Audi A8
Biturbo V8 with 309 kW and cylinder deactivation. Powerful eight-cylinder with innovative COD technology to reduce fuel consumption. Complex and maintenance-intensive.
V8 BiTurbo — understatement with bite
420 hp V8 combines comfort with track potential. Perfect camouflage for genuine performance.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Recall (campaign 21H7, 26,093 vehicles): the oil strainer in the turbo oil supply clogs from oil/coke deposits. Insufficient lubrication of the turbo bearings can lead to turbo failure and engine shutdown.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall during driving, restart problems, engine warning light, rough idle
The twin turbos of the 4.0 TFSI can fail due to oil starvation (oil strainer issue) or general bearing wear. Turbo damage costs €8,000–11,000 at Audi, less at independent shops.
Symptoms: Significant power loss, whistling or grinding turbo noises, oil consumption rises sharply, smoke from exhaust
The V8 4.0 TFSI shows camshaft scuffing as a known pattern. The shafts are matched to the cylinder heads and cannot simply be swapped, making repairs labour-intensive.
Symptoms: Tapping noises from the valvetrain, rough running, power loss, increased oil consumption
The 4.0 TFSI V8 high-pressure pump can generate metal swarf through drive cam wear. Improved tappet rods available from 2017. Regular oil changes and proper drive cycles reduce the risk.
Symptoms: Starting problems, power loss, harsh injection, metallic clattering from the engine bay
The solenoid valve for the coolant valve on the 4.0 TFSI cylinder head can fail and lead to overheating. This is a known issue on this engine type and must be addressed promptly.
Symptoms: Temperature warning light, engine runs hot despite sufficient coolant, coolant loss with no visible leak
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
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.
The 4.2 TDI V8 in the A8 D4 has a timing chain that is prone to premature wear when neglected. A break causes severe engine damage. Replacement requires complete engine removal.
The 4.2 FSI V8 has four timing chains with phenolic resin guide rails that become brittle with age. Neglected oil changes risk chain skip.
Turbocharger bearings can wear and bring the turbine wheel into contact with the housing. Audi recalled around 26,000 vehicles in 2022.
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.
The MMI multimedia system stands out from 60,000–100,000 km with frozen screens and unresponsive controls. Multiple control modules can be affected.
The ZF 8-speed automatic shows harsh gear changes and gear selection problems at high mileage. Regular oil changes (every 80,000 km) are critical.
The MMI multimedia system is known for total failures caused by overvoltage damage after battery replacement or moisture damage to the Bluetooth control module.
The rubber-metal bushes of the front control arms on the heavy A8 D3 show significant wear at high mileage.
Front and rear control arm rubber bushes go soft with increasing mileage. The A8's considerable weight accelerates wear.
The 6-speed Tiptronic shows harsh gear changes at high mileage. A gearbox oil change often resolves the problem.
With increasing age the driver's side window regulator switch block on the A8 D3 frequently fails. The switch block must be completely removed for replacement. Pixel failures in the instrument cluster and screen faults are further typical age-related symptoms.
Almost all A8 D3s show worn and peeling soft-touch surfaces on light switches, trim panels and control knobs. The coating detaches in strips, leaving a sticky surface that is visually badly affected.
Reports & Tests
124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2017). Most reported: Engine (78), Other (13), Fuel System (12).