Audi A5
EA888 Gen3B facelift with 140 kW. Particulate filter and WLTP optimisation standard. Proven technology with few known issues.
Solid entry into the A5 experience
In the A5 F5 the 204 hp unit feels appropriate: the coupe design invites spirited driving, the engine delivers refined power without a real sporting tingle. A solid entry point – and nothing more.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Recall 27H2 (2020): moisture ingress into BSG causes short circuits and fire risk. Affects A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 (production years 2017–2020) with 48V mild hybrid. ~530,000 vehicles worldwide, approx. 17,769 in Germany.
Symptoms: Electrical fault messages, vehicle breaks down, smoke development possible
DKZA timing chain stretches from ~100,000 km. Gen3B with revised tensioner, but fundamentally the same system as Gen3. Regular oil changes with quality oil substantially reduce wear.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, P0016/P0017, metallic chain noise
Integrated plastic housing for water pump and thermostat cracks from ageing and thermal cycling. Coolant loss, typically from 60,000–100,000 km. Typical Gen3B issue.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overtemperature indicator, coolant smell, weak heater
Gen3B variable oil pump delivers insufficient oil pressure at low rpm. Camshaft phasers and chain tensioners are inadequately supplied. At 204 hp less critical than higher variants, but fundamentally the same weakness.
Symptoms: Ticking after cold start, camshaft phaser codes, oil pressure warning
DKZA direct injection without port injection deposits carbon on intake valves via EGR gases and oil mist. Typically noticeable from 60,000–80,000 km. Walnut blasting every 50,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough cold start, increased consumption, P2015 tumble flap
PCV membrane valve tears. Intake air leak under boost pressure causes misfires and rough running. A common wear item on all EA888 generations.
Symptoms: Whistling when accelerating, P2279, rough idle
Electronic wastegate actuator absorbs moisture through cracks in the plastic housing. Boost pressure control failure, occasionally without prior warning. Belongs to the same turbo families as CYRB.
Symptoms: MIL boost pressure fault, turbo noises, P0299
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.