Reliability guide for used Audi A4, S4 and RS4 B8 cars
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Produced between 2008 and 2015, the Audi A4 B8 is a premium family sedan available as a sedan, Avant (estate), and Allroad.
It was later offered in sporty versions: the S4 (V6 3.0 TFSI) and the RS4 (V8 4.2 FSI).
Overall, the A4 B8 benefits from better build quality than the A4 B7, but several engines are known for their mechanical weaknesses, particularly the TFSI petrol engines.
✅ Highlights of the A4 B8
- Build quality and driving comfort have significantly improved.
- Good road handling, especially in quattro.
- Wide range of engines, petrol and diesel.
- Sporty S4 and RS4 versions with a distinctive character.
Reliability by engine
Essence
1.8 TFSI (120-160-170-180 hp)
- Major problem: excessive oil consumption → defective piston rings on many examples before 2012.
- Risk of engine failure if the oil level is not monitored.
- After 2012, Audi fixed the problem, but vigilance is still required.
2.0 TFSI (180-211-225 hp)
- The same oil consumption issue as on the 1.8 TFSI, especially on versions produced before 2012.
- Some cases of faulty water pumps .
- Otherwise, a good compromise between performance and fuel consumption.
3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp)
- Overall reliable.
- Risk of valve fouling due to direct injection.
- Check the condition of the timing chain (more robust than the 4-cylinder TFSI).
Audi S4 B8 – 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (333 hp)
- Highly regarded engine, generally reliable.
- Points to be aware of:
- Fragile water pump .
- Timing chain : tensioners can wear out, rattling noise when cold should be monitored.
- Possible oil consumption (less frequent than on the 2.0 TFSI).
- An excellent choice in terms of reliability/performance.
Audi RS4 B8 – 4.2 V8 FSI (450 hp)
- Very robust naturally aspirated engine.
- Main problem: valve fouling (related to direct injection), which requires decarbonizing around 80,000-100,000 km.
- There have been some cases of oil consumption, but overall it's reliable if monitored.
Diesel
2.0 TDI (120-143-150-170-177 hp)
- 143 hp versions (CAGA engine) : oil pump and balancing module issues, which can lead to engine failure → must be checked.
- Injectors and EGR valve are fragile, especially on urban journeys.
- After 2011, the blocks are generally more reliable.
2.7 V6 TDI (190 hp)
- Reliable overall, but watch out for the timing chain (suspicious noise = wear).
- EGR and DPF are sensitive in urban use.
3.0 V6 TDI (204-245 hp)
- Good engine, torquey and robust.
- Timing chain can sometimes become noisy with age.
- EGR and DPF are fragile if poorly maintained.
How to check known engine problems engine by engine
Before any test drive, always start the engine from cold : this is when abnormal noises and faults in tensioners, pumps, or injectors are most likely to become apparent. Let it warm up gently, observe the temperature rise, and then carry out a complete test drive of at least 25 to 30 km, combining city, country roads, and highway driving.
1.8 TFSI (160–170 hp)
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Timing chain/tensioner: When cold, listen for the first 2–3 seconds after starting. A persistent metallic rattling noise indicates the tensioner needs replacing immediately.
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Excessive oil consumption: check the level before and after the test; if the warning light comes on after 30 km, it's a bad sign.
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Intake system fouling: small jerks during acceleration or unstable idle = carbon-fouled valves.
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Ignition coils: engine jerking or misfires when cold = worn coils or spark plugs.
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Recommendation: ask if the engine has had the piston rings or chain tensioner replaced (common before 2012).
2.0 TFSI (180–225 hp)
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Oil consumption: identical to the 1.8 on the early models. Prefer the corrected post-2012 engines.
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Injectors / high-pressure pump: unstable idle or smell of petrol in the compartment = to be checked.
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Intake fouling: engine lacking responsiveness when hot = typical carbon buildup.
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Ignition coils: misfires when cold, engine warning light.
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Recommendation: favor EA888 Gen2 versions (post-restyling) with a clear history and regular oil changes (quality 5W40 oil).
3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp)
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Oil leaks: check around the rocker covers and lower engine.
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Thermostat and water pump: slow or irregular temperature rise = replacement required.
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Reels: random hot failures.
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Recommendation: reliable engine but expensive to maintain; demand invoices for water pump and coils .
2.0 TDI (143–190 hp)
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EGR valve: irregular idle, grey smoke when cold = clogged EGR.
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DPF: warning light on or regenerations too frequent = clogging.
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Turbo: whistling or loss of power = to be checked.
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Injectors: vibrations at idle, black smoke = worn injectors.
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Dual mass flywheel: vibrations during acceleration or at idle = wear.
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Recommendation: check if the car has been used for long journeys (highway) and if the DPF has been properly cleaned or replaced .
3.0 TDI V6 (204–245 hp)
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Timing chain (rear engine): metallic noise on cold start on the firewall side = worn tensioner.
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Sequential turbos: loss of power at mid-range RPM = possible turbocharger seizure.
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Injectors: unstable idle or difficult starting = check required.
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EGR / intake: lack of power, black smoke = fouling.
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Recommendation: ask if S-Tronic gearbox oil changes have been carried out and if the vehicle has received a Dieselgate update (to be checked via Audi).
3.0 TFSI V6 — S4 B8
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Chain/tensioners: rattling noise when cold = worn tensioners.
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Eaton compressor: check for excessive whistling or oil leaks around the body.
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Water pump / thermostat: unstable temperature rise = replacement required.
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S-Tronic gearbox: jerking in town = mechatronics to monitor.
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Recommendation: solid engine, but requires regular oil changes every 60,000 km and supercharger maintenance if prepared.
4.2 V8 FSI — RS4 B8
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Timing chains: noise when cold = tensioners or guides to be checked.
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Oil consumption: frequent, especially if driven sportily.
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Coils and spark plugs: misfires when hot = routine replacement.
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Carbon-ceramic brakes: check their condition; replacement is extremely expensive.
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Adaptive suspension (DCC): test all modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Auto) to detect leaking shock absorbers.
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Recommendation: ask for complete maintenance invoices (engine/transmission oil changes, brakes, DRC). It's a robust but demanding engine.
Common points to check on all A4 B8 models
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Multitronic gearbox: to be avoided if possible — jerking, slipping or flashing PRNDS light = converter problem.
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S-Tronic gearbox: should shift gears smoothly; check that the oil change has been done every 60,000 km .
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Water pump / thermostat: recurring failure on all engines; simple but expensive replacement at Audi.
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Front suspension: fragile bushings and arms → clunking noises on speed bumps.
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Electronics: MMI, Bluetooth, radar, air conditioning, electric seats = test one by one.
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Bodywork: check alignments (door, hood, trunk) — signs of possible impact.
Other known issues (all versions)
- Multitronic (CVT) gearboxes : unreliable, avoid if possible (prefer manual or S tronic).
- Power steering : leaks on rack and pinion sometimes reported.
- Electronics : ABS sensors, MMI, temperamental parking radar.
- Front axle : silent blocks and suspension arms wear out quite quickly.
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Which model should I choose?
- Daily use : 2.0 TDI after 2011 or 2.0 TFSI after 2012 (corrected oil consumption).
- Reliable V6 diesel : 3.0 TDI, an excellent choice for longevity/performance.
- A well-balanced sports car : the S4 B8, powerful and relatively reliable.
- Collector's icon : RS4 B8 with its naturally aspirated V8, one of the last of its kind.
