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Audi A8 D4 problems (2010–2017)

All 2 engines of the Audi A8 D4 that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the sources for the A8 D4 mainly show two recalls (glass sunroof in 2013 and airbag initiators in 2016) and vaguely quantified complaints about air suspension and MMI. The database is limited.[9][10][11]

Audi A8 D4 (2010–2017)
Photo: nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.6out of 10

Audi A8 D4 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 13 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.8From 5.2 to 6.4 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment9.61 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety8.61 fault

Ranked 14 of 95 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Audi A8 D4

  1. 1High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
  2. 2High severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear3.0 TDI V6 engine
  3. 3High severity: Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults3.0 TDI V6 engine
  4. 4High severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wearAudi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine
  5. 5High severity: Fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

2 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Airbag and pretensioner initiators. See the campaigns for the Audi A8 D4

24 sourcesHow we work

3.0 TDI V6

VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel

In the A8 D4
2010–2017[12]
Names
3.0 TDI quattro · 3.0 TDI ultra
Faults that affect it
4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
48
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A8 D4

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0

A8 D4 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Safest option

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol

In the A8 D4
2010–2017[5][18]
Name
A8 3.0 TFSI quattro
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
36
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A8 D4

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
  4. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
  5. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.

A8 D4 Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Faults of the Audi A8 D4 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A8 D4

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,264 inspections of 481 cars registered between 2011 and 2016, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 7.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 1.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 2.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.9%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 13% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.9%.

    Fewer defects than average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi A8 D4

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (2010–2017)

Failing water pump and cooling system leaks

High severity

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults

High severity

Control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)

Medium severity

If it has the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (2010–2017)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)

High severity

Leak at the thermostat housing and water pump

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)

Low severity

PCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi A8 D4

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi A8 D4?

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Own a Audi A8 D4? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A8 D4 reliable?

All 2 engines of the Audi A8 D4 that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, the sources for the A8 D4 mainly show two recalls (glass sunroof in 2013 and airbag initiators in 2016) and vaguely quantified complaints about air suspension and MMI. The database is limited.

Which Audi A8 D4 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict. The guides do not report serious faults specific to this version, but at 12-18 years old it is worth checking the thermostat and water pump history and listening to the chain on a cold start, which are the points cited for this V6.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Audi A8 D4 have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the sources for the A8 D4 mainly show two recalls (glass sunroof in 2013 and airbag initiators in 2016) and vaguely quantified complaints about air suspension and MMI. The database is limited. The most important documented faults are: leaks in the air suspension and failure of the compressor or height sensors (suspension, high severity), incorrect mixture in airbag and pretensioner initiators (production from July to December 2016) (airbags and safety, critical severity), glass sunroof that can break (A8 built from March to July 2013) (bodywork and interior, high severity) and retractable MMI screen that jams and software faults (electronics and infotainment, low severity).[9][10][11]

What faults does the Audi A8 D4 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, high severity) and fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi A8 D4?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2010 (7.2/10); the worst rated is 2016 (6.7/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Audi A8 D4 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Audi A8 D4, such as airbag and pretensioner initiators (2017). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[10]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi A6 C7 4G 2011-2018 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  3. Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  4. Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  5. Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  6. Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI 333 CV quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2014-2017)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  8. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2015/031 y R/2019/099)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  9. Audi A8 (2013): techo solar de cristal que puede romperse (alerta 44/2013)Car-Recalls.eu (a partir de EU Safety Gate) · Other source · published 8 November 2013 · consulted 29 October 2026
  10. Audi A8 (2016): mezcla de los iniciadores de airbags y pretensores (alerta 12/2017)Car-Recalls.eu (a partir de EU Safety Gate) · Other source · published 24 March 2017 · consulted 29 October 2026
  11. Comprar un Audi A8 D4 usado: nuestra guía de fiabilidadEuro Premium Parts · Other source · published 16 December 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  12. VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  13. VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  14. 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  15. Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  16. Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Zwangsrückruf für Audi-DieselmodelleDer Tagesspiegel · General press · published 21 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  18. Audi A8Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  19. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  20. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  21. Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  22. VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  23. Common Problems of Audi A6 C7 3.0 TFSI: A Comprehensive GuideEuro Auto Pro (blog de taller, Australia) · Other source · published 6 October 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  24. Fuel rail fault prompts Audi recallGoAuto · Motoring press · published 30 January 2015 · consulted 9 October 2026