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Audi · Luxury · 2012–2018 Custom Search

Audi S8 D4

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi S8 D4 is available with 2 engine variants — from 420 to 519 hp.

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo · Petrol· 519 PS
2012 2017

Biturbo V8 with 309 kW for S6/S7 C7 and S8 D4. Detuned version of the RS V8 with cylinder deactivation. Comfortable and powerful at the same time.

  • !! 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
    0–500 $
    Ad oil strainer turbocharger 4.0 TFSIoil filter strainer S6 S7079115561
  • !! 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
    3,000–8,000 $
    Ad timing chain 4.0 TFSI V8079109158chain kit CTGA V8
  • !! 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
    800–2,500 $
    Ad high pressure pump 4.0 TFSI079127026fuel pump V8 CTGA

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

S8 · Petrol· 519 PS
2012 2017

Biturbo V8 with 309 kW for S6/S7 C7 and S8 D4. Detuned version of the RS V8 with cylinder deactivation. Comfortable and powerful at the same time.

  • !! 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
    0–500 $
    Ad oil strainer turbocharger 4.0 TFSIoil filter strainer S6 S7079115561
  • !! 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
    3,000–8,000 $
    Ad timing chain 4.0 TFSI V8079109158chain kit CTGA V8
  • !! 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
    800–2,500 $
    Ad high pressure pump 4.0 TFSI079127026fuel pump V8 CTGA

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
Ad air spring S8 D4 4H front rearsupercharger air suspension A8 D4 4G0616005Dlevel sensor A8 D4 4H
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
31 complaints · 2012–2018
  1. 01 Engine
    18
  2. 02 Other
    4
  3. 03 Powertrain
    3
  4. 04 Fuel System
    2
  5. 05 Engine & Cooling
    2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (18 complaints)
⚠ Other (4 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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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? +
The Audi S8 D4 has 10 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S8 D4? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo).
Which Audi S8 D4 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S8 D4 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Twin-turbo V8 in stealth mode — looks like a retiree's sedan, hits like a freight train at full throttle. Better power-to-weight than a 911 Carrera 4S. Cold start loud enough to set off car alarms. A bargain used, as long as air suspension and turbo lines hold up.
Is the Audi S8 D4 worth buying used? +
The Audi S8 D4 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S8 D4? +
The Audi S8 D4 is available with engine variants from 420 to 519 hp. Petrol: CTGA (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee