vinkodex.

Audi A8 4.0 TFSI quattro common faults.

2013–2017, saloon, petrol, 435 HP.

The fault list covers: CTGA engine, AL551 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 4 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

4.0 TFSI V8: the membrane of the crankcase breather module lets pressure through

expensive

The crankcase breather module keeps the pressure inside the engine at the right level with a membrane. On this V8 the membrane lets pressure through, and from then on the intake draws air and oil vapour out of the engine without regulation. The audible sign is a metallic whistling or grinding noise from the engine bay at idle, which typically only comes when the engine is warm, while the engine warning light is sporadically on. The engine control unit stores P2279 for an intake system leak and P0507 for a raised idle. The oil reaching the intake increases oil consumption, gives blue smoke under load, and leaves an oily film inside the intercooler. In March 2016 Audi issued a service bulletin for this (17-16-70) and named the 2013 to 2016 A6, A7 and A8 with the 4.0 TFSI engine. The factory solution is a fabric-reinforced inner membrane, meaning the breather module is replaced. The module sits between the two cylinder banks, under the intake, so the job also needs the coolant drained, and the replacement costs between 400 and 1,800 euro. The problem is reported above 100,000 km.

above 100,000 km400–1,800 EUR

What to check

  • With a warm engine at idle listen for the metallic whistling noise from the engine bay
  • With the engine running open the oil filler: if the noise changes, the breather is the suspect
  • Read the fault memory and look for the P2279 and P0507 codes
2 more steps in the write-up

Air suspension: compressor, air spring, ride height sensor

expensive

The four groups of parts in the air suspension (compressor, valve block, ride height sensors, air springs) work together, and any weak link causes a fault message, an uneven ride height or a car that settles. The characteristic symptom: the car sits down on one corner overnight, levels itself for minutes in the morning, and the compressor runs long and loud. According to the reports the compressor lasts 80,000 to 100,000 km; and a leaking air spring takes the compressor with it, because it keeps trying to make up the loss.

What to check

  • Look at the car cold, after standing a long time: has it settled on any corner
  • After startup time how long it takes to level, and listen to the compressor
  • Cycle through the ride height settings in the onboard menu and check that all of them work
3 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Audi A8 4.0 TFSI quattro

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall4 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

A12/00323/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The compression joint between the hydraulic hose and the hydraulic fitting of the power steering can be put under excessive pressure. As a result, oil can leak out in the engine compartment increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01262/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The wire coil profile used in the radiator tank seal may be deformed due to the very variable temperatures within the engine compartment. Over time, and under unfavourable conditions, this could lead to the radiator seal coming loose. A loose radiator seal could come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment as a result of vibrations during driving. This could lead to the seal and, potentially, neighbouring components starting to smoulder, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0333/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners not activating in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0382/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

In certain vehicles, fuel can leak onto the engine fuel rail. Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

CTGA

320 kW (435 HP) · petrol

AL551 · 8-speed automatic (longitudinal)

automatic · 8 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerZF

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
quattro
Body
saloon
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
3993 cc
Power
320 kW (435 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2013–2017

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All D4 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms