Thinking about buying a used Audi A8 (2002–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, electrical, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,600–$8,000
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Audi A8 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014.0 TFSI V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
CriticalOccasionalEngine $5,500–$16,000 to fix
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo TFSI V8 (CZAC and related codes) in the D5 A8 is documented for timing chain tensioner failure, sharing the pattern seen across the broader VW/Audi 4.0 TFSI engine family (also found in the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus). The engine has two timing chains (one per bank) with hydraulic tensioners that can fail under extended oil change intervals or at higher mileages. Tensioner failure results in chain slack and cold-start rattle — if a chain jumps a tooth, catastrophic valve-to-piston contact results. This is less common than on the 3.0 TDI but is documented on high-mileage D5 examples and vehicles on extended service intervals.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start timing chain rattle from one or both cylinder banks
Check engine light with camshaft correlation codes (P0016, P0017 range)
Rough running on cold start settling after warm-up
In advanced cases: misfires and loss of power under load
What to check
Cold-start the engine and listen for chain rattle from either side. Scan for camshaft timing or correlation fault codes. Review service records for oil change compliance — any interval over 10,000 km is elevated risk on this engine. If a workshop inspection is possible: The repair requires significant disassembly from both sides of the engine.
Where to look: Inside the engine — dual timing chains (one per cylinder bank), hydraulic tensioners and plastic guides, accessible from front timing covers
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle always had oil changes within the recommended interval?”
“Has the engine ever produced a cold-start rattle from either bank?”
“Have timing chain tensioners or guides been inspected or replaced?”
“Are there stored camshaft timing correlation fault codes?”
02Quattro Centre Differential Output Shaft Seal Leak
MajorOccasionalFluid Leaks $600–$3,500 to fix
D3 A8 models with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive (Torsen centre differential) are documented for oil seal failure on the centre differential output shafts. The seals degrade from heat cycling and age, causing ATF or gear oil to leak onto the driveshafts, subframe, and surrounding components. Left unaddressed, the differential runs low on lubricant and can suffer bearing or gear damage — escalating a seal repair into a differential rebuild. The leak is commonly missed during casual inspection as the drivetrain underside is complex and the leak origin is obscured by accumulated road grime on older cars.
Symptoms to notice
Oil weeping or dripping from centre differential area on underside
ATF or gear oil smell from beneath the vehicle after driving
Oily residue on driveshafts or transmission tunnel underside
Low differential or gearbox fluid level noted at service
What to check
Clean the area and recheck at a second inspection if unclear. Check gearbox and transfer case fluid levels at dipstick or fill plug. If a workshop inspection is possible: Inspect the underside on a hoist — look for fresh oil at the centre differential output shaft flanges and any tracking down the propshaft.
Where to look: Centre of vehicle underside — Torsen centre differential output shaft seals and front differential housing
Ask the seller
“Has any differential or drivetrain seal work been performed?”
“Is there any evidence of oil leaks from the driveline under inspection?”
“Have the gearbox and differential fluid levels been checked recently?”
“Has the vehicle been used in conditions that may have accelerated seal wear?”
SuspensionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
ElectricalMajor
TransmissionMajor
5 more documented faults on the Audi A8
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Audi A8, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and electrical. A Audi A8 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A8?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Audi A8, covering engine, suspension, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Audi A8?
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Most single repairs on the Audi A8 fall between $1,600–$8,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Audi A8?
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Yes. A Audi A8 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.