1999 Audi A8

1999 Audi A8

The 1999 Audi A8 was a full-size luxury sedan that was offered with a choice of three engines: a 3.7-liter V8, a 4.2-liter V8, and a 6.0-liter W12. The 3.7-liter V8 produced 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.2-liter V8 produced 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 6.0-liter W12 produced 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. All three engines were mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The A8 was praised for its luxurious interior, powerful engines, and Quattro all-wheel drive system. However, it was also criticized for its high price and some reliability issues.

Engine

3.7-liter V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.2-liter V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0-liter W12

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve body failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed shifting, no shifting
    • Solution: Replace valve body
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front control arm bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when driving over bumps, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies after sitting for a period of time
  • Solution: Test battery and electrical system, replace battery if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside headlight lenses
  • Solution: Replace headlight lenses
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof does not open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace sunroof motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control does not work properly, AC or heater does not work
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair climate control system, replace parts as necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Audi A8 was a luxurious and powerful sedan, but it was also plagued by a number of reliability issues. The most common problems were with the engine, transmission, and electrical system. The cost of repairs for these issues could be quite high, so it is important to factor this into the cost of ownership.