2008 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 2008 Audi R8 problems
The Audi R8, a supercar produced by the German automaker Audi, has been praised for its performance and build quality. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to issues. Here are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 2008 Audi R8, based on search results:
- Bearing Failures: This is one of the more serious problems that can occur in an R8. When a bearing wears out, it can cause friction instead of preventing it, leading to other kinds of part failure. Replacing bearings can be expensive, and in some cases, mechanics may recommend replacing the whole part instead of internal bearings.
- Wishbone Failure: This involves the failure of part of the suspension that helps distribute weight, control momentum, and keep the vehicle coordinated. Wishbone failure can come in various forms, from basic suspension failures to the part actually cracking and becoming unstable. This is an uncommon issue, but when it happens, it can be serious and hard to repair.
- Ignition Coil Failure: This is one of the least serious issues that Audi R8s can experience. It's a little more common than the other two problems, but it's still rare for ignition coils to have premature failure in an R8. Ignition coil failures can cause the engine to misfire or splutter on start-up or acceleration. However, the ignition coil is one of the easiest common problems with Audi R8s to fix, as mechanics can easily replace a faulty or damaged ignition coil, which usually resolves the problems right away.
- Transmission Problems: The 2008 Audi R8 has been reported to have transmission issues, which is the worst complaint category for this model year. However, specific details about the nature and frequency of these problems are not provided in the search results.
- Exhaust Note: Some owners have criticized the 2008 Audi R8, particularly the V8 model, for its exhaust note, which they find not particularly loud. While it may sound good, it's nowhere near as loud as some aftermarket systems that can be fitted to these R8s. This is more of a subjective issue and may not affect the overall performance or reliability of the vehicle .
- Carbon Deposit Buildup: This issue, also known as the engine "coking up," relates to the carbon deposit buildup on the intake manifold and valves. If the buildup is bad enough, it can start to harm the power output of the engine, and the car can start to feel lethargic. A visual inspection for this issue is not possible, and the only way to detect it is to drive the car and ensure that it feels powerful and responsive .
- Clutch Issues: The Audi R8's clutch can be another problematic area, especially when it comes time for replacement. A new clutch can cost between £3,000 and £3,500, making it an expensive repair. However, there are a couple of checks that potential buyers can perform to assess the clutch's condition. First, they can note the bite point when pulling away and see if it's near the middle of the pedal's release or closer to the top. A higher bite point might suggest that the clutch needs replacing soon. Second, they can perform a hill-start test, flooring the throttle in a high gear while on an incline. If the RPMs shoot up but the car doesn't move any faster, it's likely that the clutch needs replacing immediately .
These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 2008 Audi R8. However, it's important to note that the R8 is generally considered a well-built and robust supercar. The issues mentioned above are relatively rare and should not deter potential buyers from considering this model. As with any vehicle purchase, it's always a good idea to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before making a decision.
What is the most common problem with the Audi R8?
MMI (Multi Media Control Unit) Problems
It is known for the MMI to fail on these cars. There are a number of different things that can go wrong with this complex device, from software to hardware failure. However, the software issues seem to be the most common failures.
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 it expensive to maintain Audi R8?
Comparing the costs, the maintenance of an Audi R8 is as expensive as the maintenance of a Porsche 911. However, the expenses are still less than the upkeep costs of an exotic sports car. The main setback is the repair expenses. Plus, finding a certified R8 mechanic outside of an Audi dealership is quite difficult.
How many miles can Audi R8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
What is the most common problem with the Audi R8?
MMI (Multi Media Control Unit) Problems
It is known for the MMI to fail on these cars. There are a number of different things that can go wrong with this complex device, from software to hardware failure. However, the software issues seem to be the most common failures.
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 2007 Audi R8 reliable?
It felt right in 2007, and it's still bang on the money. Comfy, practical, reliable and what's more, the market hasn't really noticed it.
Is it expensive to maintain Audi R8?
Comparing the costs, the maintenance of an Audi R8 is as expensive as the maintenance of a Porsche 911. However, the expenses are still less than the upkeep costs of an exotic sports car. The main setback is the repair expenses. Plus, finding a certified R8 mechanic outside of an Audi dealership is quite difficult.
2008 Audi R8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi R8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Audi R8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Audi R8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Audi R8.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-01
- VIN: WUAAU34288N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MAGNETIC RIDE SHOCK LEAKING PREMATURELY. LOSS IN HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEHICLE
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-31
- 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-20
- 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.
Positive 2008 Audi R8 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Audi R8 problems:
Audi R8 Common Problems | Audi R8 Forums
Aug 30, 2016 ... This is all in a span of 10 months that I have owned the car. I have a Ferrari that is 2008 that has had no issues for 5 years. Super cars do ...
Here Are The Audi R8 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 18, 2023 ... Wishbone failure is another serious problem that's known to happen on some R8 models. This involves the failure of part of the suspension that ...
A few issues with my R8 - are they normal? | Audi R8 Forums
Jan 24, 2014 ... A few issues with my R8 - are they normal? · 1 - take it to the dealer, A/Cs do need servicing, maybe the gas is low or the system needs a flush.
How have you found the reliability of your Audi R8? I have read ...
Apr 28, 2019 ... They are as reliable as any modern car, which means the running gear, suspension, transmission and engine are all reliable and will get you home ...
The AUDI R8 BUYERS GUIDE | All common problems explained ...
Jan 18, 2021 ... This Audi R8 buying guide is here to help you get the best car possible when buying a first generation Audi R8. Scottish Car Clan brings you ...
Odell Prosacco 2024-09-22
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
Selmer Bruen 2024-04-22
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
Jensen White 2024-01-25
This is an amazing piece of craftsmanship! Audi has really stepped up their game beyond what they have ever been. Although everything is an option, it's money well spent. It's like Ferrari, where everything is an option. The sound system, Bluetooth connection, navigation system, and the convenience package are all worth paying for. The performance from this vehicle is a dream. It changes direction so effectively and the braking is okay, a little touchy, but it stops the car in short distances. It's basically a manufactured perfection!
Melany Hammes 2024-01-02
This car has it all! The striking styling, elegant interior, craftsman-quality of build, and mind-blowing performance and handling are just a few of its amazing features. Even after 2000 miles, I am still discovering new things about this vehicle. Despite its breathtaking performance, it is comfortable and easy to drive on a daily basis. I have been blown away by the after-sales care from Audi USA and my dealership, which has far exceeded my expectations. It attracts unbelievable attention everywhere I go!