Audi A5
1.8-litre TFSI from the EA888 Gen2 range with 170 PS — known problem unit of this generation. Increased oil consumption from undersized piston rings on first registrations before 2012; check for service campaign TPI-2 (pistons/rings replaced). Timing chain elongation possible from 100,000 km — watch for cold-start rattling.
Solid everyday engine — gets the job done
177 hp 1.8L for daily use. Watch the known weak points.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The chain tensioner on early production units was undersized and caused chain elongation. Cold-start rattling is the typical early warning sign. A revised version was introduced from 2012.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start in the area of the timing cover, settling after warm-up; engine management fault codes P0341/P0366
Narrow oil scraper rings allow oil to enter the combustion chambers. Consumption can rise above 1 litre per 1,000 km from 40,000–70,000 km. Repair requires engine disassembly.
Symptoms: Blue exhaust smoke on cold start or under load, dropping oil level between service intervals, oil residue on the exhaust
The water pump and thermostat housing are known as a unit for coolant leaks. A well-known issue on the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI, especially from 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, rising temperature gauge, coolant smell from the engine bay
The high-pressure pump can develop a leak and introduce fuel into the engine oil. Fuel in the oil is dangerous for the engine and can cause bearing damage. A fuel smell from the oil filler cap is a warning sign.
Symptoms: Fuel smell in engine oil, rising oil level on the dipstick, starting problems, rough running under load
Direct injection without port injection allows soot deposits to form on the intake valves. Frequent short-trip use accelerates the process. Walnut blasting is the effective cleaning method.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, poor cold-start behaviour after 60,000+ km
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
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.
The soft-top mechanism hydraulic hoses become brittle and leak. Hydraulic oil collects under the trim in the boot and can saturate the exhaust heat shield.
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.