100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

Carly Community

erikhofmann12

Audi A8 Multiple Sensor Failures Need Expert Fix

My 2018 Audi A8 diesel (169630 km) is showing multiple system failures and error messages in the dashboard. The adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems are not working. I suspect a radar sensor malfunction but had some questionable experiences with mechanics lately. Has anyone dealt with similar automotive sensor issues on their A8? What was the actual problem and repair cost? Looking for trustworthy repair shop recommendations and typical repair times for this kind of work.

4 comment(s)

jessicahofmann3

Had similar automotive sensor failures on my 2015 Audi A6 3.0 TDI. The collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems showed multiple errors simultaneously. Initially suspected a complex system failure, but the root cause was much simpler. The front radar sensor was heavily contaminated with road grime and salt residue. A thorough cleaning of the sensor area behind the front Audi badge resolved all system warnings. The repair required specialized calibration equipment after cleaning to realign the safety systems properly. The entire process took about 2 hours for cleaning and calibration. While not a serious mechanical issue, these sensor failures need immediate attention as they affect critical safety systems. Without proper calibration, the automotive sensors can provide false readings or fail to detect obstacles. The common failure points on these systems typically include: Dirt accumulation on sensor surfaces, Misalignment from minor impacts, Wiring connection issues, Software calibration errors Always ensure proper recalibration after any front-end work, even minor repairs, as sensor alignment is crucial for collision avoidance systems to function correctly.

erikhofmann12 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had the exact same electronic issue with my 2018 A8. The radar sensor needed cleaning and recalibration too. The collision avoidance system started working perfectly after the fix. Just wondering, do you remember the total cost for the cleaning and calibration work? Also, have any other safety systems given you trouble since the repair?

jessicahofmann3

The total repair cost for cleaning and calibrating the radar sensor was only 45 Euro, much less than I initially feared. Since having the driving assistance systems fixed, everything has worked flawlessly for months now. The collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control are functioning perfectly, with no other electronic issues appearing. Getting the automotive sensors properly cleaned and calibrated was definitely the right solution. Looking back, it was worth having a professional handle the radar calibration instead of attempting any DIY fixes that could have compromised the safety systems. The key takeaway from my experience is that sensor-related problems often have simple solutions. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these sensitive components helps prevent more extensive repairs down the road.

erikhofmann12 (Author)

Had my A8 checked today and wanted to share the outcome. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed a radar sensor issue, but nothing major. They cleaned the sensor area and performed a complete radar calibration. The driving assistance systems are now working perfectly. The whole job took about 90 minutes and cost 280 Euro, including the diagnostic check and system calibration. Much better than replacing the entire sensor unit. The collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control are now functioning like new. Really relieved it turned out to be a straightforward fix. No other issues have appeared since the repair was completed this morning. The service technician also showed me how to properly clean around the sensor area to prevent future malfunctions.

Join the discussion now: