Audi B8 problems

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The Audi A4 is a line of luxury compact executive cars produced since 1994 by the German car manufacturer Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 has been built in five generations and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80. The automaker's internal numbering treats the A4 as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage, with the initial A4 designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and the B9.

The B8 and B9 versions of the A4 are built on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform shared with several models and brands across the Volkswagen Group. The Audi A4 automobile layout consists of a front-engine design, with transaxle-type transmissions mounted at the rear of the engine. The cars are front-wheel drive, or on some models, "quattro" all-wheel drive. The A4 is available as a sedan and station wagon. Historically, the second (B6) and third generations (B7) of the A4 also included a convertible version. For the fourth generation (B8) and onwards, the convertible, along with a new coupé and 5-door liftback variant, was spun-off by Audi into a new nameplate called the Audi A5.

B5 (Typ 8D; 1994)

The first generation Audi A4 (known internally as the Typ 8D) debuted in October 1994, with production starting November 1994 and European sales commencing in January 1995 for the 1995 model year. North American sales later began in September 1995 for the 1996 model year. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45) platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat (B5, Typ 3B). It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive. Many variations of the A4 were also available with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) was introduced in November 1995 and went on sale in February 1996.

Development began in 1988, with the first design sketches being created later that year. By 1991, an exterior design by Imre Hasanic was chosen and frozen for November 1994 production by 1992. The interior design was later finalized in 1992, with pilot production commencing in the first half of 1994. Development concluded in the third quarter of 1994, preceding November 1994 start of production.

A wide range of engines were available in European markets, between 1.6 and 2.8 litres for petrol engines; and a 1.9-litre diesel engine available with Volkswagen Group's VE technology, capable of achieving a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp). The 2.6 and 2.8-litre V6 engines which had been carried over from the old 80/90 proved popular, although in North America, the 2.8-litre engine was the only V6 that was available there until 1997. A 2.4-liter version was developed especially for the Thai market, where import duty jumped from 60 to 100 percent on cars of over 2,400 cc displacement.

The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8-litre 20v engine with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged 1.8T version produced 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) torque. Moreover, a quattro GmbH special edition of the B5 1.8T was later available in Germany and Europe, for which the engine's power output was raised to 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft). Five-valve technology was also added to a reengineered V6 family of engines in 1997, starting with the 2.8-litre V6 30v, which now produced 193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp), followed by a 2.4-litre V6 which was a downsize from the previous 2.6 litre, 150 hp (112 kW) engine, but with a power increase to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 bhp).

Audi also debuted their new tiptronic automatic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a conventional automatic gearbox with a torque converter offering the driver a fully-automatic operation or manual selection of the gear ratios.

The B5 marked Audi's continued move into the midsize luxury car segment, having started this trajectory notably with later model years of the preceding Audi 80/90 B4. Despite initial mechanical problems, overall build and assembly quality were lauded both by the automotive press and within Audi and Volkswagen, and at the time, parent company Volkswagen declared the B5 the company-wide build quality benchmark for all its other models.

photo of Audi B8 car production

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Audi B8 model years

audi b8 2013 photo
B8 2013
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Common Audi B8 problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Audi B8 cars as reported by owners:

  • Fuel Injector Issues: Fuel injectors in the B8 A4 can become clogged, dirty, or leaky over time, affecting engine performance. Symptoms of fuel injector problems include poor idling, misfires, and a loss of power. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintain the car's performance.
  • Defective Power Steering Hose: A common issue causing steering wobble and vibrations in the B8 A4 is a faulty power steering hose. Identifying the source of the leak and replacing the hose can resolve this problem.
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure: The HPFP is known to be a headache in the B8 A4, causing fuel starvation and engine stalling. Replacing the HPFP is the recommended solution, and it is advisable to replace the cam follower every 30,000 miles to prevent further issues.
  • Oil Consumption: The B8 A4 is prone to oil consumption, which can lead to reduced gas mileage and engine lubrication issues. Regularly servicing the car with premium-quality engine oil every 4,000 to 5,000 miles can help mitigate this problem.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of issues to ensure the Audi B8 cars continue to perform reliably.

Audi B8

Is the B8 Audi A4 reliable?

The B8 Audi A4 is a solid car, but it's not without issues. If you are thinking about picking one up second hand, there are a few problems you should be aware of. Proper maintenance and care will address many of the problems on this list but ignoring them can lead to some expensive repairs.

What is the most common problem with Audi A4?

Audi A4 8 Common Problems

  • Airbag Troubles. According to Car Problem Zoo, a website that compiles owner feedback, the most frequently reported issue with the A4 is related to its airbags. ...
  • High Oil Consumption. ...
  • Leaking Coolant. ...
  • Transmission Woes. ...
  • Flickering Headlights. ...
  • Ignition Coil Issues.

How many miles can Audi A4 B8 last?

However, on average, an Audi A4 can last up to 200,000 miles or more if well-maintained. Regular maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of any vehicle, including the Audi A4. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and routine inspections.

What year is the Audi A4 most reliable?

Most Reliable Audi A4 Years: Third Generation (Sold: 2006-2008) The third-generation (B7) of the Audi A4 incorporates a reworking of the B6 platform more than an all-new model. Audi wanted customers to consider this a new generation, so we'll go along for the ride.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi B8 years

We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi B8 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Audi B8 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi B8 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi B8 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Audi B8 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Audi B8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Audi B8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi B8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi B8 vehicles.

List of Audi B8 complaints

Audi B8 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-15
  • Date Complaint: 2013-01-29
  • VIN: WAUBGAFL7DA
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE 2 ISSUES WITH MY STEERING ON THE 2013 AUDI S4 WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 800 MILES ON IT AND THE ISSUE GOES ON AND OFF. THE CAR EQUIPPED WITH AUDI DRIVE SELECT CONTROLS AND THE ISSUE IS MORE PREVALENT IN COMFORT MODE, HOWEVER ALSO CAN BE FELT IN DYNAMIC (HOWEVER STEERING IS MORE TIGHT IN DYNAMIC). 1. DEAD CENTER AND DISCONNECTED FEEL - WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS POINTED STRAIGHT AT 12 O'CLOCK THERE SEEM TO BE "DEAD" ZONE A FEW DEGREES TO EACH SIDE THAT CREATES A FEEL THAT STEERING IS COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED. FEW TIMES DURING SIMPLE MANEUVERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SUCH AS CHANGING THE LINE QUICKLY (REQUIRES SAY LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL MOVEMENT) THE WHEEL SLEEPS THROUGH THE CENTER ZONE WITH THE FEEL OF NOT BEING CONNECTED TO WHEELS AND THE CAR SEEMS TO BE ON ITS OWN, BUT WHEN THE CENTER "DEAD ZONE" IS PASSED IT SEEM TO FIND THE GROUND AND "RECONNECT" WITH THE CAR. THIS CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN THAT I CAN'T CONTROL THE CAR. THE STEERING WORKS FINE AT BIGGER TURNS. ALSO "DEAD CENTER" FORCES ME TO CORRECT STEERING ALL THE TIME WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH CREATES A FLOATY FEEL IN GENERAL. THE DEAD CENTER ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO THE SECOND ISSUE: 2. NOTCHY FEEL - THE STEERING DOESN'T REACT ON SMALL INCREMENTAL STEERING WHEEL TURNS, BUT THEN WHEN THE DEAD CENTER IS PASSED IT BITES AND TRIES TO OVERCOMPENSATE WITH THE TURN. SO THERE ISN'T A PROGRESSIVE TURN FEEL, BUT IT'S GOING FROM NO TURN, TO MORE THEN REQUIRED TURN WHICH CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME. SEEING AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVING THE CAR THERE FOR 3 DAYS THEY NOTED THAT: "CAR OPERATES WITHIN MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS" AND WHEN THEY TESTED ANOTHER S4 ON THE LOT - IT HAD SIMILAR FEEL. HOWEVER I DO BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY CONCERN AND BAD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST. *TR
Audi B8 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-11-01
  • Date Complaint: 2013-01-29
  • VIN: WAUBGAFL5DA
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: IN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS SINCE PURCHASING MY 2013 AUDI S4 I HAVE HAD TWO DIFFERENT STEERING RELATED SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST WAS DISCOVERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH WHEN MY CAR WAS VERY NEW WITH ONLY 1000 MILES ON IT. WHILE HOLDING THE WHEEL IN TWO HANDS AT 12 O'CLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL "SLIPPED" ABOUT A HALF INCH TO AN INCH AND THEN GRABBED AGAIN. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO DRIFT SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, TO WHICH I MADE A SLIGHT CORRECTION BACK TO THE RIGHT WITH THE WHEEL, UPON DOING SO, THE WHEEL "SLIPPED" AGAIN AND GRABBED AFTER A HALF INCH TO INCH. THIS ALSO CAUSED THE CAR TO DRIFT BACK TO THE RIGHT MORE THAN INTENDED. THIS CONTINUED FOR MY ENTIRE DRIVE HOME (AN HOUR AND A HALF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS). SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED QUITE FREQUENTLY AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND DIFFERENT ROAD TYPES. THE SECOND STEERING ISSUE IS MORE OF A "NOTCHY" FEEL AND OCCURS WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL IN LONGER SWEEPING TURNS, THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS AND CAUSES ME TO HAVE TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT IT FURTHER TO MAKE THE TURN SAFELY. I HAVE INFORMED MY DEALERSHIP AND AWAIT A NEW STEERING RACK TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, DUE TO RESEARCH I HAVE PERSONALLY DONE ONLINE, I AM NOT CONFIDENT THIS IS THE CAUSE OR SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE. PLEASE CHECK THIS (HTTP://WWW.AUDIZINE.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/513862-STEERING-ISSUES-2013) THREAD FOR ADDITIONAL INFO FROM OTHER AUDI OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE OVER 500 POSTS ABOUT THIS IN THIS THRAD ALONE AS THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE ACROSS ALL MODELS FOR 2013. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT AUDI IS NOT TAKING IT SERIOUSLY OR BEING UP FRONT WITH OWNERS AS TO THE SERIOUSNESS OR PREVALENCE OF THIS ISSUE AND I FEEL THEY WON'T UNTIL THE NHTSA GETS INVOLVED. PLEASE TAKE THIS AND OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM 2013 AUDI OWNERS SERIOUSLY AND TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! *TR

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