Audi A5
1.8-litre TFSI from the EA888 Gen2 range with 120–136 PS. Known problem unit: increased oil consumption from undersized piston rings; improved rings fitted from June 2008, so early examples should be checked for service campaign (TPI-2). Timing chain elongation possible from 100,000 km — watch for cold-start rattling.
Worry engine — costly weakness looms
144 hp 1.8L with a known issue: extreme oil consumption (piston rings EA888). The risk of expensive repairs overshadows any driving pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The CDHB belongs to the affected EA888 Gen1 group with undersized oil scraper rings. Consumption of 1–3 liters/1,000 km from approx. 80,000–90,000 km is typical. Service action TPI 2 (piston and ring replacement) required.
Symptoms: Heavy blue smoke when accelerating and lifting off throttle, drastically increasing oil consumption between oil changes
Elongated timing chain produces typical cold-start clatter and can skip with further wear. Combined with tensioner weakness as on all EA888 Gen1 engines.
Symptoms: Loud rattling on cold start that subsides after warm-up. Engine warning light possible
Crankcase ventilation membrane breaks, oil mist enters the intake tract. Symptomatic result: contaminants in intake manifold, rough running and misfires.
Symptoms: Combustion misfires, oil mist in intake tract, whistling noises, poor combustion
EA888 Gen2 1.8 TFSI (production years 2008–2012) with well-known timing chain rattle. Chain tensioner loses oil pressure when stationary, chain sags and rattles on cold start.
Symptoms: Rattling after cold start (a few seconds), later persistent, camshaft sensor fault codes
Undersized oil scraper rings (production up to 2011) coke up. Oil consumption over 1 l/1,000 km possible. Piston or ring replacement required. Problem affects all EA888 Gen1/Gen2 variants.
Symptoms: Blue smoke when accelerating, increasing oil consumption, deposits on spark plugs
Direct injection prevents fuel cleaning of the intake valves. Carbon deposits cause power loss and increased fuel consumption, especially in urban driving.
Symptoms: Power loss, poor throttle response, increased consumption, rough running
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.
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.