The 2008-2017 Audi A5 with the 2.0T engine is a stylish coupe/convertible that shares the reliability issues of early EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines, particularly catastrophic oil consumption and timing chain problems. These can lead to complete engine failure if not caught early.
Catastrophic Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle and misfires, Check engine light for cylinder misfires
Fix: Piston ring replacement requires engine removal and complete teardown. Early EA888 Gen 1 engines (2008-2012) have defective piston ring design. Many owners end up with full engine rebuilds or short block replacements. 25-35 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $6,000-10,000
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start (first 3-5 seconds), Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Engine won't start if chain has jumped, Metallic grinding noise under acceleration
Fix: Tensioner, chain, and guides all need replacement as a set. If chain has jumped, expect bent valves and head work. Engine-out job for thorough access. 12-18 hours labor, more if valve damage occurred.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500
Intake Manifold Runner Flaps / Carbon Buildup
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and hesitation, Check engine light P2015 or P2004 codes (manifold runner control), Loss of power, especially low-end torque, Intake manifold flap position errors
Fix: Direct injection engines get heavy carbon buildup on intake valves. Manifold runner control arms break. Requires manifold removal, walnut blasting valves, and often new manifold or repair kit. 6-8 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
PCV System Failure / Diaphragm Tear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and stalling, Excessive oil consumption (different from ring failure pattern), Oil in intake pipes, Whistling or hissing noise from engine bay, Check engine light for lean/rich codes
Symptoms: Coolant leaks from front/side of engine, Check engine light for coolant temp issues, Overheating or engine running too cold, Plastic housing cracks visible near thermostat
Fix: Plastic thermostat housing becomes brittle and cracks. Multiple coolant hoses also age out. Replace housing, thermostat, and associated hoses as preventive. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Oil Cooler / Mechatronic Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, Transmission slipping or refusing to engage gears, Check engine light with transmission codes, Metal shavings in transmission fluid
Fix: S-tronic (dual-clutch) transmission has mechatronic unit failures. Cooler lines also leak internally. Requires mechatronic replacement or complete transmission overhaul. 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Water Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, Overheating, Squealing noise from serpentine belt area, Coolant warning light
Fix: Water pump is timing-belt-driven on some variants, timing-chain-area on others. Failure means potential overheating and head gasket damage. Replace pump, timing components, and thermostat together. 6-10 hours labor depending on access.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles religiously—oil consumption kills these engines
Use only VW 502.00/504.00 spec oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum despite 10k interval
Walnut blast intake valves every 40,000-50,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold starts—address immediately to avoid catastrophic failure
Budget $1,500/year minimum for unexpected repairs beyond maintenance on higher-mileage examples
Only buy if you have a $5,000+ emergency fund and detailed service records showing timing chain, PCV, and oil consumption addressed—otherwise, high risk of engine failure.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 18V229000
2018-04-11
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 18V229000
2018-04-11
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 18V229000
2018-04-11
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 18V229000
2018-04-11
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 18V229000
2018-04-11
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V622000
2017-10-05
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V622000
2017-10-05
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V622000
2017-10-05
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V622000
2017-10-05
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 17V002000
2017-01-03
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 17V002000
2017-01-03
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 17V002000
2017-01-03
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 17V002000
2017-01-03
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · 17V002000
2017-01-03
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
AIR BAGS · 16V376000
2016-05-27
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
AIR BAGS · 16V376000
2016-05-27
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.
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