Audi A5
V6 diesel with 160 kW and enormous torque. Excellent long-distance engine. Timing chain — watch the tensioner. Service AdBlue system regularly.
Refined multi-cylinder — relaxed cruising
218 hp 3.0L with a pleasant, refined character. Relaxed long-distance cruiser without sporting ambitions. Factor in the known weak points.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Certain EA897 variants (3.0 TDI, 2014–2017) show a material defect on the camshafts. Cam lobe surfaces crack and valves no longer open correctly. Repair costs €3,500–20,000.
Symptoms: Ticking / knocking when cold, rough running, power loss, MIL, grinding noise in head
The 3.0 TDI CNHA uses four thin timing chains (one per cam bank, plus connector and oil pump chain), all on the gearbox side. Replacement costs €3,000–5,000 and requires 15–20 labour hours.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, camshaft control fault codes, oil pressure drop
The EGR system on the 3.0 TDI CNHA cokes up with heavy urban use. A failed EGR valve and coked EGR cooler module cause power loss and elevated emissions. Cleaning or replacement required.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, stumbling under acceleration, increased consumption
The DPF on the 3.0 TDI does not fully regenerate during frequent short trips. Result: clogging and limp mode. Forced regeneration via an extended motorway drive or in-workshop procedure required.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, oil diluted with fuel
The NOx sensor on the 3.0 TDI CNHA cokes up and gives false readings. Typical: AdBlue system fault despite a full tank. Sensor can be cleaned (carb cleaner) or must be replaced (€200–400).
Symptoms: AdBlue warning light, SCR system fault, elevated NOx readings, engine check light
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox tends to shudder and judder at low speeds. Clutch disc wear in city traffic is severe. A full rebuild is often necessary.
Early starter battery weakness and associated infotainment faults. MMI shows frozen screens or crashes when the on-board voltage drops.
On some A5 F5 Sportback and Coupe models water enters the boot. The cause is an inadequate seal in the area of the tailgate aperture.
Some A5 F5 models show steering wheel vibrations between 80 and 120 km/h. Audi addresses this as a goodwill gesture by replacing the control arms with hydraulic mounts.
Starter battery fails on early F5 models, particularly with short-trip use. Cold-start problems in winter are frequent.
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.