Audi A8 Common Problems and Solutions
Water in Footwell
Problem:
There is water in your footwells.
Solution:
This is usually caused by nothing more than a blocked scuttle drain. Give them a good cleanout, and this will resolve the problem.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain Rattle
Problem:
You can hear your timing chain rattle, especially noticeable when starting the car from cold.
Solution:
Timing chains are very durable, but when they start to rattle, you’re going to have to replace them before it causes catastrophic engine damage. Order a new timing chain and tensioner from our parts list and do this installation job yourself to save a huge mechanic bill.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Electronic handbrake problems
Problem:
It has been known for the electronic handbrake to remain on when you have switched it off. If this has been happening, you will notice a loss of power or/and a screeching noise coming from the brake discs.
Solution:
Depending on how bad it is, you will need to replace the electronic handbrake and you may also need to replace the callipers as well.
Difficulty level
Air temperature sensor failure
Problem:
It is common for the air temperature sensor to fail on the A8. You may have noticed that the temperature reading seems pretty inaccurate, this is due to a problem with the air temperature sensor.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement air temperature sensor will resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
MMI (Multi Media Interface) problems
Problem:
The A8 is known for having problems with the MMI. As this is an advanced piece of technology, there can be a number of things that could go wrong from software faults to hardware failure. The video below shows one type of MMI failure. Is this anything like your problem?
Solution:
Have a specialist look at it for you to identify the exact problem. Repair prices can vary greatly, depending on exactly what is wrong.
Difficulty level
Door micro switch failure
Problem:
If you are noticing that the doors on your A8 are sticking, not opening as easily as they should or that they are not locking properly with the remote key, then there is an issue with the door micro switches.
Solution:
You will need to fit replacement door micro switches to fix this problem. If the vehicle is still under warranty, Audi will fix it for free, otherwise it is your responsibility.
Difficulty level
Loss of Power Steering
Problem:
It is getting harder to steer the car comfortably.
Solution:
This caused a recall by Audi and is being caused by a fluid leak on the return hose for the hydraulic power steering. Replacing the return hose is relatively easy, and you can order the newly designed hose direct from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Bumpy Driving
Problem:
It feels like your suspension has died, and you can feel the roughness on every road.
Solution:
The air suspension on the Audi A8 is fantastic, but it can fail. Often, this will be the air compressor itself, which we always have in stock for quick delivery and is an unusually easy part to install yourself. If replacing the compressor doesn’t resolve the issue, then you will need to replace the entire air suspension system, which is a massive job best left to experts.
Difficulty level
Aircon Compressor
Engine Rattle
Problem:
There is a heavy rattling sound coming from your engine, and you may be able to feel excessive vibrations throughout the car.
Solution:
It’s likely that your engine compartment seal has deformed and then come loose. You can order a retaining plate from our online store for quick delivery, and installing the plate is very easy.
Difficulty level
Grinding Noise On Gear Changes
Problem:
Your gears have started to make a slight grinding noise whenever you change gear.
Solution:
This shouldn’t affect too many A8s, but if yours was built between September and December 2019, gear oil might escape into a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line. Audi will usually replace the oil line for free, but if not, you can easily do this work yourself with a new hose from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level