Audi A4 (B8) common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Audi A4 (B8) is known for (2008–2014), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Audi A4 (B8)
Coolant pump fault and fire risk
Safety risk
2011–2017 · 2.0 TFSI petrol, vehicles fitted with an additional (after-run) electric coolant pump · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Ask for proof the coolant pump recall was done, and check the EPC warning light goes out after starting.
Why it matters: Recalled in Australia twice - PRA 2017/16068 (May 2017, debris blocking the additional coolant pump) and PRA 2018/16842 (June 2018, campaign 19N3, moisture ingress) - and in the US as NHTSA 18V229 / Audi 19N4, because an overheating or short-circuiting coolant pump can start an engine-bay fire. An unrepaired car is a fire and liability exposure, not just a repair.
2008–2011 · CAEB, CDNC, CAEA, CDNB · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Check the dipstick is near full, ask how often it needs topping up, and look for blue smoke at cold start.
Why it matters: Audi issued TPI 2024604/23 (2.0 TFSI) and TPI 2026711/7 (1.8 TFSI) stating that modified pistons and piston rings entered production in week 44 of 2011, and a US class action (Asghari v. Volkswagen Group of America, final approval 29 May 2015) extended oil-consumption cover to 8 yr / 80,000 mi for 2009-2011 MY A4, A5 and Q5 in the United States only. NZ cars carry no such cover.
What to look for: Smell the vents for hot plastic in the first minute on full heat, and ask if the heater recall was done.
Why it matters: Australian recalls PRA 2018/16956 (80C5) and PRA 2019/17547 (82C1): the electric auxiliary heater element can overheat at its connectors, causing smoulder damage or fire behind the dash.
2008–2013 · CABB, CDHB, CDNB, CDNC · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Listen at a cold start for more than a second of rattle from the front (radiator end) of the engine.
Why it matters: A jumped timing chain on this engine typically bends valves and can stall the car without warning while driving, and the repair runs from a chain and tensioner replacement up to a full engine rebuild costing many thousands of dollars.
What to look for: Check the air conditioning blows noticeably colder within a minute on max cold with the fan on high.
Why it matters: Audi TSB 2020124/2 (April 2010) names the G395 sensor and its LIN cable as causes; an improved sensor (8K0 959 126B) was introduced. Cheap if that is the cause, but an A/C that does not work is a retail objection and the same symptom can mask a refrigerant leak elsewhere.
What to look for: Ask Audi NZ for the open recall list for this VIN, and look for Japanese recall stickers under the bonnet.
Why it matters: The Australian recall register covers Australian-delivered vehicles only - the recall index used throughout this overlay states that on every page. Recalls cited here were retrieved from that register and from NHTSA; the same factory campaigns ran in Japan under MLIT, but MLIT records were not retrieved in this session.
Got a question about a Audi A4 (B8)? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.