Audi A5
EA888 Gen3B (265 PS) in the B9 facelift. Significantly improved oil consumption over Gen2, but electric water pump with plastic housing remains a known weak point. Direct injection causes intake valve carbon build-up. Recall 27H2 for belt starter-generator (fire risk) affects build years 2017–2020.
265 hp coupe dynamics – close to the S5
In the A5 F5 the 265 hp engine is at its best: sporty coupe body, lowered stance and quattro bite. If you don't need an S5 but want S5 feeling, this is the one.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Recall 27H2/27H8 (2020): moisture ingress into the 48V BSG causes short circuits and fire risk. The 265 hp variant of the A4 B9 (45 TFSI) is one of the primary affected engines. ~530,000 vehicles worldwide. Audi advised against parking in garages.
Symptoms: Sequential electrical fault messages, vehicle comes to a standstill, smoke development possible
Variable oil pump delivers insufficient oil pressure at low rpm. At 265 hp and high engine load, the risk of camshaft and chain wear is increased.
Symptoms: Ticking after cold start, oil pressure warning, camshaft phaser fault codes
The 48V mild hybrid system with belt starter generator (BSG) and 48V lithium-ion battery adds an extra complexity layer. Beyond the recall, BSG bearings can wear and the 48V battery can deep-discharge. Warranty extended to 7 years per manufacturer.
Symptoms: Electrical fault messages, auto-stop function inoperative, comfort functions fail, 48V deep discharge
Timing chain stretches under higher load (265 hp). Gen3B tensioner improved over Gen3. Cold-start rattling from ~90,000–110,000 km possible.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, P0016/P0017 fault codes
Integrated plastic housing for water pump and thermostat cracks. Coolant loss from ~60,000–100,000 km. Standard Gen3B issue.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant smell
DKWB direct injection without port injection deposits carbon on intake valves. Miller cycle alters charge-exchange dynamics. Walnut blasting every 50,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough cold start, P2015 fault code
PCV membrane valve tears. Intake air leak develops under boost pressure. A common wear item on all EA888 generations.
Symptoms: Whistling noise, P2279, power loss, rough idle
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.