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2005 Audi A8 repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (10%)

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Chart based on 145 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 Audi A8.

2005 Audi A8 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (10%)

$1000 - $2499 (20%)

$500 - $999 (21%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (16%)

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Chart based on 111 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Audi A8 model years.

Audi A8 in Ohio, United States Jan 2013 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013 89000 mi US $2500	My MMI went out. Had to install new MMI brain.

Audi A8 in Quebec, Canada Aug 2016 - Dec 2020
Jan 2016 90520 mi C $400	Repaired parking brake motor.
Oct 2017 99820 mi C $1500	J518 acc/start auth module defective. (integrates the immobilizer system function and steering wheel lock mechanism). I was lucky it started, I was about to tow it. Problem was caused by a drain clog in the firewall. Water accumulated under the carpet and entered the access start module, creating corrosion. Module had to be replaced.

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Audi A8 in Massachusetts, United States Apr 2012 - Dec 2019
Nov 2012 81600 mi US $700	leaking cylinder head gaskets causing burning smell
Mar 2013 83000 mi US $6300	Plastic connector for coolant into oil cooler leaking, required dropping engine to replace component. It's likely this was damaged when a faulty thermostat caused the engine to apparently overheat a year ago, fixed under warrantee.
Jul 2014 95300 mi US $310	right front xenon headlamp replaced.
Dec 2014 99000 mi US $300	left front xenon low beam bulb
Jan 2015 91000 mi US $1800	heater core clogged - low heat output
Feb 2016 109000 mi US $350	Joint near catalytic converter corroded and leaking, with load noise
Sep 2016 112000 mi US $800	started motor solenoid - once engine was warm it would not start - ended up replacing motor - which is complex since access meant engine support submember needed removal
Dec 2017 121000 mi US $400	valve cover gasket, attempted to fix by tightening bolts
Jun 2018 123000 mi US $1800	valve cover gasket replacement slippage detected in AT, rough shifts when cold - suspect fluid change needed but dealer recommended against saying it's a "lifetime part" ...
Sep 2019 120000 mi US $500	calipers were sticking

Audi A8 in Colorado, United States Nov 2011 - Sep 2017
Dec 2011 110000 mi US $400	Passenger side back-up light Bulb alone $40+ Trunk would not latch
Jan 2013 135000 mi US $500	Headlights work intermittent. Dealership can not find a problem. Headlamps turn off while driving will not come back on. Wires connecting rear air big sensor failed
Jan 2015 127700 mi US $1100	Headlights become too dim at night to be able to drive after dark. Dealer quoted $4,000 to fix! Found replacement Hella units for $900 at carid.com, labor to install at Body Ship $200.

Audi A8 in Florida, United States Mar 2013 - Dec 2014
Apr 2013 153000 mi US $362	Driver headlight went out. Replaced element, still out. Replaced module, still out. Replaced ballast (exciter), worked.
Jun 2013 158000 mi US $700	Tranny was misbehaving. Paid $500 for transmission fluid and filter replacement, and was very pleasantly surprised to report that all issues were cured! I highly recommend this. Also $200 to replace evaporator drain tubes, which had clogged.
Sep 2013 163000 mi US $1000	Alternator went out. Water cooled alternator purchased from Audi dealer($605) 3 hours labor. Also had oil change at same time.
Nov 2013 167000 mi US $3600	Heard a noise in top of engine. Pulled over, shut down. opened hood, started car and heard bad noise up top. Called AAA for 570 mile tow (Platinum plan OK!) Was cam timing chain tensioner piston. Did Timing belt and rollers at same time.
Dec 2014 192000 mi US $2000	Air compressor for shocks. Bought aftermarket unit for one third of Dealer price. $1,500. ABS control unit failed. Tried to have unit repaired, but unsuccessful. purchased used unit from salvage yard. my mechanic installed. Salvage yard re-programmed unit. Works properly, except some warning lights were unable to be cleared- Audi. $500.

Audi A8 in Virginia, United States Dec 2013 - Mar 2017
Aug 2014 87000 mi US $1600	Control arms and suspension bushings.
Aug 2015 96100 mi US $6000	Wheel bearings are known to corrode in the aluminum knuckles. Away bar end links were trashed. Soft close door modules failed in the back, on both sides.
Jul 2016 102500 mi US $2240	The front air suspension dropped and wouldn't raise. Both front air springs were actively leaking

Audi A8 in Washington, United States Dec 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010 66824 mi US $1541	Check Engine Lamp on. Fault code for Catalytic Converter failure. Replaced 1 of 2 Catalytic Converters. (Repair covered by Federal 8/80 Emissions Warranty - $0 deductible. Service Adviser estimates about $4000 if not warranted) Driver window does not go full-down automatically when switch is pushed to 2nd click. Replaced master window switch assembly. Steering wheel MMI controls not working. Replaced shorted steering wheel MMI control switch "Creaking" noise from front over speed bumps. Replaced front left and front right upper link bushings.
Jan 2011 72597 mi US $576	Misfire and Check Engine Lamp #6 fuel injector connector broken Replaced #6 fuel injector and connector Covered by extended warranty - Only paid $100 deductible

Audi A8 in Montana, United States Jul 2015 - Aug 2016
Jul 2015 137000 mi US $650	Replaced upper control arms, alignment, ACC calibration
Sep 2015 139000 mi US $430	Had to take car back to dealer to have alignment done again as they didn't tighten suspension components last time they did it.

Audi A8 in Maryland, United States Aug 2011 - Sep 2015
May 2013 99900 mi US $300	replace sun roof deflector motor
Aug 2013 101000 mi US $4250	coolant leak requiring engine removal to get to the leak
Jan 2014 104000 mi US $800	stuck heater control valve
Sep 2014 131000 mi US $225	cooling overflow tank leaking
Dec 2014 134000 mi US $250	heater fan sporadically failed. regulator replaced.
Jun 2015 141000 mi US $175	mmi screen hung up
Sep 2015 147000 mi US $450	heater fan malfunction

Audi A8 in Texas, United States Sep 2010 - Jun 2015
Sep 2010 56526 mi	REPLACE MASS FLOW SENSOR REPLACE UPPER LINKS BUSHING DEALER PAID (CAR JUST PURCHASED)
Oct 2010 56526 mi US $100	PLACE FUEL CAP TETHER (DEALER PAD) REPLACE MAF SENSOR ($652) (WARRANTY) $100 DEDUCTABLE
Nov 2010 57691 mi US $586	REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ($896) REPLACE CRANK CASE VALVE ($242) CARBON CLEAN UP OF VALVES + AIR FILTER ($150) Insurance Paid Partial
Dec 2010 59693 mi US $84	REPLACE MMI SCREEN MOTOR ($1436) WARRANTLY DID NOT COVER REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (84) (Burned out dash lights across middle of dash) WARRANTY DID NOT COVER
Jun 2011 65457 mi US $258	REPLACE SPARE TIRE SENSOR (WARRANTY DID NOT COVER) REPLACE TRUNK MOTOR REPLACE TRUNK HINGES (damaged by motor) $793 Warranty paid minus $100 deductable. UPDATE NAV DATABASE
Oct 2011 69200 mi	REPLACED EVAPORATIVE PURGE VALVE REPLACED BASE GASKET ON COMBI VALVE REPLACE CAT CONVERTOR BANK2 REPLACED BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACE BASE GASKET ON COMBI VALVE (exhaust leak in Bank1) $441 $100 Deductable REPLACE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS PURGE VALVE $275 $100 DEDUCTABLE REPLACE BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS $505 Warranty paid minus $100 deductable. REPLACE CAT CONVERTOR BANK2 (government mandate; paid by government)
Jan 2012 71870 mi US $196	OIL LEAKS: DRIVER SIDE CAM CAPS, VALVE COVER GASKETS (BANK 2). REPAIRED/REPLACED OIL LEAKS * DRIVER SIDE CAM CAPS * VALVE COVER GASKETS BANK 2 REPLACED/REPAIRED
Mar 2012 75000 mi US $100	TRUNK MOTOR FOR "PULL & SEAL", $100 INSURANCE DEDUCTABLE
Feb 2013 84800 mi US $780	BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS (AIR SPRINGS) $4200. INSURANCE PAID LESS $100 DEDUCTABLE. REPLACE BOTH FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS. Not covered by warranty. $780 (INSURANCE DID NOT PAY) REPLACE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT, $740. INSURANCE PAID LESS $100.00 DEDUCTABLE.
Apr 2013 87000 mi US $100	BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED FOR A/C $641 (PARTS 299 LABOR 342) ONE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED $437 (PARTS 272 LABOR 165) OIL LEAK. REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKET. $314 (PARTS 80 LABOR 234)
May 2013 87800 mi US $479	OIL LEAK. SEAL ON BANK 1 FRONT SENSOR REPLACED. PARTS 11 LABOR 236 HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACED PARTS 250 LABOR 82 INSURANCE DEDUCTABLE 100 INSURANCE PAID 232
Oct 2013 92600 mi US $1182	REPLACED HEADLAMP COOLANT TANK REPLACED
Feb 2014 95500 mi US $1826	upper link bushings replaced during 95,000 mile service. parts $136, labor $663. upper link bushings (front) replaced
Apr 2014 97900 mi US $773	REPLACED VALVE COVER AIR/FUEL RATION WAS OFF SINCE THE ABOVE WAS LEAKING REPLACED VALVE COVER AIR/FUEL RATION WAS OFF SINCE THE ABOVE WAS LEAKING
May 2014 98600 mi US $520	REPLACED ENGINE SPEED SENSOR REPLACED ENGINE SPEED SENSOR
Dec 2014 98700 mi US $7200	Car wouldn't start. Sensor on flywheel malfunctioned, sent bad signals to computer, overheating it, then car shut down. This took 7 months to diagnose and repair. Extended warranty paid $6170. Audi ate about $4,000 in unnecessary engine repairs. Sensor on flywheel malfunctioned. Transmission job done. This took 7 months to diagnose and repair. Sensor on flywheel malfunctioned. Transmission job done. This took 7 months to diagnose and repair. May through December 2014.

Audi A8 in Texas, United States Mar 2011 - Feb 2014
Mar 2011 40000 mi US $500	replaced trunk lever mechanism and motor
Apr 2011 41000 mi US $200	drive belt replaced showed signs of wear
Oct 2011 48000 mi US $2200	Compressor of the air suspension system. Partly drivable, the bottom would scrape the pavement when I hit potholes or humps. Part is not available in the houston area, part is being shipped from dallas. Part alone is $1,400.00. dynamic suspension
Dec 2011 51000 mi	entire striker assembly was replaced
Oct 2013 67500 mi US $500	bushing on control arm

Audi A8 in New York, United States Dec 2010 - Mar 2014
Apr 2011 47000 mi US $108	Tire pressure monitor failed. Sensor replaced. The entire unit must be replaced (about $200 each) after ~5 years. Stupid!! The lithium battery is identical to the cheap units in my watch.
Apr 2012 61200 mi US $40	Brake light switch faulty, replaced.
Dec 2013 80000 mi US $5000	Entire suspension, front & rear

Audi A8 in Texas, United States Jan 2011 - Oct 2011
Feb 2011 69000 mi US $600	Both MMI and GPS units replaced.
Oct 2011 74000 mi US $75	MMI motor gears

Audi A8 in Maryland, United States Dec 2010 - Oct 2018
Jul 2013 105700 mi US $400	105,000 Service-Audio and MMI are not working properly. Dealer has not been able to diagnose or find problem.
Sep 2013 109000 mi	Two year old battery was replaced; battery control module was updated along with an MMI Zug update. Some MMI problems were solved but other problems in multifunction steering wheel cropped up. None of the controls on the multifunction work. I am waiting for steering wheel parts to come in.
Jan 2017 144500 mi US $3000	Timing Belt, Plugs, Discs, Pads and tires

Audi A8 in Alaska, United States Dec 2010 - Oct 2012
Apr 2011 96000 mi US $703	left rear door handle getting increasingly looser

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Audi A8 in Michigan, United States Jun 2009 - Jul 2012
Dec 2009 64000 mi US $500	New Battery installed, $205. Diagnostic and labor to fix ESP fault totalled to be $500 including battery. Reason for fault was a faulty brake light switch $22 + labor. Final Result $500
Feb 2010 67000 mi US $675	Fully replace MMI screen mount due to failure to open and close correctly. Gears broken and switch that controls the start and stop of MMI motor faulty. Total cost including labor.

Audi A8 in Washington, United States Jan 2016 - May 2017
Mar 2016 109000 mi US $200	Retaining clips for electrical connectors to fuel injectors needed to be replaced.
Apr 2016 110000 mi US $250	ABS module failed. Battery was weak.

Audi A8 in Utah, United States Feb 2016 - Sep 2018
Sep 2016 68000 mi US $140	Evaporate valve on the fuel system keeps failing in the closed position.
Dec 2016 69000 mi US $200	Scavenger system on the fuel sustem

Audi A8 in Washington, United States Oct 2012 - Jun 2014
Nov 2012 80500 mi	replaced torn upper control arm bushings

Audi A8 in Michigan, United States Dec 2010 - Oct 2015
Jan 2011 91000 mi	TPMS sensors failed twice. Currently functioning. Dealer said TPMS batteries failed. Will replace for $50 under CPO warranty.
May 2011 96700 mi US $50	Replaced all five sensors.
Oct 2011 102700 mi US $3000	Leaking water pump and damaged timing belt. Also replaced worn tie rods. Amir at Suburban Audi took OUTSTANDING care of me with loaner car and more.
Mar 2012 113000 mi US $500	Replace LF suspension bushing
Jul 2012 119200 mi US $1000	replace right rear wheel bearing
Oct 2012 125800 mi US $1000	Bushings torn on upper control arms. Replaced bushings.
Dec 2013 160000 mi US $3000	All bushings in suspension needed replacement, plus sway bar.
Oct 2014 170000 mi US $1000	replace control arm

Audi A8 in Texas, United States Feb 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011 116000 mi US $2000	Car gave yellow suspension light. All suspension options in MII are greyed out. Air compressor for suspension not outputting sufficient pressure to air suspension. Replaced compressor and relay. Yellow suspension light is gone.

Audi A8 in California, United States Dec 2010 - Sep 2014
Jul 2011 81500 mi	Warning light for seat belt. Left rear seat belt tensioner igniter fault. Replaced left rear seat belt assembly.
Dec 2012 106000 mi	Car was overheating. Diagnosed as a bad thermostat Was loosing coolant slowly. Diagnosed as a verysmall leak in the oil radiator. Estimated cost to repair was $4000, so repair not done at this time.
Jun 2013 111000 mi US $2395	Engine oil cooler leaking coolant. Had to drop engine and transmission to get to the cooler. Dealer quoted $4000 for this repair. MMI display gear stripped. Qouted $960 to fix. I declined. Found replacement gear on internet, will do myself. TPMS system malfunction. TPMS sensors in wheels need to be replaced. Estimated cost $850. Found TPMS units on web for $46 each. Will have tire store replace.
Jul 2013 111300 mi US $200	TPMS sensors replaced.
Aug 2014 119000 mi US $1386	Check eng. light on. Was alternator problem. Need new WATER COOLED alternator Suspension light came on. Right front corner low. Had to replace front passenger side suspension air bag Center arm rest broken. Repair cost about $400 Nav display making clunking noise on way up and way down. I bought a new gear on the internet for about $15. Repair took about 3 hours. Followed directions from the internet. Everything works great now.

Audi A8 in New Jersey, United States Dec 2010 - Apr 2013
Feb 2010 68033 mi US $50	replace trunk hinges
Aug 2010 US $525	Replace MMI screen mechanism Replace trunk lift motor
Sep 2010 80058 mi US $50	Check engine light on - replaced air mass sensor
Mar 2011 88000 mi US $340	Tire Pressure monitor fault. System antenna replaced; however problem still exists
Apr 2011 91000 mi US $275	Crankshaft position sensor failed
Jun 2011 93000 mi US $300	Outer driver door handle replaced -lock button failed and could not lock the car using the keyless system Had tire pressure monitoring system disabled. Complete repair would cost up to $1,500 so had mechanic disable the system
Sep 2011 96000 mi US $40	MMI system would not work and system could not be re-booted. Technician found a stuck button on the MMI controller
Mar 2012 106000 mi US $750	Replace control arms - noisy when cold
Oct 2012 114000 mi US $450	Replaced left front wheel bearing

Audi A8 in California, United States Sep 2011 - Dec 2015
Dec 2011 89000 mi US $50	Trunk Lock Mechanism Dealer Left Clean Air Sensor detached
May 2012 91900 mi US $900	Fuel Pump Failed and Oxygen Sensor Failed