Recalls: Audi B8 S4
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 B8 S4
2011-14 Audi B8 S4: airbag may not inflate correctly
In October 2014, a recall was issued for Audi B8 S4 vehicles that were manufactured from November 2011 to October 2014 (inclusive). In these vehicles, the front airbags may not inflate correctly in the event of an accident. If the airbags did not deploy correctly, there was an increased risk of injury to the front occupants during a collision. As part of the recall, a software update was to be applied to the airbag control unit (PRA 2014/14402).
2011-12 Audi B8 S4 3.0 TFSI: fuel leak
In January 2015, a recall was issued for Audi B8 S4 models with the 3.0 TFSI engine that were manufactured from April 2011 to April 2012 (inclusive). In these vehicles, a fuel leak may occur at the connection between the fuel rail and the injector. If this occurred, the owner may detect a fuel smell from the engine compartment and leaking fuel could pose a fire hazard in the presence of an ignition source. As part of the recall, the fuel rail was to be replaced and a reinforced retaining bracket fitted (PRA 2015/14530).
2013-18 Audi B8 S4 3.0 TFSI: fuel leak
In March 2019, recall campaign 24DP was issued for Audi B8 S4 vehicles that had 3.0 TFSI EA837 evo engine and were manufactured between September 2013 and April 2018. In these vehicles, fuel may escape from one or both low-pressure fuel rails. In the presence of an ignition source, the fuel could ignite and pose a fire hazard; petrol fumes may also be noticed in the cabin. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17395.
Problems and faults: Audi B8 S4
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.
Audi B8 S4: 7sp DL501 ‘S Tronic’ transmission – mechatronic and clutch faults
For 2008 to 2010 Audi vehicles with seven-speed ‘S Tronic’ DL501 (part code prefix: 0B5) double-clutch transmissions, there have been reports of:
- Mechatronic units that become faulty and require replacement; and,
- Premature wear of the dual multi-plate clutches that prevents them from engaging properly.
About the ‘S Tronic’ DL501 double clutch transmission
From late 2008, the seven-speed ‘S Tronic’ DL501 (part code prefix: 0B5) double-clutch transmission was introduced in Audi vehicles that had longitudinally-mounted engines – this includes the B8 A4, B8 S4, 8R Q5, 8T3 A5 Coupe, 8F7 A5 Cabriolet, 8F7 S5 Cabriolet, 8TA A5 Sportback and 8TA S5 Sportback.In the DL501 ‘S tronic’ transmission, torque is transmitted through the transmission plate to the dual-mass flywheel, and then to the electro-hydraulically controlled dual clutches which selectively operate the even or odd numbered gears.
S Tronic: faulty Mechatronic unit – ‘gearbox malfunction’ and other symptoms
Acting as the central gearbox control unit, the Mechatronic system combines the electro-hydraulic control unit (actuators), the electronic control unit and some sensors into a single unit. The mechatronic system performs the following functions:
- Regulation of oil pressure in the hydraulic system;
- Engagement of the dual clutches;
- Regulation of clutch temperature;
- Shift point selection;
- Regulation of gearbox control;
- Communication with other control units;
- Limp-home programs; and,
- Self-diagnostics.
Symptoms of a faulty Mechatronic unit include:
- Dashboard warnings such as ‘gearbox malfunction, you can continue driving in restricted mode’, ‘gearbox malfunction (no reverse)’ or similar. This message appears because clutch temperature has been calculated to be in a critical temperature range that can cause damage – around 160 degrees Celsius – and an entry will be made in the fault memory;
- Difficulty engaging drive or reverse gears (including ‘hard’ or abrupt gear shifts);
- The vehicle can only be driven in gears 1, 3, 5 and 7, and reverse cannot be engaged. Since the larger outer clutch is used for the odd-numbered gears and reverse, an inability to engage the even gears is due to an inability of the Mechatronic unit to engage the smaller inner clutch;
- The vehicle can only be driven in gears 2, 4, 6 and reverse. This indicates an inability of the Mechatronic unit to engage the larger outer clutch; and,
- ‘Hard’ or abrupt downshifts, especially when the gearbox is hot.
For these symptoms, it is recommended that the Mechatronic unit be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage – a Mechatronic repair kit was developed by Audi for this purpose. If further damage occurs, either:
- The Mechatronic unit requires replacement; or,
- The entire transmission (including the Mechatronic unit) requires replacement.
S Tronic: premature wear of multi-plate clutches
It is understood that the multi-plate clutches for the seven-speed ‘S Tronic’ transmission may wear prematurely and this can prevent them from engaging properly. Symptoms of clutch damage include:
- ‘Jerky’ performance where drive torque is transmitted in a stop/start or irregular fashion;
- Either of the clutches slipping;
- Loss of drive torque (in forward or reverse); and,
- Difficulty engaging drive or reverse gears (including ‘hard’ or abrupt gear shifts).
Problems and faults: Audi B8 S4
- The air conditioner may stop working due to the air conditioning temperature/pressure switch failing.
- The brakes may make a moaning or murmuring sound at low speeds or when turning at low speeds – this may be due to a faulty caliper piston seal that does not retract the brakes sufficiently.
- If something other than the ignition key (e.g. the wrong key) is inserted into the ignition lock, the remote keys will not work. For vehicles with the ‘Advanced’ key, the start/stop button will not work and the boot will not release.
- The parking lights may stay on permanently if the system is ‘awakened’ (e.g. a remote keyless entry unlock command) while in the ‘fall-asleep’ mode, requiring the control module to be reprogrammed.
- The 12-volt power outlets may not work due to a problem with the software in the convenience control module – reprogramming may also correct other problems such as remote keyless entry and the boot light not illuminating.
- The door seals may come loose due to poor adhesive and require replacement.
