Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Audi A8
With an overall Carivo score of 6.9/10, the 2016 Audi A8 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.9/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $67,564–$80,423, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A8 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Audi A8, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and safety scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2016 Audi A8 ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $67,564 starting price is about 144% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which A8 Year Should You Buy?
Across the A8 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Audi A8 (4 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
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.
Structure / Body / Hood 07/07/2020 · 20V397000
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.
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.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Audi A8 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Audi A8
Is the 2016 Audi A8 reliable?
We rate the 2016 Audi A8's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A8 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Audi A8 worth buying?
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #1118 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 15% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Audi A8 cost?
The 2016 Audi A8 starts at $67,564 and ranges up to $80,423 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which A8 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest A8 years we've rated are 2015 (6.8/10), 2017 (6.9/10), 2016 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Audi A8 have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Audi A8 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Structure, Engine and engine cooling (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi A8
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More Audi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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