Used Audi A8

What to know before buying: Audi A8

From 4 video reviews and 2 press tests · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The D4 has an exceptionally quiet, refined cabin, soft seats and high-quality materials; double glazing and extensive insulation suppress diesel noise well.[2]one sourceD4 (third generation)
• The D4's understated styling makes it possible to drive a large luxury saloon without ostentation; the reviewer considers this one of its main strengths.[2]one sourceD4 (third generation)
• The D5 is spacious, quiet and highly comfortable over long distances; its air suspension smooths rough roads, while Dynamic mode makes such a large car surprisingly agile.[1]one sourceD5 (fourth generation)
• The D5 moves nearly all controls onto touchscreens. They respond reasonably quickly, but operating them often requires looking away from the road.[1]one sourceD5 (fourth generation)

Typical faults

• D4 petrol TFSI engines, especially the 2.0- and 3.0-litre versions, can suffer timing-chain failure, signalled by power loss and engine knocking.[4]one sourceD4 (third generation)

  2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI

• Short urban journeys can clog the diesel particulate filter on D4 TDI models.[4]one sourceD4 (third generation)

  TDI

• The source reports that a D4 TDI turbo can fail at around 100,000 km, with cold climates potentially accelerating wear.[4]one sourceD4 (third generation)

  100 000+ km · TDI

• D4 air suspension can leak from its air springs; around 100,000 km, worn air struts may make the car sag or thump over bumps.[4]one sourceD4 (third generation)

  100 000+ km

• The D4's MMI can freeze or lose its phone connection; parking sensors, cameras, door locks and electric windows are also reported to malfunction.[3][4]D4 (third generation)
• A 2014–2017 D4 with the 4.0 TFSI can vibrate between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm because of its engine mounts.[6]one sourceD4 (third generation)

  2014–2017 · 4.0 TFSI

Which engine and version to take

• The rational D4 choice is the 3.0 TDI V6: sources describe it as the optimum blend of performance and economy, with strong longevity when properly maintained.[2][3]D4 (third generation)
• The D5's 3.0 V6 TDI, badged 50 TDI, combines strong torque, refinement and good motorway economy; the reviewer calls it a great all-rounder.[1]one sourceD5 (fourth generation)

What to avoid

• The D4 W12 is best avoided: sources describe it as complex and expensive to repair, with oil consumption and reports of overheating and cracked blocks after 200,000 km.[3][4]D4 (third generation)
• Exercise caution with high-mileage D4 V8s: 4.2 FSI timing-chain work can require engine removal, and the source advises avoiding high-mileage V8 examples.[6]one sourceD4 (third generation)

What to check at the inspection

• During a D4 test drive, listen for knocking from a 2.0/3.0 TFSI and check for power loss; the source links both symptoms to timing-chain trouble.[4]one sourceD4 (third generation)
• Test every D4 air-suspension mode, check the car's ride height after it has stood, and listen for thumps over bumps during the drive.[4][6]D4 (third generation)
• Give the D4 a full electronic scan and test the MMI, phone connection, parking sensors, cameras, windows and door locks.[3][4][6]D4 (third generation)
• Inspect a D4's subframes, exhaust and suspension parts: the aluminium body rarely corrodes, but road salt can attack these components.[6]one sourceD4 (third generation)
• If a 3.0 TDI intermittently loses power, compare requested and actual boost during a road test; simply reading stored fault codes may not be enough.[5]one source
• For a D5, demand complete service history and both keys, and inspect the tyres; for a diesel, establish its usage pattern because short trips increase EGR and DPF risk.[1]one sourceD5 (fourth generation)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]High Peak Autos — Should You Buy an Audi A8? (Test Drive & Review 2017- D5) · ▶ video
2. [2]High Peak Autos — Should You Buy an AUDI A8? (Test Drive & Review MK3 3.0TDI A8L) · ▶ video
3. [3]Слабые места — Ауди А8 D4 слабые места | Недостатки и болячки б/у Audi A8 III · ▶ video
4. [4]ТопАвто — ТОП проблем Audi A8 D4 (2010-2017) | Самые частые неисправности и недостатки · ▶ video
5. [5]xn--auiks-91a.lv — Audi A8 3.0 TDI nav jaudas (uzsākot braukt) · press
6. [6]automotive24.center — Problemas comunes Audi A8 III (D4) 2009–2017 · press

Spotted an error? Tell us