2008 Audi Rs4 problems
The Audi RS 4 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A4 range produced by Audi Sport GmbH for AUDI AG, a division of the Volkswagen Group. It sits above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused car based on the A4's "B" automobile platform. The RS 4 was reintroduced in 2012, based on the A4 Avant instead of the sedan as did the original model.
The original B5 version was produced only as an Avant, Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon. The second version, the B7, was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added.
The "RS" initials are taken from the German RennSport—literally translated as "racing sport", and is the Audi marque's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification of Audi's regular model line-up. Like other Audi "RS" cars, the RS 4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology. It is only available with Audi's Torsen-based "trademark" quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
Its main market competitors include the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63, Lexus IS-F (formerly) and Cadillac ATS-V (now Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing).
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Common 2008 Audi Rs4 problems
The Audi RS4, produced from 2006 to 2008, is known for its powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. However, like any vehicle, the RS4 has its share of common problems.
One of the most common issues with the B8 generation of the Audi RS4 (2012-2015) is related to the car's oil consumption. Some owners reported that the engine was consuming oil at a higher rate than expected, which could be expensive to address.
Another common problem with the Audi RS4 is related to the car's turbochargers. Some owners have reported oil leaks from the turbochargers, which can be caused by a failure of the turbocharger seals or gaskets. This issue can lead to a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency, as well as potential damage to other engine components if left unaddressed.
Engine problems, such as timing chain tensioner failure, have also been reported in some models of the Audi RS4. The timing chain tensioner is responsible for maintaining the correct tension on the timing chain, which keeps the engine's valves and pistons synchronized. If the tensioner fails, it can cause the timing chain to become loose, which can lead to engine misfires, reduced power, and potentially catastrophic engine damage if left unaddressed.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, some other common issues with the Audi RS4 include electrical problems, such as a malfunctioning navigation system or issues with the power windows. Additionally, some owners have reported suspension issues, such as worn bushings or a rough ride.
Overall, while the Audi RS4 has had its fair share of problems over the years, many of these issues can be mitigated with proper maintenance and regular inspections. It's important for owners to stay on top of any potential issues and address them promptly to avoid more serious problems down the road.
Is the 2008 RS4 reliable?
Great car overall. Super fun to drive, reliable, very solid build quality. German engineering at it's best. This car really is a sleeper.
Is an Audi RS4 expensive to maintain?
RS variants of Audi models, such as the RS4 and RS6, are usually more expensive to run too. These are performance-focused models with engines that don't prioritise efficiency and so sit in higher insurance groups.
How much is maintenance on a 2008 Audi RS4?
The annual maintenance cost of an Audi RS4 is $1,292. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Is the 2006 Audi RS4 reliable?
The RS4 has proven a very durable performance car but it does have a few items you'll need to look out for. Check for vibration under braking as the Audi has a record of warping front brake discs under severe use.
Is the 2008 RS4 reliable?
Great car overall. Super fun to drive, reliable, very solid build quality. German engineering at it's best. This car really is a sleeper.
Is an Audi RS4 expensive to maintain?
RS variants of Audi models, such as the RS4 and RS6, are usually more expensive to run too. These are performance-focused models with engines that don't prioritise efficiency and so sit in higher insurance groups.
How much is maintenance on a 2008 Audi RS4?
The annual maintenance cost of an Audi RS4 is $1,292. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Is the 2006 Audi RS4 reliable?
The RS4 has proven a very durable performance car but it does have a few items you'll need to look out for. Check for vibration under braking as the Audi has a record of warping front brake discs under severe use.
2008 Audi Rs4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Rs4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Audi Rs4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Audi Rs4 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Audi Rs4.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST FOR SERVICE LODGED ON 4 AUGUST 2010. AS PROMISED, I HAVE PROVIDED TO MY DEALERSHIP HERE IN ALASKA. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ONCE AGAIN IN YOUR LACK OF ATTENTION. I'M NOW GOING TO THE FOLLOWING SITE TO POST THIS COMPLAINT SO OTHERS MAY BE FOREWARNED AT THE LACK OF SERVICE. HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/IVOQ/COMPLAINT.CFM MY MESSAGE FROM 4 AUG 2010 THAT WENT UN-ADDRESSED: I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY AUDI IS HANDLING THE INJECTOR AND MISFIRE ON MY 08 RS4. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL AUDI'S AND YOU HAVE NOW PUT MY DEALER IN A POSITION OF NOT ADDRESSING THE REAL ISSUE ON THE POOR RUNNING OF MY AUDI. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MISFIRING ON SEVERAL CYLINDERS BUT RATHER THAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTORS OR A THOROUGH CLEANING/INSPECTION OF THE VALVES, I'VE BEEN SENT AWAY WITH WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN ENGINE TREATMENT SOLUTION. YOU HAVE NOT ALLOWED MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO PROPERLY INVESTIGATE AND CURE THE PROBLEM. YOU HAVE RATHER CHOSEN TO TAKE PROGRESSIVELY FUTILE ATTEMPTS TO PLACATE ME AND THE ISSUE COSTING ME TIME AND MONEY. BY NOT ALLOWING THE DEALER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, YOU NOW THREATEN TO RUIN WHAT WAS ONCE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP. I DEMAND THAT THE FUEL INJECTION AND MISFIRE PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 AUDI BE CORRECTED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FURTHER, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU AUTHORIZE MORRISON AUTO GROUP MECHANICS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY DIAGNOSIS, AND TO EFFECT REPAIRS AT ONCE. AUDI OF NORTH AMERICA BUSINESS MODEL FOR SERVICE HAS SOURED ME ON THE BRAND AND WILL WEIGH HEAVILY IN MY FUTURE PLANS FOR PURCHASE OF ANOTHER CAR. VERY DISAPPOINTED, VOCAL, AND CONNECTED WITH MANY CAR/MOTORCYCLING ENTHUSIASTS VIA BLOGS AND WEB SITES. I PROMISE YOU I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH IF AUDI DOESN'T. I HAVE SAVED A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE AND WILL PROVIDE TO MY DEALER AND ASSOCIATES ALONG WITH ANY RESPONSE FROM AUDI NORTH AMERICA. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-30
- VIN: WUADU78E98N
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I DRIVE A 2008 AUDI RS4, AND MY MPH AND ODOMETER READINGS ARE 10-12% HIGHER THAN ACTUALS. I HAVE VERIFIED THIS SEVERAL WAYS. USING POLICE RADAR VEHICLES, USING GPS, AND USING OTHER CARS TO PACE, AS WELL AS USING THE SPEED CHECK SYSTEMS. ALL OF THEM SHOW I AM DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE ACTUAL DISPLAYED VALUE BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT. THIS CAUSES A FEW ISSUES. FIRST I AM RACKING UP MILES ON THE CAR THAT ARE NOT ACTUAL, AFFECTING THE VALUE. SECOND I AM BEING PUT OUT OF VEHICLE WARRANTY 10-12% EARLIER THAN I WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE, A BOON FOR AUDI. THIRD I AM NOT TRAVELING SPEEDS I SAY I AM, WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES. I AM NOT THE ONLY RS4 OWNER WHO HAS NOTICED THIS ISSUE, IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL OWNERS NOW AND AUDI HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING. ALSO I AM CONCERNED I WILL BE FORCED OUT OF WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE EARLIER THAN I PAID FOR, BECAUSE OF THIS. 12% OF THE 48K MILES IS NEARLY 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING. THE 2007 AND 2008 AUDI RS4 APPEAR TO BE THE AFFECTED VEHICLE FROM AUDI. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-27
- VIN: WUADU98E28N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAN CAUSE HANDLING/CONTROL ISSUES. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL RECALL. AUDI RS4 SUSPENSION INCLUDES A COMPONENT CALLED DRC (DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL) WHICH HAS AN OIL-FILLED BUSHING ON TOP OF THE SHOCK STRUT. THIS COMPONENT FAILS REGULARLY AND LEAKS OIL DOWN THE STRUT (SOMETIMES POOLING ON THE GROUND AS IN MY CASE). THE FAILURE CAN AFFECT HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
2008 Audi Rs4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2008 Audi Rs4.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
Negative 2008 Audi Rs4 car reviews
Positive 2008 Audi Rs4 car reviews
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Your RS4 sounds like an amazing car! It's great to hear that you've had no issues with vibrations, oil consumption, or build quality. The power is smooth and impressive, and it's fantastic that you're getting up to 25 MPG on the highway. It's a shame about the gas guzzler tax, though! The car handles really well, especially considering its weight, and the Quattro bias is a great feature. It's also reassuring to hear that you haven't experienced any front torque steer. While the car is perfect for street and highway driving, it may not be the best choice for track use. The DRC with the 400 lb spring rates may not be adequate for certain tracks, such as the Esses at Infineon. Additionally, the brakes are not designed for track use and may wear out quickly. Replacement pads and rotors can be expensive. Overall, it sounds like you're really enjoying your RS4 and I hope you continue to have a great experience with it!
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I've owned the car for just about 6 weeks, and it's been a blast! There's no other car at this price that combines elite sports car-level performance, 5-passenger capability, top-notch luxury features, 5-star safety, and all-wheel-drive.
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Congratulations on your new 2008 RS4 in Daytona Grey! The colour is truly amazing and the fit and finish of the car is excellent. I'm glad to hear that you're having a great time driving it and that the handling is excellent. It's also great to know that the back seat is comfortable, although it could use a bit more leg room. The engine is truly amazing and the carbon under the hood is beautiful. I completely agree that the RS4 is much more engaging than the new M5 or M3, from first-hand experience. You never get bored driving it, especially with the confidence of Audi's all-wheel drive. Nothing beats all-wheel drive in the rain! Overall, I'm very pleased for you and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the next generation RS4. Thank you for sharing your experience with me!
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You've owned her for almost 4 years now and have made some great mods. She's better than ever and definitely worth a visit to the garage. The package is so sweet now with JHM down pipes with cats, Supersprint X-tube and rears, and the best sound ever. You've also added GruppeM, deflapped and ported manifold, 034 sway bar, HR coilovers and OEM Ceramics. And those Exclusive buckets with Imola inserts are the cherry on top. It's no wonder you'll never sell her. She keeps you smiling every time you think about her.
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This car is pure exhilaration. It's extremely quick, hugs the corners and has a rock-solid build quality. The engine sounds great, too. This is a fantastic every-day car and it's not too thirsty given its 420 hp engine.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Audi Rs4 problems:
Top 5 B7 RS4 Problems - Forum
Mar 10, 2017 ... Common problems with RS4 ownership: 1.) the attitude on RS4 forums ... 2007 RS4 Daytona Grey | 2008 RS4 Mugello w/Ti Package | 2007 RS4 Avus ...
The B7 RS4 a buyers guide to common faults. – Samtalkscars
May 10, 2020 ... The B7 RS4 a buyers guide to common faults. · The Brakes · Carbon · Suspension · Auxiliary radiators and Oil Coolers · Inlet manifold flaps · Exhaust ...
Mileage on your RS4, failures, known issues
Feb 24, 2016 ... It's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Audizine Family today! If you're new to forums in general, be sure to check out the Forum ...
Thinking of buying a B7 RS4... thoughts? : r/cars
Aug 31, 2017 ... ... 2008-2015 years ... Timing chain issues are almost completely gone on the rs4 vs the b6 and b7 S4 ... https://www.truedelta.com/Audi-A7/problems- ...
RS4 Reliability - Audizine Forums
Oct 9, 2013 ... 2008 Audi RS4 Ibis White w/ Ti Package | 18x10.5 TCIII w/ 275/35 NT01 | PSI Raceline Ohlins | Stoptech Trophy Brakes F/R | Raybestos ST47 ...
Other years of Audi Rs4
Are you having problems with your 2008 Audi Rs4?
Luigi Mohr 2024-06-11
I have extensive experience with Evos, and unfortunately, this car does not meet my expectations. The gear box is clunky and can be concerning during cold shifts. The acceleration is not as responsive as I would like due to the low torque output. The brakes could be improved and can upset the balance of the car during hard braking. The engine note is not to my liking, and the high-pitched whining noise during acceleration is not accompanied by a corresponding feeling of acceleration. The steering is not as responsive as I would prefer, requiring constant adjustments in corners. The car tends to understeer in corners. Additionally, the gas mileage is not ideal, comparable to cars with larger engines and more horsepower. Unfortunately, the in-dash CD player stopped working within 500 miles.