2011-2014 Audi A8 & S8 Outer Tail Light: Water Leaks, LED Failures, and Replacement
This guide covers the common causes of failure for the quarter-panel mounted tail lights on the 2011-2014 Audi A8, A8 Quattro, and S8, and what to look for when buying a used replacement.
- The primary cause of failure is water intrusion from a degraded main gasket, leading to corrosion and LED circuit board damage.
- This outer tail light fits 2011-2014 A8, A8 Quattro, and S8 models ONLY. It does not fit 2015+ facelifted cars or the inner trunk-lid position.
- When buying a used unit, prioritize inspecting for cracks and ensuring the rubber gasket is soft and pliable to prevent future leaks.
- Replacement is very simple, requiring only a T-25 Torx driver and a trim tool, and can be completed in about 15 minutes.
Symptoms of Tail Light Failure
Failure of the outer tail light on a 2011-2014 Audi A8 or S8 can manifest in several ways. Often, the root cause is moisture getting inside the housing. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:
- Condensation or Water Inside the Lens: This is the most common early warning sign. You may see fog, water droplets, or a small puddle inside the tail light housing, especially after rain or a car wash. This indicates the factory seal has failed.
- Dim or Flickering LEDs: Individual LED segments or the entire light may flicker or appear dimmer than the other side. This is often a result of corrosion on the internal circuit board caused by water intrusion.
- Partial or Complete Light Failure: One or more functions of the tail light (like the running light or brake light) may stop working entirely. In some cases, the entire unit will go dark, while the turn signal may still function.
- "Light Malfunction" Dashboard Warning: The vehicle's computer monitors the lighting circuits and will often display a warning message on the instrument cluster when a fault is detected.
- Blown Fuses: While less common, a short circuit within a water-damaged tail light assembly can cause the corresponding fuse to blow, potentially affecting other lights on the same circuit.
Warning: These tail light assemblies are specific to the pre-facelift 2011-2014 Audi A8, A8 Quattro, and S8 models. They will not fit the 2015-and-newer facelifted vehicles, which have a different shape and design.
Known Issues: Water Intrusion and Gasket Failure
The primary known issue for these tail lights is the failure of the main rubber gasket that seals the assembly against the vehicle's body. Over time, this gasket can become old, brittle, and compressed, losing its ability to keep water out. Once moisture enters the housing, it condensates on the lens and drips onto the internal electronic circuit board that controls the LEDs. This leads to corrosion on the board and its components, causing short circuits, flickering, and eventual failure of the LEDs. 🎬 See how to repair water moisture leaks in Audi tail lights In many cases, the LEDs themselves are still functional, but the control board is damaged beyond repair.
Buying a Used Tail Light: What to Inspect
Purchasing a used OEM tail light is a cost-effective solution, but careful inspection is key to avoid buying a part that will fail prematurely. Here’s what to check:
- Inspect the Lens Thoroughly: Look for any signs of cracks, chips, or deep scratches. Even a small hairline crack can be a path for water to enter.
- Check for Internal Haze or Water Lines: Hold the light up to a bright source. Look for a hazy film on the inside of the lens or faint water lines at the bottom. These are clear signs the light has had water inside it before and should be avoided.
- Examine the Main Gasket: The black rubber gasket around the perimeter of the housing is the most critical component. It should be soft, pliable, and free of any cracks or flat spots. A brittle or hardened gasket will not seal properly.
- Inspect the Electrical Connector: Look at the pins inside the electrical connector port. They should be clean, straight, and shiny. Any green or white crusty buildup is a sign of corrosion from water damage.
- Verify the Part Number and Side: Confirm you are buying the correct side (left/driver or right/passenger) and that it is the outer, quarter-panel-mounted light, not the inner trunk-lid-mounted one. The part numbers 4H0945095 (left) and 4H0945096 (right) with various letter suffixes apply.
Pro Tip: For extra protection, you can apply a thin layer of silicone dielectric grease to the rubber gasket of the replacement unit before installation. This can help improve the seal and prolong its life.
Replacement Procedure (DIY)
Replacing the outer tail light on the 2011-2014 A8 and S8 is a straightforward job that can be done with basic tools.
- Difficulty: 1/5 (Very Easy)
- Estimated Time: 15 minutes
- Tools Needed: Plastic trim removal tool, T-25 Torx driver.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open the Trunk: Access the area behind the tail light from inside the trunk.
- Remove the Access Panel: Use a plastic trim tool to carefully pry off the small carpeted access panel located directly behind the tail light assembly.
- Unscrew the Tail Light: You will see two T-25 Torx bolts holding the assembly in place. Remove both bolts.
- Disconnect and Remove: Pull the tail light assembly straight back, out of the quarter panel. It is also held in by a guide pin, so a firm, steady pull may be needed. Once it's loose, press the release tab on the electrical connector and unplug it.
- Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Plug in the new assembly and test its function before bolting it in. Align the guide pin, push the assembly into place, and reinstall the two T-25 Torx bolts. Do not overtighten them; they only need to be snug. Finally, snap the carpeted access panel back into place.
Cost Comparison
| Part Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $500 - $750+ |
| New Aftermarket | $250 - $450 |
| Used OEM | $100 - $250 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this the inner or outer tail light?
This guide and its associated part numbers are for the outer tail light assembly that mounts on the rear quarter panel (the fender). It is not the inner assembly that mounts on the trunk lid, which is a different part with a more involved replacement process.
Will this tail light fit my 2015 Audi A8?
No. This part only fits the pre-facelift models from 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The 2015 model year marked a significant facelift for the A8 and S8, and the tail lights were redesigned.
Do I need to program the car after installing a new tail light?
No. For a standard replacement of the assembly, no special programming or coding is required. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step DIY for A8 and S8 LED reverse lights It is a plug-and-play component.
Are the left and right side tail lights interchangeable?
No, they are not. The assemblies are shaped differently for the driver's side (left) and passenger's side (right) and have unique part numbers.
Are there any recalls for this issue?
As of early 2026, there are no active safety recalls issued by the NHTSA specifically for water leaks or LED failure in the 2011-2014 Audi A8 and S8 tail lights. The problem is considered a maintenance and wear issue rather than a manufacturing safety defect.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4H0945095 4H0945095A 4H0945095E 4H0945095K 4H0945096A
Lighting Technology: LED
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Audi S8:
- Audi A8:
- Audi A8 Quattro: