Audi S5
EA897 evo (3rd generation 3.0 TDI), fitted from 2016 in A4 B9, A6 C8 and Q5 FY. The fully electronically controlled oil pump deliberately reduces pressure at idle — a design feature that can become a liability with age. Camshaft failures and low oil pressure are known major damage patterns.
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 5
The ECU-controlled oil pump reduces pressure at idle to approx. 1.0–1.4 bar. At high motorway oil temperatures with bearing wear, this pressure is insufficient — con-rod bearings seize from 150,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning at idle or on country roads, knocking noises, in severe cases engine failure
All 272-hp variants built before January 2017 contained faulty camshafts. Tooth flank noise and fractures are possible; Audi acknowledges the problem, goodwill depends on mileage.
Symptoms: Clattering or ticking from camshafts even after brief warm-up, rough running, in severe cases sudden engine stall
The EA897 uses four timing chains — one per cylinder bank, one connecting chain and one for the oil pump. All chains, tensioners and guides must be renewed together.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic knock on throttle, engine light with camshaft faults
Injector failures with oil dilution from fuel ingress. Less common on EA897 evo than predecessors, but costly to repair: replacing multiple injectors can cost €4,000.
Symptoms: Rough engine, rising oil level (fuel ingress), heavy soot production, increased consumption
The 3.0 TDI in the SQ5/S4 B9 needs sufficiently long runs for DPF regeneration. Predominantly short-trip use accumulates ash in the filter. Above 45 g load, ceramic melting is at risk.
Symptoms: Engine warning light 'particulate filter system fault', noticeable power reduction (limp mode), increased fuel consumption. DPF regeneration runs more frequently and for longer.
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).