2008 Audi A4 problems
The 2008 Audi A4 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the 2.0 TDI. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in an impact.
2008 Audi A4 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 22 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.1From 4.6 to 5.5 depending on the engine
- Gearbox6.8Manual: no faults · Multitronic: 3.6
- Suspension8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2007 Audi A4
- New engines or gearboxes: 2.0 TSI / TFSI and 2.0 TDI
- Starts to be affected by: high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI), timing chain and tensioner wear (2.0 TSI / TFSI), carbon build-up on the intake valves (2.0 TSI / TFSI) and thermostat housing leak and water pump failure (2.0 TSI / TFSI) and 7 more
Multitronic gearbox in the 2008 Audi A4
Names: multitronic
- With caution
Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)
· 0AW
It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[3]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
- High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.
2.0 TSI / TFSI engine in the 2008 Audi A4
Names: 2.0 TFSI
- With caution
2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 1, without Valvelift (2008-2012, 170-220 hp)
170–207 hp · CAWA, CCZC, CCZD, CCTA, CBFA, CAWB, CGMA, CPSA, CCZB
It is the batch with the most oil consumption complaints recorded by owners themselves and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear than the later ones. Worth buying if there is a service history and, ideally, a recent oil consumption test.[5][6][7][8]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionIt is the most repeated complaint on first-batch EA888s (2008-2012) and still appears, to a lesser extent, in later generations. The engine needs topping up between services with no visible leak or obvious smoke at first.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearOver the years, the chain can stretch and the hydraulic tensioner can stop keeping it taut, especially on first-batch units (2008-2012). If the chain jumps a tooth, it can slam the valves into the pistons.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, no petrol washes over the intake valves, so oil residue and soot build up and, over the years, restrict airflow and affect engine response.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250
3.0 TDI V6 engine in the 2008 Audi A4
Names: 3.0 TDI quattro
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 1, Euro 5 (CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB; 2007-2015)
239–245 hp · CAPA, CCWA, CDYA, CDYC, CEXA, CEXB
It keeps the generation 1 EGR and the weak points in cooling, intake and injectors; it is worth insisting on a history and a control unit scan.[9][11][12]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlFaulty EGR valve and EGR coolerOn the first-generation EA896 engines the EGR valve and cooler often fail: Audi talks about around 15% of units compared with 1-2 in every 1,000 in the second generation (a figure cited by Wikipedia). The cooler clogs with soot and can lose coolant.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeWorn intake flaps (swirl) and intake manifoldOn V6 TDI engines from 2004 to 2010 the control of the intake (swirl) flaps can develop play and turn on the engine warning light with code P3134. Hella says the flap and actuator form one unit and are replaced together; on the Q7 4L it is the category owners cite most.
2.0 TDI engine in the 2008 Audi A4
Names: 2.0 TDI 120 · 2.0 TDI 136 · 2.0 TDI 143 · 2.0 TDI 150 · 2.0 TDI 170
- With caution
2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)
84–177 hp · CBDC, CFFD, CAAC, CBAB, CFFB, CFHC, CFHD, CAGA, CJCA, CBAC, CAHA, CBBB, CFGB, CFGC, CGLC
Worth buying if the emissions update has been done and, on 2009-2011 units, the diesel pipe campaign, and if there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter or turbo problems. Caradisiac finds it hard to recommend the Audi A4 2.0 TDI of this era because of its reliability problems.[13][15][16]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent updateThe 2.0 TDI EA189 (2008-2015) had software that reduced the EGR outside type-approval tests. Volkswagen fixes it free of charge with an update of about 30 minutes, which is not mandatory to pass the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) and whose long-term effects are still under discussion.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189On the 2.0 TDI EA189, the high-pressure pump can shed metal particles that force the pump and injectors to be replaced. In addition, 2009-2011 units were recalled for diesel leaks from the high-pressure pipes.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
Faults outside the engine in the 2008 Audi A4
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonAirbags and safetyTakata recall: the front airbag can fragment in an impactYes: campaign 69EQ covers A4s (and S4s) built between 23 February 2004 and 3 August 2011 because the Takata inflator can degrade with moisture and project metal fragments when it deploys. The check and, where appropriate, replacement of the inflator are free at the official network.Repair: €0
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSteeringPower steering warning after driving through heavy rain or flooded areasSeveral A4 B8 owners report a power steering error warning, with reduced assistance, after driving through heavy rain or waterlogged areas; they point to water getting into an electrical component, although there is no independent source to confirm it.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentMMI multimedia system freezes and restartsOn the better-equipped versions of the A4 B8, the MMI multimedia system can suffer freezes, spontaneous restarts or loss of touch response, according to a specialist workshop; a software update usually does the job, although in some cases the unit has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €350–€700
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2008 Audi A4 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the 2.0 TDI. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in an impact.
Is the 2008 Audi A4 better than the 2007?
Our score goes from 5.5 in 2007 to 5.5 in 2008. Starts to be affected by: high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI), timing chain and tensioner wear (2.0 TSI / TFSI) and carbon build-up on the intake valves (2.0 TSI / TFSI). 2.0 TSI / TFSI and 2.0 TDI arrive.
What is the best year for the Audi A4?
According to our score, the best are 2015, 2014 and 2013 (7.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2007 (5.5/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2008 Audi A4 have?
The most important ones documented for 2008 cars are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic gearbox, critical severity), timing chain and tensioner wear (2.0 TSI / TFSI, critical severity), takata recall: the front airbag can fragment in an impact (airbags and safety, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic gearbox, high severity) and high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI, high severity).
Own a 2008 Audi A4? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Audi A4Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Schaeffler: RepSet für Audi Multitronic Getriebeamz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026