DecodedCars2014 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Qu
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.3L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 201.6–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,376–4,773 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2014 large car (20.8 MPG).
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Audi A8 is a large car offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 6.3L 12-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 36 highway), 35% better than the 2014 large car average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2014
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 28
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 A8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,376 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,531 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,409 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Qu | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,630 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,773 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 L Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 36 / 28 | +35% | $3,400 | 360 |
| A8 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 28 / 21 | -18% | $3,900 | 424 |
| A8 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -18% | $3,900 | 420 |
| A8 L | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +1% | $3,900 | 420 |
| A8 L | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -9% | $4,350 | 460 |
| A8 L | 6.3L 12-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 585 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Audi A8.
Similar 2014 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Audi A8 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 BMW 7 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · 26,093 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
- Risk
- Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Structure › Body › Hood · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · 12,964 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
- Risk
- If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jan 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V057000 · 8,985 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
- Risk
- Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V430000 · 6,633 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Sep 23, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V448000 · 1,120 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
- Risk
- Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
Not every 2014 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Visibility/Wiper — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,534 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →