SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR' recall also poses a serious risk for child safety. These widespread issues across various critical systems highlight potential manufacturing quality control challenges. In summary, despite the lack of crash test ratings and very low complaint volume, the extensive recall list for the 2021 Audi S8 points to several significant safety-related defects that could increase the risk of a crash or injury if not addressed. Owners should ensure all recall remedies have been completed.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Audi S8 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Audi S8

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi S8:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Multiple recalls (BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION) indicate a software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing driver's view and increasing crash risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Instrument Panel Display Failure
A recall (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL) notes a software error can cause the instrument panel to fail, obscuring critical safety information like speedometer or warning lights, increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Rear Axle Misalignment
Recalls (TIRES, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) indicate issues like a broken lock nut or misalignment can cause premature tire wear or loss of control, increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Engine Control Module Malfunction/Stall
A recall (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)) warns that a missing sealing pin can allow moisture into the ECM, potentially causing the engine to stall and increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Rear Seat Belt Retractor Malfunction
A recall (SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR) identifies that the rear seat belt retractors may not properly lock, increasing the risk of injury for child restraint systems during a crash.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System/Battery Malfunction
One consumer complaint reported multiple warning lights for electrical system & battery malfunction, advising not to drive the vehicle.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Audi S8:

Power Train 33% of complaints

Listed as a top complaint component, though only 1 total complaint exists, suggesting potential underlying issues not widely reported.

Electrical System 33% of complaints

Listed as a top complaint component, with the single reported complaint detailing an electrical system and battery malfunction. Also related to instrument cluster and rearview camera recalls.

Engine 33% of complaints

Listed as a top complaint component, and directly related to a recall concerning the engine control module potentially causing engine stall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi S8

Is the 2021 Audi S8 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Audi S8 has not been crash tested, so official safety ratings are unavailable. However, it has 8 safety recalls addressing critical issues like rearview camera failure, instrument panel malfunction, rear axle misalignment, and potential engine stalling. While only 1 consumer complaint has been filed, these recalls indicate significant safety concerns that require attention.

What are common problems with the 2021 Audi S8?

The most reported issues, based on recall data, include multiple problems with the rearview camera system not displaying, instrument panel failures, rear axle misalignment, and a risk of engine stalling due to an engine control module defect. The single consumer complaint also highlighted an electrical system and battery malfunction.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi S8 have?

The 2021 Audi S8 has 8 safety recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls cover various critical components such as the rearview camera, instrument cluster, rear axle, seat belts, and engine control module.

Are there any issues with the rearview camera on the 2021 Audi S8?

Yes, there are multiple recalls related to the rearview camera system on the 2021 Audi S8. These recalls (BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION) indicate software errors that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, significantly reducing rear visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Does the 2021 Audi S8 have engine problems?

Yes, the 2021 Audi S8 has a recall (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)) concerning a missing sealing pin in the engine control module connector. This can allow moisture to enter, potentially causing the engine control module to malfunction and the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers of a 2021 Audi S8 should prioritize verifying that all 8 outstanding safety recalls have been completed by an authorized dealer, and be aware of potential electrical or engine-related issues despite the low complaint volume.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi S8

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi S8. The data includes 1 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.