IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2013 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2013 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2013 period has 3 more issues than the Audi A4 Mk4 (B8) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Multitronic CVT Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Front-wheel-drive automatics use the Multitronic CVT which can judder, flare or lose drive if fluid changes were skipped or the control unit fails.

Most affected: FWD 1.8 TFSI Multitronic, FWD 2.0 TFSI Multitronic, FWD 2.0 TDI Multitronic

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,500Affects: 2008–2014Often appears around: 60k-120k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Rev flare under acceleration
  • •Judder pulling away
  • •Flashing PRNDS warning

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive from cold and warm in stop-start traffic
  • ✓Ask for fluid-change invoices
  • ✓Prefer quattro S tronic or manual if history is patchy

Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

SeriousEngine

Pre-2013 EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines have a plastic timing chain tensioner that can fail, causing chain slack and potential engine destruction.

Most affected: 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI

Estimated cost: £900–£1,800Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 50k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Rattle for a few seconds on cold start
  • •Timing correlation fault codes
  • •Harsh idle or non-start if chain jumps

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Insist on a genuine stone-cold start
  • ✓Look for upgraded tensioner invoices
  • ✓Scan for P0016 timing faults

Water Pump / Thermostat Housing Leak

ModerateCooling System

The plastic water pump and thermostat housing warp and leak coolant, a well-known weakness across the EA888 range. Some cars fail twice before 100k miles.

Most affected: 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI

Estimated cost: £350–£750Affects: 2008–2016Often appears around: 40k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Low coolant warning
  • •Pink crust near housing
  • •Sweet smell after shutdown

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect around the pump and housing
  • ✓Verify coolant level from cold
  • ✓Check for recent cooling-system work

Electric Steering Lock Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The electronic steering column lock (ELV) module can fail, preventing the car from starting or unlocking the steering. A known weak point on B8 cars.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £300–£800Affects: 2008–2015Often appears around: 60,000–120,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Steering remains locked
  • •Car will not start
  • •Steering lock warning message

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test steering lock/unlock cycle
  • ✓Check for steering lock fault codes
  • ✓Ask if ELV module has been replaced

Buying Tips for the 2013 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8)

  • ✓CRITICAL: monitor the oil level on pre-2012 2.0 TFSI cars and expect proof of piston-ring work
  • ✓Listen for timing-chain rattle on petrol models after an overnight rest
  • ✓Check steering weight and self-centering carefully
2008–2012 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8)2014 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8)

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View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2013 Audi A4 Mk4 (B8) vehicles.

View 2013 Directory

Other Audi A4 Mk4 (B8) Year Periods

2008–20122013201420152016

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