Audi V8 problems
The Audi V8 (Typ 4C) is a four-door, full-size luxury sedan, designed, manufactured and marketed by Audi in Germany from 1988 to 1993, as the company's flagship. As the first car from Audi to use a V8 engine, also was the first Audi to combine a quattro system with an automatic transmission. Early cars used 3.6-litre V8s, while later cars featured a 4.2-litre version of the engine. The Audi V8 was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, although the A8 was not marketed in North America until 1996.
The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-back Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft driver's titles in 1990 and 1991, with the championship winners being Hans-Joachim Stuck and Frank Biela respectively. Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles.
Overview
Standard features for the Audi V8 included a 32-valve, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) V8 engine and a four-speed electronically controlled ZF 4HP24A automatic transmission providing Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. A five-speed (later in production six-speed) manual transmission was also available.
The Audi V8 had a galvanized steel body, with a 10-year anti-perforation warranty (against corrosion). The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range 'flagship' car and included a number of luxury features as standard equipment, including leather seating and Audi's quattro all wheel drive system (see standard features list). The Audi V8 created a new elevated image for the company, providing a viable alternative to established competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In this regard, the car was a cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as it is today.
Factory production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993, although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994. It was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994.
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Common Audi V8 problems
The Audi 4.2 V8 engine, released in 2003, is known for its powerful performance and high-quality construction. However, like any engine, it is susceptible to certain problems that can affect its reliability and longevity. Based on complaints from owners of this car, here are some of the most common problems with the Audi 4.2 V8 engine:
- Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain in the Audi 4.2 V8 engine is prone to failure, especially in higher mileage vehicles. This can cause the engine to misfire, lose power, or even stall completely. The timing chain is a critical component of the engine, as it synchronizes the movement of the pistons and valves. If it fails, it can cause significant damage to the engine, leading to costly repairs.
- Carbon Buildup: The Audi 4.2 V8 engine is known for its direct fuel injection system, which can lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves. Over time, this buildup can cause the valves to stick, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and reduced fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, including fuel injector cleaning and carbon cleaning, can help prevent this problem.
- Variable Valve Timing Failure: The Audi 4.2 V8 engine uses variable valve timing to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, this system can fail over time, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and reduced fuel efficiency. The variable valve timing system is controlled by solenoids, which can become clogged or fail over time.
- Ignition Coil Failure: The ignition coils in the Audi 4.2 V8 engine are prone to failure, especially in higher mileage vehicles. This can cause the engine to misfire, lose power, or even stall completely. The ignition coils are responsible for generating the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel in the engine. If they fail, it can cause significant damage to the engine, leading to costly repairs.
It's important to note that these problems are not unique to the Audi 4.2 V8 engine, and many of them can be prevented or mitigated with regular maintenance and care. If you're considering purchasing an Audi with this engine, it's important to do your research and understand the potential risks and maintenance requirements. Additionally, it's always a good idea to have any used vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing.
Which Audi V8 is reliable?
Audi's commitment to excellence is evident in the consistently reliable engines it produces. The Turbocharged 1.8T 20-Valve, 4.0 TFSI V8, 3.0-Liter TFSI Supercharged DOHC V6, 2.0-Liter TFSI DOHC Inline-4 Turbocharged, and 3.0 BiTDI V6 exemplify the pinnacle of reliability within the Audi lineup.
What is the problem with the 4.2 L V8 Audi engine?
Audi 4.2 V8 Most Common Problems. One of the most common issues with the Audi 4.2 V8 engine is excessive oil consumption. Many owners have reported that their engines consume large amounts of oil between oil changes, which can lead to engine damage and failure.
Is the Audi A8 4.2 V8 reliable?
According to carparts.com, the Audi A8 will last 200,000 miles, or around 20 years, without severe repairs. It's a solid vehicle that exists to last under your ownership. However, care for your car to ensure it will last as long as possible.
Who makes Audi V8 engines?
(Discuss) Proposed since February 2024. The Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine family is a series of mechanically similar, gasoline-powered and diesel-powered, V-8, internal combustion piston engines, developed and produced by the Volkswagen Group, in partnership with Audi, since 1988.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi V8 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi V8 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Audi V8 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi V8 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi V8 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi V8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi V8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi V8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi V8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi V8 vehicles.
List of Audi V8 complaints
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2006-10-25
- VIN: WAUKE5440LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REAR SPEAKERS MAKE NOISE UPON TURNING RADIO ON. NOISE INCLUDES HUM, HISSING, SQUEAL AND POOP NOISES. ACCORDING TO AUDI, THE SPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIERS IN MY CAR ARE THE ASME AS THOSE IN 1991 AND 1992 VERSIONS. 1991 AND 1992 CARS HAD A RECALL ON THESE BOSE SPEAKERS AS THE FAILURE CAN CUASE A FIRE. AUDI IS NOT EXTENDING THE SAME REPAIR TO MY CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME AS ARE THE PROBLEMS
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2004-04-05
- VIN: WAUKE5441LN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
Audi V8 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-14
- VIN: WAUKE54CXMN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY HESITATED AND THEN SURGED FORWARD. HAD TRIED TO DISENGAGE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT WAS STUCK. THEN PRESSED ON BRAKES TO SLOW VEHICLE DOW; NOTHING HAPPENED. HAD MAINTAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE. FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A REST AREA AND SHUT VEHICLE DOWN. CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. MECHANIC CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, AND THROTTLE WAS OPEN. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND STATED VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL BUT NO NOTICE WAS EVER RECEIVED REGARDING ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEM. RECALL CAMPAIGN #96V084000.*AK
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-06-07
- VIN: WAUKE5445LN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE DOES NOT FIT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-324 DUE TO THE VIN, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO THE SAME RISK OF FAILURE AND FIRE.
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2002-05-22
- VIN: WAUKE544XLN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-14
- VIN: WAUKE5447LN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: NHTSA ALREADY HAS A DEFECT NOTED AS #01V324000 - THIS NOTICE IS TO ADVISE THE CONDITION EXISTS ON 1990 MODELS NOT JUST THE 1991 AS LISTED IN THE NHTSA REPORT. MY SPEAKERS HAVE FAILED JUST AS THE REPORT INDICATES CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. PLEASE ADD 1990 AS A YEAR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.*AK
Audi V8 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-02
- VIN: WAUBW84C9PN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: REAR SPEAKERS WERE SMOKING, AND HAD A SMOKY ODOR IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT SPEAKERS. THERE WAS RECALL# 01V324000 ON THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1991-11-01
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-27
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, IN THE PROCESS OF BRAKING, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL THE SPEED REACHES 25 TO 30 MPH, THEN THE VEHICLE OPERATES CLOSE TO NORMAL. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-05-22
- VIN: WAUKE5445LN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ROTORS HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY (10,000-15,000) MILES BECAUSE OF WARPING. BECAUSE OF THE WARPED ROTORS, WHEN BRAKING, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO A UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING VIRBRATION. IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS (3) SETS OF ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED A (4TH) TIME. *AK
Audi V8 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-07
- Date Complaint: 1996-08-08
- VIN: WAUKE5441LN
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED, AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAED, HIT RESUME, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, APPLIED THE BRAKES REAL HARD TO STOP VEHICLE.*AK MECHANIC DISENGAGED CRUISE CONTROL ROD AND INFORMED CONSUMER THERE WAS A RECALL 96V084, CONSUMER IS ANGRY THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. *SLC
Audi V8 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-08-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPED/OVERHEATED AND WERE REPLACE D, CONTINUES TO REPLACE DISC PADS AND ROTORS*AK
Latest 5 recalls Audi V8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Audi V8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi V8 1991
- Report Received Date: 2001-10-10
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINED IN THE AMPLIFIER FOR EACH REAR SPEAKER COULD LEAK AN ELECTROLYTE, WHICH MAY IN TIME AND IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMIDITY, CAUSE AN UNWANTED CONDUCTIVE PATH.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AMPLIFIER OVERHEATING AND A POTENTIAL FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AMPLIFIERS FOR THE REAR SPEAKER ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
- Model: Audi V8 1992
- Report Received Date: 2001-10-10
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINED IN THE AMPLIFIER FOR EACH REAR SPEAKER COULD LEAK AN ELECTROLYTE, WHICH MAY IN TIME AND IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMIDITY, CAUSE AN UNWANTED CONDUCTIVE PATH.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AMPLIFIER OVERHEATING AND A POTENTIAL FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AMPLIFIERS FOR THE REAR SPEAKER ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
- Model: Audi V8 1990
- Report Received Date: 1997-10-06
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE SENSOR SHOULD MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.
- Model: Audi V8 1991
- Report Received Date: 1997-10-06
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE SENSOR SHOULD MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.
- Model: Audi V8 1992
- Report Received Date: 1997-10-06
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME AIR BAG SENSORS DO NOT COMPLY WITH AUDI'S DURABILITY STANDARDS OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE SENSOR SHOULD MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE.
Latest negative Audi V8 car reviews
Latest positive Audi V8 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1990
This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I love it!
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Vehicle year: 1992
Great car! Comfortable, luxurious, and reliable for less than $5,000. It's perfect for winter mountain driving in the Rocky Mountains with its AWD and ABS. It's like a luxurious SUV without the high rollover potential!
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Vehicle year: 1991
This car has every option possible, except cupholders. It's excellent in all weather conditions thanks to the AWD system mated with a nice V8 that provides lots of grip and acceleration. I feel incredibly safe driving it, especially since it weighs 2 tons! I highly recommend this car to anyone! It was $50,000 new!
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Vehicle year: 1992
This car has every option possible, except cupholders. It's excellent in all weather conditions thanks to the AWD system mated with a nice V8 that provides lots of grip and acceleration. I feel incredibly safe driving it, especially since it weighs 2 tons! I highly recommend this car to anyone! It was $50,000 new!
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Vehicle year: 1991
This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I love it!
Are you having problems with your Audi V8?
Armani Hirthe 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 1992
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. While I initially bought it with the intention of keeping it for a long time, I've unfortunately run into a few issues. Over the past 4 months, the car has occasionally smoked and the sound system has deteriorated. However, I will say that the Quattro is still great! Overall, it has been quite expensive to maintain. If you're looking for a V8, I would recommend going for a newer model. Personally, I regret selling my Audi A6 for this car.
Ellsworth Durgan 2024-08-08
Vehicle year: 1992
This car has amazing performance for a 92 model car. The construction is excellent and the Audi brand is unique among German cars. While it may not have the same performance or reliability as a BMW, I have owned BMWs for many years and can attest to the quality of this Audi. These cars are a steal for the performance they offer and the price they can be bought for!