Audi S5

The intercooler integrated into the Eaton supercharger can develop leaks from thermal stress. Coolant enters the combustion chamber and can cause a hydrolock with total engine damage.

Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, misfires on cylinder 3, white exhaust smoke, power loss.

Rare but catastrophic: if the high-pressure pump fails, metal swarf is distributed throughout the entire fuel system. All lines, injectors and the tank must be flushed or replaced.

Symptoms: Engine will no longer start, engine warning light with fault code 'rail pressure too low', rough running, sudden power loss.

Hydraulic chain tensioners lose oil pressure overnight. On cold start the chain rattles for 1–3 seconds until pressure builds. Persistent rattling indicates a stretched chain or defective tensioners.

Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (1–3 seconds), disappears once warm. With advanced wear also persistent rattling and engine warning light.

Particularly models from 2010–2012 have water pumps with plastic impellers that wear prematurely. Coolant loss and overheating can follow. Replacement requires removal of the supercharger.

Symptoms: Coolant warning, falling coolant level, coolant puddle under the vehicle, rising temperature gauge.

The drive shaft bearing on the Roots supercharger wears at high mileages. Play in the drive shaft is detectable by hand. A complete supercharger replacement is usually necessary.

Symptoms: Mid-range whistling or grinding in sync with engine rpm, metallic noise from the supercharger, increasingly louder.

The upper chain tensioners lose oil pressure at standstill; the timing chain rattles for 1–2 seconds on cold start. With ongoing symptoms, guide rail damage and in the worst case chain jump threatens.

Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start, fades after 1–2 seconds. With advanced wear, permanent chain noise.

The 3.0 TFSI CAKA uses an Alusil cylinder bore. When the coating wears or is damaged, oil consumption rises progressively. A defective crankcase ventilation makes the problem worse.

Symptoms: Oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, blue exhaust smoke under load, oil smell in the cabin.

The 3.0 TFSI S4/S5 shows failures of the coolant pump and thermostat at higher mileage. Thermostat faults lead to incorrect operating temperature; pump failures carry overheating risk.

Symptoms: Temperature fluctuations on the cockpit display, coolant loss, engine reaches operating temperature too late or overheats.

The front bearing of the Eaton supercharger (nose bearing) can wear at high mileage and cause whistling noises. In extreme cases, bearing failure leads to supercharger damage.

Symptoms: Whistling or whining from the supercharger area, especially at low rpm or at idle, getting louder at higher rpm.

On CGW engines (CGWA/CGWB/CGXB) blanking screws were fitted instead of check valves (part no. 06E 103 271 A) in the oil passage. Oil drains into the sump; chain rattles earlier than normal on start.

Symptoms: Loud chain rattling on cold start that develops faster than normal, oil pressure loss at standstill.

The PCV membrane tears at 60,000–80,000 km, creating excessive vacuum in the crankcase. Oil is drawn into the intake system. Its position under the supercharger makes repair expensive.

Symptoms: Rough running, power loss, engine will not rev beyond 4,000 rpm, increased oil consumption, white smoke.

Direct injection without port spray leads to carbon deposits on the intake valves from around 70,000 km. Walnut blasting is needed to restore full power.

Symptoms: Cold-start misfires, hesitant throttle response, worse fuel pick-up, increased fuel consumption.

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.