Service bulletins for the 2013 Audi A8
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
1506 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| A011257 2028344- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 12-51 dated July 18, 2012. Noises/inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may interpret this engine roughness as misfiring. To comply with the legal requirements on exhaust gas emissions according to the LEV-1 and LEV-2 standards, a high exhaust gas quality must be ensured. The necessary catalyst only operates at a temperature over 300°C (572°F). To achieve this, the catalyst is heated up. The catalyst heating phase is achieved by a late ignition angles and by introducing additional fresh air to the exhaust valves (secondary air system). Late ignition angles make sure that the exhaust gas from the cylinders has a higher temperature. This exhaust gas includes fuel that is un-burnt, and was deliberately injected into great quantities. The secondary air system adds fresh air to the exhaust gas as it leaves the cylinder and the extra fuel is burnt. As a result, the temperature of the exhaust gas and of the catalyst increases quickly. The afterburning in the exhaust manifold before catalyst changes the sound characteristic of the engine. This heating-up of the catalyst, including afterburning, is normal and has no effect on the service life of the engine. During this catalyst heating phase the engine has increased idle speed, may have increased vibrations, and a different sound characteristic. Depending on conditions the time of the catalyst heating phase varies. |
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| A171232 2018550- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 12 - 31 dated August 30, 2012. Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA). In order to provide effective lubrication and cooling of internal engine components, all internal combustion engines consume a certain amount of engine oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change significantly over the life of the engine. Typically engines with specified break-in periods consume more oil during the break-in period, and the oil consumption will stabilize after the break-in period. Refer to the Owner's Manual for specific break-in procedures. Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of the oil, the RPM at which the engine is operated, the ambient temperature and road conditions. Additional factors are the amount of oil dilution from water condensation or fuel residue and the oxidation level of the oil. |
| A371268 2028561- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 12 ? 52 dated May 31, 2012. There is no customer complaint about the gearbox. The gear lever display flashes. The message "gearbox problem, journey can be continued with restrictions" is shown. The entry P0605 or P17EC is logged under the diagnosis address 81- Selector lever. New software in the Selector Lever Control Module (J587) addressed the condition. |
| A371269 2031140- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The gearbox warning light comes on. No driving modes can be selected. The driving mode is not shown on the gear lever. Entries are logged in the memory under diagnosis address 02 (gearbox control unit). New software in the Selector Lever Control Module (J587) addressed the condition. |
| A431211 2018765- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 43 number 12-08 dated February 2, 2012. The self-leveling system cannot be adjusted any more with the MMI. The compressor for the self-leveling system continues to run after switching off the engine and locking the vehicle. DTCs may be stored. Because of poor performance or failure of the compressor for air suspension, the vehicle position cannot be adjusted. As a safeguard, the control module will lower the vehicle to the lowest position and illuminate the warning light. Drivability is not affected. |
| A461226 2031135- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE; PARKING BRAKE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The customer may state the yellow warning for electric parking brake (EPB) appeared once in the instrument cluster, but the warning turned OFF after cycling the ignition and there have been no additional occurrences. The customer may state the adaptive cruise control (ACC) was inoperative once, but resumed operating properly after cycling the ignition and there have been no additional occurrences. DTC is stored in the EPB module. Internal code Param_InterFaultID 24 or 25 may be in the extended environmental conditions. The concern is due to a software glitch in the EPB control module. Concerns related to this software glitch can only occur once. Replacing the EPB module may cause an additional occurrence. |
| A551226 2031273- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID. The movement-activated rear lid opening (also known as ? Hands-free trunk release? ) sporadically is inoperative. This feature is installed on A8 vehicles with Audi advanced key (PR No. 4I3) from CW 45/2011 production. |
| A571276 2030580- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 57 number 12 ? 68 dated August 20, 2012. The vehicle cannot be started sporadically. The yellow gearbox warning light may be illuminated. Entries are logged in the respected modules. The remote key the customer is using is transmitting incomplete immobilizer information to the vehicle; resulting in the condition. |
| A911262 2024323- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 10 - 60 dated September 28, 2010. Parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles when none exist. Parking aid is inoperative or provides constant warning. Various parking aid sensor fitting issues. Environmental conditions. |
| A911263 2021151- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 11 ? 83 dated April 15, 2011. The customer may report that the illumination of the dash insert, the air conditioning control panel or the inside light flickers when briefly pressing the accelerator in P or N or when shifting down while driving downhill. Only vehicles with PR number 8GH may be affected. When high electricity consumers are switched off and the battery is fully charged, the energy generated by the alternator is sometimes too great for the power system to absorb. This may lead to briefly increased voltage, and the lights mentioned above may briefly flicker. This characteristic is caused by the alternator design and is a normal condition of the vehicle. |
| A911264 2031367- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT. CD or DVD disks do not automatically change from one to the next in the external CD or DVD changer. The CD and DVD changer have different operating concepts. MMI3G: Disks in the CD changer are always automatically changed from one to the next. MMI3G+ (with Audi connect): Disks in the CD changer are automatically changed from one to the next, but this operation is disabled when the Repeat option is turned on in the Media Settings menu. By default (MMI factory default setting) the repeat option is set to ? Off?. DVD changer (A8 only): Disks in the DVD changer can only be changed manually. |
| A941292 2012749- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. Damp air settles on the inside of a cold lens, which creates condensation. The headlight circulation system allows air from the outside to flow through the headlights. This open waterprotected ventilation system (needed for pressure compensation) creates different climate zones in the headlight: very warm areas, where the lens is warmed up by the light, and relatively cool areas, where the lens is cooled own by the air flow. Considerable differences in humidity and temperature between the inside and the outside of the headlights, even while driving, can lead to condensation. This is especially true in cold and wet weather, but it can also happen after a car wash, after steam cleaning the engine or the front end, with overnight temperature changes, etc. This phenomenon is more visible on lenses made of clear glass than on lenses with patterns. The moisture does not affect the headlight function (light performance) and does not lead to corrosion or other damage to headlight parts. |
| Dealer Letter - | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. On certain Audi A8 and S8 vehicles with 4.0L engines, shifting operation of the gearbox may feel uncomfortable. Update the ECM and TCM software to the latest level. |
| PDI - 2013 A8-S8 | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This document contains the Audi delivery report checklist. |
| Update Bulletin | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. On Audi A8 and S8 vehicles with 4.0L engine shifting operation of the gearbox may feel uncomfortable. This Update is in effect until removed. Procedure is valid only for vehicles that show the 37H1 code in the ElsaWeb Campaign/Action Information screen on the day of repair. Vehicle must be within the Federal Emissions Warranty. Procedure must be performed within the allotted time frame stated in this Technical Service Bulletin. Procedure must be performed on applicable vehicles in dealer inventory prior to sale. On Audi A8 and S8 vehicles with 4.0L engines shifting operation of the gearbox may feel uncomfortable. |
| A001243 2026692- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-28 dated June 16, 2011. If an all-new 2012 Audi A8 L W12 arrives at an Audi dealership and requires diagnosis or repair, a Repair Authorization must be obtained. A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ticket must be created for Engine Transmission concerns only, prior to any repair related to the Audi A8 L W12. Routine maintenance and PDI do not require prior authorization or a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ticket. These procedures are mandatory until further notice. Warranty repairs without repair authorization via a TAC contact will not be reimbursed. |
| A001242 2030428- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 12-37 dated August 13, 2012. If an all-new 2013 Audi A8 4.0T, S6, S7 and S8 arrives at an Audi dealership and requires diagnosis or repair, a Repair Authorization must be obtained. A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ticket must be created for Engine and Transmission concerns only, prior to any repairs. Routine maintenance and PDI do not require prior authorization or a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ticket. These procedures are mandatory until further notice. Warranty repairs without repair authorization via a TAC contact will not be reimbursed. |
| A011260 2030580- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 57 number 12-76 dated October 4, 2012. The vehicle cannot be started sporadically. The yellow gearbox warning light may be illuminated. DTC's are logged. The remote key the customer is using is transmitting incomplete immobilizer information to the vehicle; resulting in the condition. |
| A371276 2029305- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 12-74 dated November 28, 2012. Customer may report harsh downshifts while braking or harsh 1-2 upshift under acceleration. Further TCM software calibration to improve shift concerns. |
| A901238 2032113- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. The customer may state that the outside ambient temperature display is incorrect. To achieve a smoothening effect of the displayed outside ambient temperature, the value shown does not instantaneously follow the temperature sensor measurement. The display will not change faster than 4° F (2° C) per minute. This concept applies to both falling and rising temperatures. A programming strategy is also implemented to avoid incorrect readings on a parked vehicle, due to the temperature sensor being affected by outside influences such as radiant heat from the engine bay, elevated road surface temperatures, etc. |
| A911270 2032240- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The Google Earth map will not load. The display shows an active data connection, and ? Google? is almost fully white. Customer has active Audi Connect subscription. All other Audi Connect functions operate normally. The concern only occurs if the vehicle is started in a 2G cellular zone. The system operates normally if started in a 3G cellular zone. The vehicle has MMI software 0566 installed. Certain Audi Connect partner carriers are transmitting data that is not supported by the MMI. The data disrupts the loading process of Google Earth and causes it to not completely load. |
| Dealer Letter - | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The purpose of this communication is to outline a recent improvement to the start-stop-system as well as new information and retail sales process suggestions to help you and your customers realize the benefits and convenient operation of this technology. |
| A961485 2027416- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-61 dated May 28, 2013. The sunglass holder in the dome light assembly will not latch closed. The sunglass holder spring latch mechanism may have been damaged during the assembly procedure. |
| A911452 2037756- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The customer complains about GPS navigation issues that may be antenna-related. No DTC entry is logged. This bulletin should be performed before any other bulletins that cover specific customer complaints. If the GPS antenna cable became partially connected during assembly or during a repair, it may still function. But, the partially-connected cable can cause an intermittent issue that does not cause a DTC to be logged. |
| A911451 2033355- | 2017-11-08. Service bulletin. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 13-78 dated March 15, 2013. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) does not work. The message "ACC and braking guard: unavailable at this time. No sensor vision" appears in the instrument cluster. DTC C110BF0 (Adaptive cruise control sensor restricted view) is logged in the distance regulation control module, J428 (address word 13). |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.