2012–2014 Audi A8 (D4)
Browse our directory of 2012–2014 Audi A8 (D4) vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
Registration Directory
Showing 40 registrations for the 2012–2014 Audi A8 (D4). Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.
Common Problems & Reliability
The 2012–2014 Audi A8 (D4) has 5 known issues. 3 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair. 2 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.
Air Suspension Failure
SeriousAir struts leak and the compressor burns out trying to compensate. This is a common and expensive reality of aging luxury cars.
Symptoms: Car sits low on one corner overnight, Air suspension fault warning...
Est. repair cost: £1,000–£3,000
4.0 TFSI Turbo Strainer Blockage
SeriousA tiny oil strainer screen feeding the twin turbos can block with carbon, starving the turbos of oil and causing rapid, catastrophic failure.
Symptoms: Siren noise from turbos, Loss of power...
Est. repair cost: £3,000–£5,000
3.0 TDI Timing Chain Rattle
SeriousThe V6 TDI timing chains sit at the rear of the engine and can stretch, creating cold-start rattle and requiring gearbox removal for repair.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start, Timing correlation faults...
Est. repair cost: £1,500–£3,500
Electrical Module and Sensor Failures
ModerateThe complex electronics produce various module failures including air suspension control units, comfort modules, and sensor faults as the car ages.
Symptoms: Multiple dashboard warnings, Central locking faults...
Est. repair cost: £200–£1,500
Cooling System Leaks
ModerateThe coolant regulating valve, water pump, and various plastic hoses can leak, causing gradual coolant loss and potential overheating.
Symptoms: Low coolant warning, Pink residue around engine...
Est. repair cost: £350–£1,000
Buying Tips for the 2012–2014 Audi A8 (D4)
- ✓Test the adaptive air suspension in all modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Lift); the car should not sag, and the compressor shouldn't sound excessively loud or run constantly.
- ✓Check the complicated MMI infotainment system and the motorized pop-up screen for smooth operation, as the retraction mechanism gears frequently fail.
- ✓Inspect the V8 4.2 TDI and TFSI engines for oil leaks, particularly around the oil cooler in the V-valley, which is a labor-intensive and expensive job to fix.
- ✓Ensure all soft-close doors, massaging seats, and electrically adjustable rear seats function flawlessly, as diagnosing faults in the vast electrical network is very costly.
- ✓Listen for timing chain rattle on cold startup; like the A7, replacing the chains on these engines requires full engine removal.
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