Audi A5
V6 diesel with 176 kW. Capable six-cylinder for Q5 and A6. Timing chain at rear of engine, a known issue at high mileage.
Refined multi-cylinder — relaxed cruising
239 hp 3.0L with a pleasant, refined character. Relaxed long-distance cruiser without sporting ambitions. Factor in the known weak points.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The CCWA 3.0 TDI rattles on cold start due to a pressureless chain tensioner. Chain drive C is most commonly affected and the most accessible repair point. Cost from 650 euros.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after a cold start for 1–5 seconds, sounds like loose metal clattering from the engine bay; disappears once oil pressure builds.
The CCWA 3.0 TFSI uses an Alusil cylinder block similar to the 3.2 FSI. When using Longlife oil (low HTHS values), the piston tends to tilt in the cylinder — engine damage risk.
Symptoms: Knocking/rattling noise from the engine, increased oil consumption, juddering under load, power loss.
The EGR system on the CCWA 3.0 TDI accumulates soot deposits, particularly in city use. EGR cooler leaks can cause coolant loss.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, rough idle, limp-home mode, occasional coolant loss from a leaking EGR cooler.
The oil heat exchanger (oil cooler) on the 3.0 TDI V6 develops leaks causing oil loss. An improved replacement unit is available as a retrofit kit.
Symptoms: Oil warning light, visible oil film under the car or in the engine bay, oil level dropping despite top-ups, oil smell after driving.
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) on the CCWA wears at high mileages. Replacement is sensibly combined with a clutch change. DMF parts cost approximately 760 euros plus clutch.
Symptoms: Rattling at idle especially after a cold start, vibration when pulling away or changing gear, drivetrain droning.
On the CCWA 3.0 TFSI supercharger, all chains and tensioners were proactively replaced at 75,000 km. Timing chain wear is a known issue on this generation.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, sounds like a loose chain, disappears once oil pressure builds up.
On the CCWA 3.0 TFSI supercharger, the supercharger V-belt must be replaced at shorter intervals (approx. every 60,000 km). If it breaks, supercharger damage and overheating are likely.
Symptoms: Whistling on acceleration, power loss, visible crack in the belt.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The CVT Multitronic (0AW) tends to catastrophic failures around 100,000 km: juddering when pulling away, extreme rpm fluctuations and loss of reverse gear. Without regular gearbox oil changes, complete failure is likely.
A5 and Q5 models from 2008–2012 with a defective passenger airbag inflator. On deployment, uncontrolled gas pressure can release metal fragments.
Dampers and control arms wear noticeably from around 80,000 km, especially on Sport and S line suspension. A full control arm set costs €2,000–3,000; individual rear dampers around €1,000.
At the transitions between underbody sealant and paint, rust bubbles form on sills and wing bases. Dirt and moisture collect behind underbody covers.
The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox shows premature clutch wear in stop-and-go traffic and when towing. Juddering when pulling away and harsh gearshifts, often fixable by software update.
TÜV inspection reports flag brake hoses on the A5 8T twice as often as the class average. From around 10 years of age rubber hoses become porous.
The window regulator mechanism frequently breaks, especially on the Coupe. The window regulator module must then be replaced completely.
The AC compressor can fail at higher mileages, especially if the AC has not been used for extended periods.
Reports & Tests
152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2007–2016). Most reported: Engine (44), Airbags (30), Electrical (22).