DecodedCars2016 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.3L 12-cyl
- Horsepower
- 333–450 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 202–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,376–4,806 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2016 large car (21.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 32% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 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 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 A8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 A8 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2016 A8 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 202 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 | 202 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,531 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,586 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 | 4,806 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 | +32% | $3,400 | 360 |
| A8 L | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 410 |
| A8 L | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 397 |
| A8 L | 6.3L 12-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -25% | $5,150 | 553 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Audi A8.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A8 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
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 › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Not every 2016 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →