Recall 20V397 affects 12,964 2013-2018 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles for an engine-compartment seal that can loosen. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 12,964 2013-2018 A8 and S8 vehicles under recall 20V397 because the seal around the engine compartment can loosen and contact hot engine components. If the seal touches those components, the fire risk increases, and Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2013-2018 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles, the engine compartment seal sits around the engine cover area under the hood. Its job is to stay fitted in place while the engine bay heats and cools, helping keep the cover area closed off from nearby hot components.
The seal has a wire profile inside it that helps it hold shape. Over the vehicle's life, strong temperature changes in the engine compartment can deform that wire and loosen the seal's fit. In unfavorable conditions, the seal can move out of position and touch hot engine parts.
An owner can see the warning sign with the hood open. The seal is no longer sitting in the correct position around the engine compartment cover.
Who's affected?
Covers both A8 and S8 sedans across 2013-2018, with the hood listed under body structure for each year and model.
| 2015 Audi A8 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A8 | body structure |
| 2014 Audi A8 | body structure |
| 2013 Audi S8 | body structure |
| 2015 Audi S8 | body structure |
| 2018 Audi S8 | body structure |
| 2017 Audi S8 | body structure |
| 2018 Audi A8 | body structure |
| 2017 Audi A8 | body structure |
| 2013 Audi A8 | body structure |
| 2016 Audi S8 | body structure |
| 2014 Audi S8 | body structure |
| Units affected | 12,964 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a loose engine compartment seal touches hot engine parts, fire risk increases. When the hood is open, an out-of-position seal is visible; treat that as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Audi A8 or S8 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free retaining-plate repair that keeps the engine compartment seal away from hot engine parts.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V397 when you call.
- Ask Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 if the dealer cannot find the recall or appointment timing is unclear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician installs a retaining plate that keeps the engine compartment seal from loosening and reaching hot engine parts. The recall repair is available now, and the parts and labor are free. Audi offers a reimbursement program for this recall. If you already paid for a related engine compartment seal repair, ask Audi customer service or the dealer service desk what documentation Audi needs for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 7, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 4, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 4, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 4, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 4, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 4, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V397?
Recall 20V397 covers 12,964 2013-2018 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles with an engine compartment seal that can loosen and touch hot engine components. If that happens, the risk of fire increases. Audi dealers will install a retaining plate for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Audi A8 or S8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V397. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the retaining-plate installation. Reference recall number 20V397 and Audi recall number 51G6 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers will install the retaining plate free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The engine compartment seal can come loose and contact hot engine components, which increases the risk of a fire. Until the repair is complete, confirm your VIN and ask the Audi dealer for service guidance tied to recall 20V397.
What if I bought my Audi A8 or S8 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013-2018 Audi A8 or S8 is included, then call an Audi dealer with recall number 20V397.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V397000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V397 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V397000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →