Audi A8 D4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
420–519 PS
4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin
520 hp sleeper — retiree sedan, supercar thrust
Fun to Drive!239–262 PS
3.0L TDI V6 Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi A8 D4 is available with 8 engine variants — from 204 to 519 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 204–262 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CDTA (2010–2013, Be Careful) und CASB (2010–2017, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!
The Audi 4.2L TDI V8 (Diesel, 351–385 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CDLA (2010–2017, Be Careful) und CTEC (2013–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 4.2L TDI V8!
The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner, 290–340 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CGWA (2010–2017, Be Careful) und CGXB (2013–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TFSI V6!
The Audi 4.0L TFSI V8 (Benziner, 420–435 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CEUB (2012–2017, Be Careful) und CEUA (2013–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 4.0L TFSI V8!
The Audi 4.2L FSI V8 (Benziner, 371 PS) has the CDRA (4.2L FSI V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi 6.0L W12 (Benziner, 450 PS) has the BHT (6.0L W12) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi 6.3L W12 (Benziner, 500 PS) has the CTGA-W12 (6.3L W12) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi S8 (Benziner, 520 PS) has the CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Suspension — Air Bellows and Compressor Defective The adaptive air suspension on the A8 D4 is a well-known money pit. Air bellows become porous, the compressor runs non-stop and overheats. Repairing all four corners costs several thousand euros. Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one side or completely, compressor runs continuously, air suspension defective warning, harsh ride from 130,000 km | High | |
| Air Suspension: Air Bellows Leaking, Compressor Defective Leaking air bellows cause the vehicle to sink and force the compressor into continuous operation until it fails. Front and rear are equally likely to be affected. Symptoms: Vehicle sags overnight, air suspension fault message, loud humming from compressor area from 120,000 km | High | |
| Front Control Arm Rubber Bushes Worn The rubber-metal bushes of the front control arms on the heavy A8 D3 show significant wear at high mileage. Symptoms: Banging and knocking at the front, vehicle pulls to one side under braking, steering wander from 160,000 km | High | |
| Worn Control Arm Rubber Bushes Front and rear control arm rubber bushes go soft with increasing mileage. The A8's considerable weight accelerates wear. Symptoms: Cracking noises over bumps, vehicle pulls to one side under braking, imprecise steering from 120,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 88 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A8 D4 (2010–2017) — 75 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CASB (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Other.
A8 (CDTA, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Rattle — V6 3.0 TDI, Defective Piezo Injectors, EGR Valve Blocked. Power: 204–211 PS.
A8 (CASB, 2010–2018) — Stay Away!: Complex Four-Chain Drive Stretched, Ring Land Fracture — High-Pressure Piston Failure, Swirl Flap Screw Comes Loose — Engine Damage. Power: 258–262 PS.
A8 (CDLA, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear V8 TDI (A8/Q7), Twin turbo failure and actuator defect, Injector failure. Power: 351 PS.
A8 (CTEC, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Piezo Injectors Failed, Timing Chain — 4.2 TDI V8 Complex, Bi-Turbo Bearing Wear. Power: 385 PS.
A8 (CGWA, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Internal Intercooler Leaking, Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start, Coolant Pump and Thermostat Failure. Power: 290 PS.
A8 (BHT, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Cooling system complex and prone to leaks, Oil consumption and engine damage with poor maintenance, Ignition coils fail (12 units). Power: 450 PS.
A8 (CTGA-W12, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: Catalytic Converter and Lambda Sensor Failure, Complex Cooling System, Overheating Risk, Ignition Coil Failures. Power: 500 PS.
A8 (CDRA, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Chain — Complex Clockwork with Expensive Repairs, Camshaft Adjusters — Oil-Sensitive in the Large V8, Elevated Oil Consumption — Often Noticed Late in the Luxury A8. Power: 371 PS.
A8 (CTGA, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Recall 21H7 — Oil Strainer Turbocharger Supply, Timing Chain Stretch — V8 BiTurbo, High-Pressure Fuel Pump — Wear. Power: 519 PS.
A8 (CEUB, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure from Blocked Oil Strainer, Camshaft Wear in the V8 TFSI, Timing Chain Wear. Power: 435 PS.
A8 (CGXB, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Internal Intercooler Leaking, Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start, Coolant Pump Failure. Power: 340 PS.
A8 (CEUA, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Recall 21H7 — Turbo Oil Strainer Clogged, Turbocharger Bearing Damage — 4.0 V8, Camshaft Scuffing. Power: 420 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi A8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee