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Audi · Mid-Size · 2010–2017

Audi RS5 8T

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

450 PS

4.2L FSI V8 Benzin

RS5 Coupé — NA V8 in the best-looking B8 body

Legendary!
Problem Engine

354 PS

4.2L FSI V8 Benzin

12 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Audi RS5 8T is available as Coupé and Schrägheck and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi RS5 8T is available with one engine variant at 333 hp.

RS5 · Benziner· 450 PS
2010 2017
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses

The Audi RS5 (Benziner, 450 PS) has the CFSA (4.2L FSI V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
S-tronic DL501 mechatronic / clutch

The 7-speed S-tronic DL501 is prone to judder when pulling away and when shifting, especially under load or at low temperatures. The cause is usually a worn dual-clutch pack or a faulty mechatronic valve block.

Symptoms: Judder when pulling away (1st to 2nd gear), hesitant R-to-D shift, shift jolt at low speeds.
from 90,000 km
High
S tronic mechatronic unit defective

The mechatronic unit of the 7-speed S tronic is a known weak point. A fault message indicating a gearbox problem points to the mechatronic in 99% of cases. Repair requires gearbox removal.

Symptoms: Gearbox fault message, harsh shifting in S mode, flashing selector position indicator
from 80,000 km
High
!Manual gearbox V8 clutch wears prematurely

The S5 4.2 V8 with manual gearbox has a heavy clutch that wears prematurely under spirited use. The high torque overloads the clutch plate.

Symptoms: Clutch heavy to operate, biting point migrates lower, slipping under high load or when warm.
from 80,000 km
High
!Sport differential oil change forgotten

The RS5 8T has two separate oil circuits at the gearbox; the drive axle circuit requires an oil change every 30,000 km. Even Audi dealers are often unaware of this. Neglect causes damage.

Symptoms: Noises from the drive axle, juddering power transfer, elevated operating temperature
from 30,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
14 complaints · 2010–2017
Powertrain
5
Brakes
5
Engine
2
Electrical
1
Steering
1

Top Reported Issues

Powertrain (5 complaints)
Brakes (5 complaints)
Engine (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
56 complaints · 2007–2017
Powertrain
22
Airbags
16
Engine
8
Steering
6
Fuel System
5

Top Reported Issues

Powertrain (22 complaints)
Airbags (16 complaints)
Engine (8 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 63 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS5 8T (2010–2017) — 44 engine-related and 19 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CFSA (4.2L FSI V8), CGKD (4.2L FSI V8). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Other, Body.

What to watch out for with the Audi RS5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi RS5 8T have? +
The Audi RS5 8T has 44 known engine weaknesses and 19 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS5 8T? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6), CAKA (3.0L TFSI V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CFSA (4.2L FSI V8). Problem engine: CGKD (4.2L FSI V8) — stay away!
Which Audi RS5 8T engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS5 8T — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Same 450 hp V8 as the RS4 B8, but in a coupé. Visually the most beautiful high-revving Audi, acoustically a revelation. Heavier than necessary, not as sharp as an M3, but the sound compensates. The coupé is the more fitting body for this engine than the wagon.
Is the Audi RS5 8T worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi RS5 8T — 2 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS5 8T? +
The Audi RS5 8T is available with engine variants from 333 to 450 hp. Petrol: CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6), CAKA (3.0L TFSI V6), CFSA (4.2L FSI V8), CGKD (4.2L FSI V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee