Audi A5 F5
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
450 PS
4.2L FSI V8 Benzin
RS5 Coupé — NA V8 in the best-looking B8 body
Legendary!150 PS
1.4L TFSI Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice450 PS
4.2L FSI V8 Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Audi A5 F5 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi A5 F5 is available with 13 engine variants — from 136 to 450 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 136–190 PS) comes with 3 different engines: DFGA (2016–2019, Be Careful) und DETA (2016–2019, Be Careful) und DKGE (2019–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!
The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 218 PS) has the CNHA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi 1.4L TFSI (Benziner, 150 PS) has the CZDA (1.4L TFSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 190 PS) has the CYRB (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi RS5 (Benziner, 450 PS) has the DECA (2.9L TFSI V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi RS5 Sportback (Benziner, 450 PS) has the DECA (2.9L TFSI V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi S5 (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi S5 Sportback (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 190–252 PS) comes with 3 different engines: DKZA (2019–2023, Be Careful) und DKYA (2020–2023, Be Careful) und DKWB (2020–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TFSI!
The Audi S5 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 204 PS) has the DTUA (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi S5 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 347 PS) has the DTPA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi S5 Sportback (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 347 PS) has the DTPA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Electric Water Pump Fire Risk (2.0 TFSI) Around 1.16 million vehicles with 2.0 TFSI (model years 2012–2017) were recalled. The electric auxiliary water pump can overheat, cause a short circuit and in extreme cases start a fire. Symptoms: Engine temperature check warning, unexplained coolant loss, smoke in worst case | Low | |
| Headlight Level Adjustment Error Well-known fault code with the automatic headlight level adjustment. The issue occurs across all build years and has never been fully resolved by software update. Symptoms: Headlight warning light illuminating, headlights not adjusting correctly from 50,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW i4 G26
Mittelklasse (2021–2026)
BMW 4er G22
Mittelklasse (2020–2026)
Subaru Legacy BT
Mittelklasse (2020–2025)
BMW 3er G20
Mittelklasse (2019–2026)
Toyota Camry XV70
Mittelklasse (2019–2025)
VW Passat B8-FL
Mittelklasse (2019–2024)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 110 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A5 F5 (2016–2023) — 99 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CFSA (4.2L FSI V8). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: CZDA (1.4L TFSI).
A5 (DFGA, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Oil Seal Leaks onto Timing Belt, Timing Belt: Interval NOT Maintenance-Free, Turbocharger Bearing Damage from Oil Starvation. Power: 150 PS.
A5 (DETA, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Damage, Camshaft Seal Leaks Oil onto Timing Belt, Early Water Pump Failure. Power: 190 PS.
A5 (CNHA, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Seized — Material Defect, Timing Chain — 4 Chains, Gearbox Side, High Cost, EGR Valve Coked — Diesel Power Loss. Power: 218 PS.
A5 (DKGE, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Cracking and Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Drive Belt in Wet-Belt System Vulnerable, DPF Over-Saturation from Incomplete Regeneration. Power: 136 PS.
A5 (CDMD, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Internal Intercooler Leaking, Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start, Coolant Pump Failure. Power: 272 PS.
A5 (CFSA, 2010–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain on Gearbox Side — Most Expensive RS4/RS5 Problem, Con Rod Bearings at High RPM — RS4/RS5 Revs to 8,250 rpm, Camshaft Adjusters — Heavily Stressed at High RPM. Power: 450 PS.
A5 (CNCD, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Delivers Insufficient Pressure at Idle, Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure, Hydraulic Chain Tensioners Lose Oil Pressure. Power: 224–230 PS.
A5 (CYRB, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Oil pump — pressure deficit at idle, Recall: belt starter-generator fire risk, Timing chain — cold-start rattle from pressure drop. Power: 190 PS.
A5 (CWGD, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production), Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System, 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift). Power: 354 PS.
A5 (DECA, 2017–2024) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Bearing Roller Ejection, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — BiTurbo Direct Injection, Elevated Oil Consumption — TFSI High-Performance Engine. Power: 450 PS.
A5 (CWGD, 2016–2023) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production), Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System, 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift). Power: 354 PS.
A5 (DKZA, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: Recall: Belt Starter Generator Fire Risk, Timing Chain Elongated, Combined Water Pump / Thermostat Housing Leaking. Power: 190 PS.
A5 (DKYA, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Recall: Belt Starter Generator Fire Risk, Combined Cooling Housing Leaking, Timing Chain Elongated. Power: 204 PS.
A5 (DKWB, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Recall: 48V Belt Starter Generator Fire Risk, Oil Pump — Pressure Deficit at Idle, 48V MHEV System Complexity — BSG Follow-Up Defects. Power: 245–252 PS.
A5 (DTUA, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: EGR cooler cracks and coolant loss, Wet timing belt with sensitive water pump, DPF regeneration fails on short trips. Power: 204 PS.
A5 (DTPA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Low oil pressure from variable oil pump, Camshaft breakage (material defect), Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system). Power: 341–347 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi A5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Audi A5 F5 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Audi A5 F5? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Audi A5 F5 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Audi A5 F5 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Audi A5 F5 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi A5 F5? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee