Audi A8
D5 (2018–present)
The A8 is Audi’s flagship luxury sedan. 2013–2015 3rd-gen cars are the ones to avoid for twin-turbo oil strainer failures that can stall the engine — earlier and later windows are far safer.
- ReliabilityMixedYear-dependent
- Ownership cost$$$$Flagship luxury
- Insurance$$$Higher
- Repair difficultyHardComplex systems
- Typical lifespanLong if maintainedPPI critical
Generations
- D21994–2002
- D32003–2010
- D42011–2017
- D52018–presentCurrent
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2013, 2014, 2015
- Best years
- 2006, 2009, 2020, 2021
- Best powertrain
- Post-recall D5 / strong D3 years
- Avoid risk
- Twin-turbo oil strainer stall
- Recommended tire
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Must check
- Recall 22V-178 + oil service
Years to avoid
Skip 2013–2015 for twin-turbo oil strainer failures and high repair costs. Prefer 2006, 2009, or 2020–2021 after confirming oil-strainer and related campaigns are closed on 2013–2017 cars.
- Drivetrainquattro AWD common
- SegmentFull-size luxury
Engines
Which powertrains hold up — and which to walk away from.
- Avoid early years
4.0T V8 (D4)
2013–2017
Powerful but oil-strainer failures can starve turbos and stall the engine — confirm recall/repair status.
- Stronger late window
Later D5 powertrains
2018–present
2020–2021 rank among the best used A8 years in the guide.
Transmissions
- Solid
8-speed automatic
Most modern years
Generally robust when serviced — focus PPI on engine oil history and electronics.
Ownership metrics
- Top failure theme
- Oil strainer / turbos3rd-gen 4.0T cluster.
- Safer window
- 2006, 2009, 2020–2021Best years in the guide.
- Ownership cost
- Flagship highBudget for air suspension and electronics.
- Must check
- Oil service + recallsEspecially 2013–2017.
Factory tire sizes
| Size | Years / trims | Best all-season | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 255/45R19 | Common OE Many mid trims |  Performance all-season pick for A8 daily luxury miles. | Live prices |
| 265/40R20 | Higher packages Large-wheel options | Performance all-season pick for A8 daily luxury miles. | Live prices |
Recommended tires
Recalls
Twin-turbo oil strainer / engine stall
2013–2017
Confirm oil-strainer related campaigns and repairs closed by VIN.
Check recalls
Maintenance
| Interval | Service |
|---|---|
| Pre-purchase | Confirm oil-strainer / turbo campaigns closed Critical on 2013–2017. |
| Pre-purchase | Compression / oil analysis + PPI Look for turbo starvation symptoms. |
| Per schedule | Oil changes with correct spec Non-negotiable on 4.0T. |
| Per schedule | Air suspension inspection |
Should you buy one?
Buy 2006, 2009, or 2020–2021. Skip 2013–2015 unless strainer work is documented and priced in.