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Audi · Sports Car · 2015–2023

Audi R8 4S

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.2 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

620 PS

5.2L V10 FSI Benzin

Daily usable and still a supercar

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

620 PS

5.2L V10 FSI Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Audi R8 4S is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Coupé
5 Engines 3× Good Choice
view Coupé →
Cabrio
5 Engines 3× Good Choice
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi R8 4S is available with 5 engine variants — from 540 to 620 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

5.2L V10 FSI · Benziner· 540 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
R8 V10 · Benziner· 549 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
R8 V10 Performance · Benziner· 620 PS Engine Change
2019 2023
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2019 2023
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
R8 V10 Plus · Benziner· 610 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
R8 V10 RWD · Benziner· 540 PS
2020 2023
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi 5.2L V10 FSI (Benziner, 540 PS) has the CSPB (5.2L V10 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi R8 V10 (Benziner, 549 PS) has the CSPB (5.2L V10 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi R8 V10 Performance (Benziner, 620 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CMSA (2019–2023, Good Choice) und DMWA (2019–2023, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the R8 V10 Performance!

The Audi R8 V10 Plus (Benziner, 610 PS) has the CMSA-449 (5.2L V10 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi R8 V10 RWD (Benziner, 540 PS) has the DKAB (5.2L V10 FSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Magnetic Ride Damper Failure — Gen 2

The Gen 2 R8 also has reports of failing Magnetic Ride dampers and the 'Damper Control Fault' warning. Cost: around €900 per damper plus fitting.

Symptoms: 'Damper Control Fault' message, suspension no longer switches between comfort and sport mode, harsh unsprung impacts
from 50,000 km
Ad shock absorber Magnetic Ride R8 4Sdamper R8 Gen2dampercontrol unit R8 4S
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
2 complaints · 2015–2023
Airbags
1 ⚠ 1
Other
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (1 complaints)
⚠ Other (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi R8 4S (2015–2023) — 30 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: CMSA (5.2L V10 FSI), DMWA (5.2L V10 FSI), DKAB (5.2L V10 FSI).

R8 (CSPB, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Chain Tensioner Pressure Loss (4 Timing Chains), Recall 34J1: Gearbox Oil Vent Hose Fire Risk (2018), S-Tronic Mechatronics / Clutch Pack Wear (Gen2). Power: 540 PS.

R8 (CSPB, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Chain Tensioner Pressure Loss (4 Timing Chains), Recall 34J1: Gearbox Oil Vent Hose Fire Risk (2018), S-Tronic Mechatronics / Clutch Pack Wear (Gen2). Power: 549 PS.

R8 (CMSA-449, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Chain Tensioner Pressure Loss (4 Timing Chains), Recall 34J1: Gearbox Oil Vent Hose Fire Risk (2018), S-Tronic Mechatronics / Clutch Pack Wear (Gen2). Power: 610 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi R8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi R8 4S have? +
The Audi R8 4S has 30 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi R8 4S? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: CMSA (5.2L V10 FSI), DMWA (5.2L V10 FSI), DKAB (5.2L V10 FSI). The most reliable engine is the DMWA (5.2L V10 FSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CMSA (5.2L V10 FSI).
Which Audi R8 4S engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi R8 4S. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi R8 4S engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi R8 4S — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Gen2 V10 with S-tronic: the R8 you can actually drive every day. The S-tronic is smooth where the R-tronic was clunky. 540 hp through every corner, relaxed and controlled.
Is the Audi R8 4S worth buying used? +
The Audi R8 4S is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi R8 4S? +
The Audi R8 4S is available with engine variants from 540 to 620 hp. Petrol: CSPB (5.2L V10 FSI), CMSA (5.2L V10 FSI), CMSA-449 (5.2L V10 FSI), DMWA (5.2L V10 FSI), DKAB (5.2L V10 FSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee