Air suspension (Airmatic)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Car sits low, compressor runs long
Fix: Replace strut / compressor
€700–2,200
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Audi A8 (D4)
2010–2017
3
engines covered
9
known faults
6,036
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
7
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Audi A8 (D4) was built from 2010 to 2017.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 9 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Turbo oil strainer clogging → turbo failure (4.0 TFSI, to 2016): it usually appears at 80,000–180,000 km and costs €1,500–8,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: tyres and wheels (4.5 %), brakes (2.5 %), lights, wipers and visibility (1.9 %). It fails less often than average on: brakes, suspension, tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6 | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~6.0–8.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| 4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo (Audi / Porsche / Bentley) | Petrol | Chain | 0W-30 / 5W-30 · VW 502.00 / 504.00 · ~8.3–9.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 · VW 504.00 · ~6.8 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Faults by engine
2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6
Timing chain wear
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle at rear of engine
Fix: Replace chains (gearbox off)
€3,000–5,000
EGR / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€400–1,800
4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo (Audi / Porsche / Bentley)
Turbo oil strainer clogging → turbo failure (4.0 TFSI, to 2016)
usually 80,000–180,000 km · High risk
model years 2012–2016 only
Signs: Loss of power, blue smoke, whine from the turbos
Fix: Replace the oil strainer and feed lines preventively; replace the turbos if they are damaged
€1,500–8,000
Oil separator (PCV) failure
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Whistling, rough idle, rising oil consumption
Fix: Replace the oil separator
€300–800
3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837)
Water pump and thermostat leak (3.0 TFSI)
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant pooling in the engine valley
Fix: Replace the water pump and thermostat (they sit under the supercharger)
€600–1,400
Oil separator (PCV) failure
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Whistling, rough idle, rising oil consumption
Fix: Replace the oil separator
€300–800
Carbon build-up on intake valves
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, misfires (direct injection)
Fix: Walnut blasting
€300–600
Timing chain tensioners (3.0 TFSI, to 2012)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2008–2012 only
Signs: Rattle on a cold start that gets longer over time
Fix: Replace the chains and tensioners (the engine or gearbox has to come out)
€2,500–5,000
Gearboxes
Automatic (Aisin / ZF Tiptronic)
Torque converter / valve body
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
€300–2,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6 engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Transfer case / rear differential oilTransmission | every 80,000 km | €60–160 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Automatic transmission fluidTransmission | every 90,000 km | €200–450 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 6,036 tests.
| thousand km | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.0 % | 2.5 % | 2.6 % | 2.3 % | 3.0 % |
| Suspension | 0.4 % | 1.5 % | 1.4 % | 2.8 % | 2.5 % |
| Steering | 0.0 % | 0.1 % | 0.6 % | 0.2 % | 0.3 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.2 % | 4.5 % | 5.2 % | 4.7 % | 5.1 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 1.1 % | 1.9 % | 3.5 % | 4.4 % | 4.8 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.3 % | 0.6 % | 0.7 % | 1.5 % | 1.1 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.7 % | 1.4 % | 2.2 % | 1.5 % | 1.6 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 24,677, of which 20 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V63.0 (2,967 cm³) · 184 kW (250 hp) · Diesel | 21.2 % | 2011–2016 | — | — |
| 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V63.0 (2,967 cm³) · 190 kW (258 hp) · Diesel | 19.0 % | 2013–2016 | — | — |
| 4.1 Diesel4.1 (4,134 cm³) · 283 kW (385 hp) · Diesel | 16.5 % | 2013–2016 | — | — |
| 4.1 Diesel4.1 (4,134 cm³) · 258 kW (351 hp) · Diesel | 12.9 % | 2011–2016 | — | — |
| 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V63.0 (2,967 cm³) · 193 kW (262 hp) · Diesel | 11.0 % | 2015–2016 | — | — |
| 2.7 / 3.0 TDI V63.0 (2,967 cm³) · Diesel | 7.6 % | 2011–2016 | — | — |
| 4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo (Audi / Porsche / Bentley)4.0 (3,993 cm³) · 320 kW (435 hp) · Petrol | 2.2 % | 2013–2016 | — | — |
| 4.1 Diesel4.1 (4,134 cm³) · Diesel | 1.4 % | 2011–2016 | — | — |
| 4.2 Petrol4.2 (4,163 cm³) · 273 kW (371 hp) · Petrol | 1.4 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 82 complaints.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- High voltage / charging The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small04/05/2022 · R/2022/132
- Engine / loss of power The engine compartment seal may become deformed and loose09/10/2020 · R/2020/287
- Steering Fluid may leak out of the return hose for the hydraulic power steering24/01/2020 · R/2020/114
- Fuel system Fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails18/03/2019 · R/2019/099
- Airbag Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident20/02/2017 · R/2017/078
- Fuel system Fuel may leak20/04/2015 · R/2015/031
- Doors / locks / lids Glass sunroof may unexpectedly break07/10/2013 · R/2013/113
Common questions
Does the Audi A8 (D4) have a timing chain or a timing belt?
2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6: chain; 4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbo (Audi / Porsche / Bentley): chain; 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837): chain.
What are the known problems with the Audi A8 (D4)?
The faults with the highest risk: turbo oil strainer clogging → turbo failure (4.0 TFSI, to 2016) (80,000–180,000 km, €1,500–8,000); timing chain wear (150,000–250,000 km, €3,000–5,000); timing chain tensioners (3.0 TFSI, to 2012) (100,000–200,000 km, €2,500–5,000); air suspension (Airmatic) (100,000–200,000 km, €700–2,200). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Audi A8 (D4) most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: tyres and wheels (4.5 %), brakes (2.5 %), lights, wipers and visibility (1.9 %). It fails less often than average on: brakes, suspension, tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
What should you check when buying a used Audi A8 (D4)?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (7 have been published for this model). On the test drive, watch for these signs: loss of power, blue smoke, whine from the turbos; rattle at rear of engine. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Audi A1 (GB) 2018–Audi A2 1999–2005Audi A3 (8L) 1996–2003Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012Audi A3 (8V) 2012–2020Audi A3 (8Y) 2020–Audi A4 (B5) 1994–2001Audi A4 (B6) 2000–2004Audi A4 (B7) 2004–2008Audi A4 (B8) 2007–2015Audi A4 (B9) 2015–2024Audi A5 (8T) 2007–2016Audi A5 (F5) 2016–2024Audi A6 (C5) 1997–2004Audi A6 (C6) 2004–2011Audi A6 (C7) 2011–2018Audi A6 (C8) 2018–Audi A7 (4G) 2010–2018Audi A7 (4K) 2018–Audi A8 (D3) 2002–2010Audi A8 (D5) 2017–Audi A5 (B10) 2024–
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Audi Q5 (8R) 2008–2017Audi Q7 (4M) 2015–Audi Q7 (4L) 2006–2015Porsche Cayenne (958 / 9Y0) 2010–Porsche Macan 2014–Volkswagen Touareg II 2010–2018Porsche Panamera 2009–Volkswagen Amarok I 2010–2022
Other Audi models
Audi Q3 (8U) 2011–2018Audi TT (8J / FV) 2006–2023Audi RS 3 (8V) 2015–2020Audi Q2 2016–Audi Q5 (FY) 2017–
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026