Recalls: Audi 8P S3
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi 8P S3
2008-09 Audi 8P S3: impaired ABS and ESC operation
In May 2017, a recall was issued for Audi 8P S3 vehicles that were manufactured from May 2008 to May 2009. Due to excessive thermomechanical strain, a faulty in an earth connection on the ESC control unit could develop – this could limit the ability of the ABS/ESC system to stabilise the vehicle in critical handling situations such as oversteer, understeer or hard braking. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16053.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P S3
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2009 model year Audi 8P S3: weak exhaust valve springs, engine judder and misfires
In November 2009, Audi issuedTechnical Product Information (TPI) 2018868/4 for 2009 model year Audi 8P S3 vehicles that had CDLA engines and manual transmissions (code: KNZ). However, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that this TPI bulletin also applied to the de-tuned CDLB and CDLC engines that were offered in Australia. According to the TPI bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms –
- Engine judder or misfires at engine speeds above 5500 rpm;
- The following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) logged in the engine control unit (ECU):
- P300 misfiring recognised;
- P301 cylinder 1 misfiring recognised;
- P302 cylinder 2 misfiring recognised;
- P303 cylinder 3 misfiring recognised (note that 80 per cent of misfiring is logged on this cylinder); or
- P304 cylinder 4 misfiring recognised.
These symptoms were attributed to the exhaust valve springs; due to a production error, the valve springs that were fitted were too soft.
To verify if the soft valve springs were fitted, they were to be inspected – the colour marks on the incorrect springs were white/yellow. The weak springs were to be replaced with valve springs that had the part number 06F 109 623 – these springs had yellow/blue colour marks.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P S3
- The air conditioning may work intermittently or stop entirely due to a leaking high-pressure sensor.
- A tapping noise from under the vehicle may be due to the fuel line contacting the underbody – this can be fixed by installing insulators.
- The lighting for switches may stay on due to a short circuit in a courtesy light.
- The master power window switch may work intermittently due to interference with the trim.
