Audi S8 Safety

The Audi S8 is a high-performance full-size luxury sedan pitched at buyers who want executive comfort without sacrificing serious driving dynamics. Slotting above the A8 in Audi's lineup, it pairs a powerful turbocharged engine with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and an interior loaded with advanced technology. Its audience is a narrow slice of affluent enthusiasts who expect both refinement and genuine performance from a four-door.

NHTSA did not crash-test the S8 for the 2020 or 2021 model years. This absence of data means no star ratings, no frontal or side barrier scores, and no pole test results are available to assess structural safety. For a sedan in its price bracket, this is a significant information gap in the public safety record. The federal data does show a recall count of 12 across these two model years. This figure is notable for a low-volume flagship sedan. Recalls vary in severity, from minor software updates to critical safety defects. Prospective buyers should consult specific NHTSA recall records for any S8 under consideration, verifying that all campaigns have been completed by a dealer. Owner complaints in the NHTSA database total just 1, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This extremely low complaint volume likely reflects the model's limited sales rather than a clean bill of health. The S8 carries a meaningful recall burden and lacks independent crash-test validation for these model years. Verify recall completion before purchase.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the S8 as one of the most accomplished performance sedans in its class, praising its blend of everyday luxury and effortless straight-line power. Most find the ride and interior quality exceptional, though they tend to note the price and complexity place it in a very exclusive and demanding ownership tier.