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Seeing that there are so many GM cars and trucks using the A8, are there any confirmation stories about how good they are?
Here, I will start. I have only great things to say about my 2017 Z51 A8, it's shifts are quick and solid. It cruises well and it seamlessly switches from V8 to V4 and back again when power is required. Using the paddle shifters is fun but the automatic selection has more accurate shifts with no human lag.
It is my impression that the 2017 models have been modified with different TC and are using different fluid. These Mods have remedied the majority of problems related to the TC.
I invite all members to write there good experiences with the A8
Thanks, looking forward to hearing all the good stories.
Interesting thread. I guess the auditor/investigator in me hasn't completely left despite retirement. I like numbers/data. Not having any, I decided to generate a little. Sooo, I went to Autotrader. Based on comments from earlier posts, it seems that the perception is 2015s with higher mileage would be the most likely to experience a problem with an A8. So that's what I filtered for, 2015, must have an A8, must have over 20,000 miles on the clock, and the document I searched was Carfax. I searched 50 examples. There were two instances where the transmission appeared on the Carfax. One had the transmission "serviced" before it's first sale with only 5 miles on the vehicle.
The other was a bonified concern, the transmission computer was reprogrammed and after that the TC was replaced. The car was sold to a second owner, still under warranty with no further servicing of the transmission. It had 17K on the clock when it was serviced.
Within the 50 examples, I also found one car with two mag ride shocks replaced and one Z51 with a bent wheel and other service warranty issues.
I'm not disputing that there have been legitimate concerns about the A8. If I owned one, I would extend my warranty. However, in this small sample, I didn't see numerous failures.
I have a 2017 Grand Sport with 6k miles on it and my A8 has worked flawlessly for me. I drive 100% in manual mode and it has never shifted without me telling it to.
13K no problem. V4/V8 is almost imperceptible. But little by little I really came to prefer M mode, and now that's all I use. I tend to prefer a slightly higher RPM than Auto, and like to downshift for the corners.
Personally, I think some of the discourse comes down to what is considered a problem--example: I have had a lot of Manuals over the years, and with a cold transmission the 1-2 shift can be a bitch. But with a M that's OK, with the A it's a glitch? (My A8 shifts a little different when cold than warm, which I expect, but no delayed engagement)
Got over 5100 Miles since first of July.She does hit 2nd not real hard or soft either in Manual Mod.Simply regulate the throttle a little..Fixed
Mostly shift back and forth from M to A.Depending on the road if it's Playtime or not.Man,This car can PLAY
My 2017 GS A8 has performed flawlessly so far.
Across the GM brand there must be a couple hundred thousand vehicles
out there where A8s perform without issues while there's probably only been a couple
hundred +/- failures reported on this forum.
Originally Posted by Kev4
It is my impression that the 2017 models have been modified with different TC and are using different fluid. These Mods have remedied the majority of problems related to the TC.
Did all 2017s receive the improved TC and fluid or were the improvements implemented at a certain build date during the year?
Anyone know?
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 10-22-2017 at 08:52 AM.
What most people don't realize is there's thousands of A8's out there and only about 1% have had problems. It's just we all hope that there were zero percent but the way some complain on this forum you'd think every one was defective. They're not.
2017 Z - First 2k miles car would intermittently jerk & bang, then an AFM/DOD delete (plugs) during engine mods/tune. 5k now & its like driving a different car - smooth as silk. I still don't know why GM decided AFM was a good idea on these cars & that **** system is whats shelling these A8s.
It seems all the A8's are destined to grenade sooner or later, buy the M7.
As the subject matter identifies. We are looking for positive feelings with the A8, I will disregard yours as a personal unscientific conclusion based on your desire to divert from the subject. There are an equal amount of clutch, throw out bearing and stiff shifting problems which we all should not bring up. Sooner or later you will experience this grenade as well.
10-22-2017, 12:50 AM
Does anyone have a good A8
