Audi S8 D4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Audi S8 D4 (2012–2017) — EA824 (4.0 TFSI V8, 520/605 hp). The sleeper bargain: 520 hp flagship sometimes under ,000 — too good to be true, because maintenance costs match the original price.
Oil screen recall mandatory. Turbo damage: ,500–27,500. Air suspension from 100,000 km. Aluminium body: no rust but accident repairs extremely expensive.
2026 market: Early from ,500–22,000. Insider pick: Only buy with your own workshop or Audi specialist.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi S8 D4 is available with 2 engine variants — from 420 to 519 hp.
4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo with 309 kW — turbos sit between cylinder banks (hot-V layout), extreme heat stress. Recall 21H7 (April 2022, 76,098 vehicles): oil screen in turbo supply too fine-meshed, clogs from oil/carbon deposits → turbo bearing wears → turbine shaft breaks. Fix: coarser screen. Turbos wear from 60,000–80,000 km, repair in five-figure range. V8 timing chain stretches from 150,000–200,000 km. Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km due to direct injection and aluminium-silicon bore surfaces. Camshafts factory-paired to respective head — damage means pair replacement only, extremely expensive. 10 documented weaknesses. Oil every 10,000 km with 5W-30, never longlife. When buying used: check recall 21H7 first.
- !! Recall 21H7 — Oil Strainer Turbocharger Supply from 60,000 km
KBA recall (code 21H7) for S6 and RS6 built June 2012 to March 2017: the too-fine oil strainer restricts turbocharger lubrication. Replacement with a coarser-mesh strainer required. Without repair, turbo damage can result.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling turbo noise, engine check light; in advanced cases metallic swarf in oil - !! Timing Chain Stretch — V8 BiTurbo from 170,000 km
At high mileages (150,000–200,000 km) 4.0 TFSI engines show timing chain stretch, recognisable by camshaft synchronisation faults. Repair requires extensive engine work on the V8.
Symptoms: Idle fluctuations, camshaft synchronisation fault codes, rattling on cold start from the front timing drive - !! High-Pressure Fuel Pump — Wear from 140,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the 4.0 TFSI is a known wear component. Pressure loss causes injection problems and uneven combustion. Wear increases with long service intervals or poor fuel quality.
Symptoms: Rough running, injection noise, power loss at high rpm, cold-start problems
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo with 309 kW — turbos sit between cylinder banks (hot-V layout), extreme heat stress. Recall 21H7 (April 2022, 76,098 vehicles): oil screen in turbo supply too fine-meshed, clogs from oil/carbon deposits → turbo bearing wears → turbine shaft breaks. Fix: coarser screen. Turbos wear from 60,000–80,000 km, repair in five-figure range. V8 timing chain stretches from 150,000–200,000 km. Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km due to direct injection and aluminium-silicon bore surfaces. Camshafts factory-paired to respective head — damage means pair replacement only, extremely expensive. 10 documented weaknesses. Oil every 10,000 km with 5W-30, never longlife. When buying used: check recall 21H7 first.
- !! Recall 21H7 — Oil Strainer Turbocharger Supply from 60,000 km
KBA recall (code 21H7) for S6 and RS6 built June 2012 to March 2017: the too-fine oil strainer restricts turbocharger lubrication. Replacement with a coarser-mesh strainer required. Without repair, turbo damage can result.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling turbo noise, engine check light; in advanced cases metallic swarf in oil - !! Timing Chain Stretch — V8 BiTurbo from 170,000 km
At high mileages (150,000–200,000 km) 4.0 TFSI engines show timing chain stretch, recognisable by camshaft synchronisation faults. Repair requires extensive engine work on the V8.
Symptoms: Idle fluctuations, camshaft synchronisation fault codes, rattling on cold start from the front timing drive - !! High-Pressure Fuel Pump — Wear from 140,000 km
The high-pressure fuel pump on the 4.0 TFSI is a known wear component. Pressure loss causes injection problems and uneven combustion. Wear increases with long service intervals or poor fuel quality.
Symptoms: Rough running, injection noise, power loss at high rpm, cold-start problems
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Suspension: Compressor and Air Bellow Failure The AAS air suspension on the S8 D4 is a well-known money pit. Compressor (~€360 parts), air bellows (€350–900 each) and level sensors all fail from 100,000–150,000 km. Symptoms: Vehicle sags after parking, one or more corners sitting low, compressor running continuously, 'Adaptive Air Suspension' fault message from 120,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S8 D4 (2012–2018) — 10 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Gearbox.
S8 (CTGA, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Recall 21H7 — Oil Strainer Turbocharger Supply, Timing Chain Stretch — V8 BiTurbo, High-Pressure Fuel Pump — Wear. Power: 519 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi S8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S8 D4 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee