Audi R8 problems
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car, which uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It was introduced by the German car manufacturer Audi AG in 2006. Production ended in the first quarter of 2024.
The car is exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's private subsidiary company manufacturing high performance automotive parts, Audi Sport GmbH (formerly quattro GmbH), and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and presently the Huracán platform. The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built using space frame principles. The car is built by Audi Sport GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany. At the time it was introduced in 2006, the R8 became the first production car with full-LED headlamps.
First generation (2006; Type 42)
The Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car (designed by Frank Lamberty and Julian Hoenig) first appeared at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show and the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP). Initial models included the R8 4.2 FSI coupé (with a V8 engine) and R8 5.2 FSI coupé (with a V10 engine). Convertible models, called the Spyder by the manufacturer, were introduced in 2008, followed by the high-performance GT model introduced in 2011. The Motorsport variants of the R8 were also subsequently introduced from 2008 onwards. An all-electric version called the e-Tron started development but would only reach production stage when the second generation model would be introduced.
6-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx described the R8 as "the best handling road car today".
The car received a facelift in 2012 and a new model called the V10 Plus was now added to the range. Production of the Type 42 ended in August 2015.
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Common Audi R8 problems
The Audi R8, a high-performance supercar, is known for its quality and consistency, but like any vehicle, it can have certain problems. Here are some common issues that Audi R8 owners have reported:
- Gear Change Difficulties: Automatic gears may not move into the correct position, or manual gear changes can become stiff and start slipping. This issue is often caused by premature clutch wear, especially in models with V8 engines or those using launch control.
- Bumpy Driving: If your R8 feels like it's driving over a rough surface, it might be due to failed magnetic dampers, a common problem in 2007-2015 R8 Coupes. Replacing these dampers can be a complex task, but it can save you money if your car is out of warranty.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: Excessive steering wheel vibration, sometimes accompanied by clunking sounds when taking corners, can be caused by worn-out lower rear wishbone arms. Installing new arms can help resolve this issue, but it can be a fiddly job.
- Oil Loss: The Audi R8 is known for consuming a lot of engine oil, especially when new. Regularly checking the oil levels and keeping them at least halfway between the Min and Max marks on the dipstick is crucial to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension issues, such as shock absorber failure, have been reported in the R8. Replacing faulty shock absorbers is necessary to fix this problem.
- Boot Hinge Problems: Bent or seized boot hinges can be a common issue in the R8. Regularly oiling the hinges can help prevent them from seizing up, and replacement hinges may be needed if they are already bent.
- MMI (Multi Media Control Unit) Failure: The MMI in the R8 can fail due to software or hardware issues, with software problems being the most common. Taking the car to a dealer for a software update can help resolve this issue.
- Ignition Coil Failure: Ignition coil failure can cause engine misfires or spluttering during start-up or acceleration. However, this issue is relatively easy to fix by replacing the faulty ignition coil.
While these problems can be concerning, it's important to note that the Audi R8 is generally considered a reliable vehicle. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring your R8 remains a high-performance supercar.
What problems does the Audi R8 have?
Despite the R8's supercar status and potentially hard use, reported problems are few. In general, the engines are (metaphorically) bulletproof, although a few V8s suffered bottom-end bearing failures. Listen for any odd noises; oil lines can rust, and fault ignition coils can cause misfires.
Is the Audi R8 a reliable car?
The Audi R8 is a vehicle that generally has excellent dependability ratings. If you perform regular maintenance and stick with the best years, costs will remain low and time on the road high.
Is the Audi R8 expensive to maintain?
Counting all the costs, you may have to spend around $3000 per year on the Audi R8 maintenance. A regular vehicle like a Camry will cost something around $500 to $600 while a big SUV such as the Ford Explorer will keep it under $1000.
How many miles does an Audi R8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi R8 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi R8 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Audi R8 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi R8 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi R8 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi R8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi R8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi R8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi R8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi R8 vehicles.
List of Audi R8 complaints
Audi R8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- Date Complaint: 2019-08-06
- VIN: WUAAU34248N
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME CRACK AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. NO ACCIDENTS. NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. FRAME SHOULD NEVER CRACK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND AUDI FAILED TO ADDRESS IT. I'M AN ATTORNEY. I WILL BE FILING A LAWSUIT.
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2019-07-15
- VIN: WUAAU34239N
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FOR THE YEARS 2008-2010 AUDI R8 MODELS ARE PRONE TO EXPERIENCING STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO . I SAW THE PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER REPAIRED TO GET THE REENFORCED FRAME STRUCTURE. I HAVEN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOW I'M FINDING OUT THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOTED AS FRAME DAMAGE. SHOULDN'T AUDI/VOLKSWAGEN TAKE CARE OF THIS ESPECIALLY WITH THE HISTORY OF COMMON COMPLAINTS . I ONLY FOUND THIS OUT WHEN MY AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME OF THE CRACKED FRAME MEANWHILE DOING ROUTINE SERVICE OF THE BRAKE FLUID . THEY SENT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT THEY ENCOUNTERED A MAJOR ISSUE AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR IS BREAKING OFF AND NEAR SEPARATION.
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-02
- VIN: WUAAU34209N
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE 2008 THROUGH 2010 MODELS ARE PRONE TO EXPERIENCING STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME (I.E. CRACKING) NEAR THE FRONT STRUT TOWER. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO AFFECT A LARGE NUMBER OF R8S MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD AND PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. AUDI HAS TACITLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE BEING FROM A DESIGN FLAW BY REINFORCING THE FRAME IN THAT AREA ON 2011 AND SUBSEQUENT MODELS. I AM FRANKLY SURPRISED HAS NOT BEEN ACTION TO FORCE AUDI TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON THESE MODELS BY THE NHTSA ALREADY. HERE IS A LINK TO A DISCUSSION OF THE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.R8TALK.COM/FORUMS/60-MAINTENANCE-SERVICE/10169-STRUCTURAL-FAILURE-WARNING-8.HTML
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-14
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-02
- VIN: WUAAU34279N
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, HIT A POT HOLE. NOT A HUGE POTHOLE BUT JARRED THE CAR. AGAIN, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN THE CAR WAS ON THE LIFT TO REPLACE THE LEAKING SUSPENSION THAT PLAGUES THESE CARS I FOUND THE FRAME OF THE CAR HAD SEVERE CRACKS IN IT. STRUCTURAL CRACKS. *TR
Audi R8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-04-02
- VIN: WUAAU34208N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I HAD SHOCK FAILURE RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY (VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION), LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS MATTER WAS DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE OF AUDI'S LEAKING MAGNETIC SHOCKS THAT HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR 2008-2010 MODELS WITH A "MAGNETIC RIDE SUSPENSION" AS PER MASTER AUDI SERVICE TECHNICIANS. PLEASE SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE: 2008 AUDI R8 = HTTP://GOO.GL/A1OIUN 2009 AUDI R8 = HTTP://GOO.GL/3P75JI ACTION CSC-10036971-4658 = HTTP://GOO.GL/Y5HLCG ACTION CSC-10036488-9645 = HTTP://GOO.GL/14VAW3 THE MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCKS WILL PREMATURELY LEAK OIL WHICH LEADS TO SUSPENSION FAILURE. PART OF THE FUNCTION IS TO STIFFEN THE SUSPENSION IF SWITCHED INTO SPORT MODE BUT THE LACK OF OIL FLUID WILL PREVENT IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH AUDI RS4 AND RS4 LEAKING SHOCKS. I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHEN I READ ABOUT THE COMMON ISSUE ON NHTSA. MANY MORE OWNERS WILL NOT KNOW OF THIS COMMON ISSUE. DRIVERS DO NOT EXPECT PREMATURE SUSPENSION FAILURE AND IT IS A SAFETY & HAZARD ISSUE. UNKNOWING OWNERS WOULD EXPECT THE SHOCKS TO NOT FAIL AND CAN SAFELY GO OVER BUMPS OR POT HOLES WITHOUT POSSIBLY LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. MOREOVER, FAILED SHOCKS COULD CAUSE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR SINCE IT IS ABSORBING ALL THE VIBRATIONS. CROSS REFERENCE: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10036971, 10036488
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-17
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-07
- VIN: WUAAU34289N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCKS WILL PREMATURELY LEAK OIL WHICH LEADS TO SUSPENSION FAILURE. PART OF THE FUNCTION IS TO STIFFEN THE SUSPENSION IF SWITCHED INTO SPORT MODE BUT THE LACK OF OIL FLUID WILL PREVENT IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH AUDI RS4 AND RS4 LEAKING SHOCKS. OWNERS WERE OFFERED BY AUDI REPLACEMENT IMPROVED SHOCK OR REIMBURSE THEM IF THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THEM EVEN IF OUT OF WARRANTY. THOSE OWNERS AND R8 OWNERS WERE WORRIED ABOUT SUSPENSION FAILURE AGAIN SINCE THE FAULTY SHOCKS ARE PRONE TO FAIL AGAIN SO THEY FELT BEST TO REPLACE THEM WITH OTHER NON MAGNETIC SHOCKS.PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM WAS ANNOUNCED. SOME OWNERS HAD LEAKING SHOCKS WHEN OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. MY R8 HAD 12,000 MILES WHEN ALL THE SHOCKS WERE DISCOVERED TO BE LEAKING. I ONLY DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHEN I READ ABOUT THE COMMON ISSUE ON A R8 FORUM. MANY MORE OWNERS THAT ARE NOT PART OF R8 FORUMS WILL NOT KNOW OF THIS COMMON ISSUE. DRIVERS DO NOT EXPECT PREMATURE SUSPENSION FAILURE AND IT IS SAFETY ISSUE. UNKNOWING OWNERS WOULD EXPECT THE SHOCKS TO NOT FAIL AND CAN SAFELY GO OVER BUMPS OR POT HOLES WITHOUT POSSIBLY LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. MOREOVER, FAILED SHOCKS COULD CAUSE STRUCTURE DAMAGE TO THE CAR SINCE IT IS ABSORBING ALL THE VIBRATIONS. CROSS REFERENCE: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10036971, 10036488
Audi R8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-05
- VIN: WUAAU34288N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCK LEAKING PREMATURELY. LOSS IN HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEHICLE
Audi R8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-31
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-05
- VIN: WUAAU34208N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY REAR SHOCKS HAVE FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE HANDLING UNPREDICTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS THE 2ND SUCH TIME THEY HAVE FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER IN UNDER 45,000 MILES. THE FRONTS ARE ALSO LEAKING BUT HAVEN'T COMPLETELY FAILED AS OF YET. AS OF THIS FAILURE I HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH AFTERMARKET UNITS TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE.
Audi R8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-20
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-05
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WITH JUST 20K MILES AND GENTLE DRIVING, THE MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCKS ARE NOW CLUNKING AND FAILING. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS ON ONE OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMANCE VEHICLES MADE IN THE UNIVERSE. AUDI AND VW NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS, AND UP TO NOW THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING- WHICH IS NO SURPRISE WITH THE ETHICS THAT THEY ARE KNOWN FOR.
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-05
- VIN: WUAAU34229N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEAKING MAGNETIC SHOCKS
Audi R8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2015-06-18
- VIN: WUAAU34249N
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE ON SECONDARY AIR PORTS. TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT SECONDARY AIR PUMP MOTOR WAS FINE AS WELL AS ALL VACUUM LINES. IT WAS SUSPECTED AFTER INSPECTION OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND TOP CYLINDER HEADS WERE AT FAULT, DUE TO EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD-UP. NO AIR CIRCULATING DUE TO THE DECREASE IN AIR FLOW FROM THE EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD-UP. UPDATED 7/29/15*CN
Recalls Audi R8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Audi R8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi R8 2011
- Report Received Date: 2011-08-01
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 AUDI R8 SPYDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 22, 2011. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMALL FUEL LEAK.
- Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Latest positive Audi R8 car reviews
Are you having problems with your Audi R8?
Johnny Collier 2024-11-29
Vehicle year: 2011
I recently compared the R8 to the Porsche GT3 and, while some hardcore fans may disagree, I found the GT3 to be too extreme for anything other than the track. On the other hand, the R8 is an absolute joy to drive on a daily basis and turns heads wherever it goes. Let's face it, when it comes to cars, nobody really cares about a Porsche. One downside to the classic styling and subtle changes over the last 50 years is that it just doesn't stand out. The R8, on the other hand, is a real head-turner. It's even more beautiful in person and it delivers amazing performance. I did consider the V10, but despite what some car press may say about the 4.2 being underpowered, I found it to be perfectly balanced.
Morton Shanahan 2024-11-07
Vehicle year: 2009
The R8 is a beautifully designed, engineered, and built car with every option offered. The engine is incredibly smooth and revs like a 4-cylinder, yet has the power of a V-8. Handling is great thanks to its mid-engine and low polar moment. The car is so confidence-inspiring that you'll want to push it to its limits through every curve and turn. While V-10 power might be welcomed, the car is very well-balanced and quick with the V-8. To extract maximum power and fun, you'll need to keep the revs up past 4000. The seats are the best I've felt in an exotic car, as comfortable as my A8L. There's plenty of comfort for two, but not much space for things. Footwell space is also minimal, especially on the passenger side.
Bernhard Rath 2024-10-02
Vehicle year: 2009
Overall, this is simply an amazing driver. Although the sound may be a bit disappointing, there are plenty of aftermarket kits available. The legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system pulls you into corners and allows you to accelerate out much quicker than other
Odell Prosacco 2024-09-22
Vehicle year: 2008
Overall, this is simply an amazing driver. Although the sound may be a bit disappointing, there are plenty of aftermarket kits available. The legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system pulls you into corners and allows you to accelerate out much quicker than other
Niko Hartmann 2024-09-13
Vehicle year: 2011
The Audi R8 1st Generation is truly a work of art on wheels! It's the best daily driver sports car on the market even 7 years later. The car is easily adaptable to making the V8 into a howling muscle car or with many aftermarket add-ons a showpiece worthy of any high-end car show. From a practicality view, it most definitely blows the doors off any Lambo and is much less common than any Porsche. The corvettes of 2009 don't even compare to the drivability and road-hugging capability of this unique car. Anyway you look at it, the 1st Gen R8 will take your breath away and if not careful take you up to an easy 90mph before you see the rotating red lights of your local's finest coming up behind you. Coupe or convertible, you can't go wrong with owning an R8.