Audi S5
Supercharged V6 with 260 kW. Proven drivetrain for S4/S5 and SQ5 with linear power delivery and good throttle response.
Turbo V6 replaces supercharger — faster but the charm is gone
0-60 in 4.3 instead of 4.9 seconds — better on paper. In practice, the predecessor's supercharger whine is gone, and the turbo character is more generic. Good looking, fast enough for anything, but the B8 with its supercharger had a more distinct personality.
Engine Weaknesses 8
Early CWGD units with P-code GP0 (up to production date 06.08.2018) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers. The small bearing rollers can fall out and end up in the oil sump — camshaft and piston damage possible.
Symptoms: Combustion misfire, engine fault light, rough running, clattering noise from cylinder head.
The EA839 water pump is vacuum-controlled. On internal failure, coolant enters the vacuum system and spreads to further engine components. The old 4-bolt pulley is the prime suspect — identifiable if original pump still fitted.
Symptoms: Coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage, P0299 (boost pressure too low), 'drivetrain fault', 12V battery no longer charging.
The belt starter-generator (BSG) and the 48V battery can fail, especially on vehicles before 2021 without the protective cover over the control unit. Diagnosis and calibration required after replacement.
Symptoms: '48V system fault' in display, start-stop disabled, no recuperation, rough or delayed starting, limp mode.
Beyond water pump failure, EA839 engines also show coolant loss from seal failures elsewhere in the cooling system. Regular coolant level checks important.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leakage, overheating warning, coolant smell in engine bay.
Turbocharged version of the EA839 without supercharger, but still direct injection: oil mist from crankcase ventilation settles as coke on intake valves.
Symptoms: Hesitation, power loss at part throttle, cold-start problems, rough idle.
The EA839 CWGD shows elevated oil consumption during spirited driving and high revs from piston rings. Vehicles frequently on track or driven at full throttle are particularly affected.
Symptoms: Regular top-ups required, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km during spirited use.
The EA839 CWGD responds to worn spark plugs with misfires and elevated fuel consumption. Change interval of 30,000–40,000 km recommended for spirited use.
Symptoms: Hesitation under load, misfire fault codes, increased consumption, slight power loss.
Excessive manufacturing tolerances between injector lines and rail cause petrol vapour leaks. Fuel smell inside the car is the typical symptom.
Symptoms: Petrol smell inside after switching off, especially with a warm engine.
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.
Reports & Tests
102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2016–2023). Most reported: Electrical (48), Other (29), Backup Camera/Sensors (17).