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Audi carsCode 8T

Audi A5 I problems (2007–2017)

All 3 engines and 1 gearbox of the Audi A5 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the Multitronic gearbox, the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine we have found no official campaigns for the Audi A5 8T; owner testimonies point to windows and door locks, the MMI and radio, the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and wheel bearings, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies (239).[4]

Audi A5 I (2007–2017)
Photo: Audi_A5_Coupé_S-Line_Phantomschwarz.JPG: Thomas doerfer derivative work: Saibo (Δ) · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.0out of 10

Audi A5 I rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 20 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.6From 4.6 to 6.9 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox6.1Manual: 8.6 · Multitronic: 3.6
  • Suspension9.01 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering9.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.2 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system9.31 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the Audi A5 I

  1. 1Critical severity: Wear of the variator chain and conesMultitronic gearbox
  2. 2High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp modeMultitronic gearbox
  3. 3High severity: High oil consumption2.0 TSI / TFSI engine · repair €1,500–€4,000
  4. 4High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
  5. 5Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear2.0 TSI / TFSI engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

27 sourcesHow we work

Multitronic gearbox

Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)

In the A5 I
2007–2014[5][6]
Name
multitronic
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)2007–2014 · 0AW

    With caution

    It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[6]

Faults that affect the A5 I

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.

A5 I Multitronic gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the Multitronic

2.0 TSI / TFSI

Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 TSI and TFSI (familia EA888) · Petrol

In the A5 I
2008–2017[7][8][9]
Name
2.0 TFSI
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
54
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A5 I

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionIt is the most repeated complaint on first-batch EA888s (2008-2012) and still appears, to a lesser extent, in later generations. The engine needs topping up between services with no visible leak or obvious smoke at first.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearOver the years, the chain can stretch and the hydraulic tensioner can stop keeping it taut, especially on first-batch units (2008-2012). If the chain jumps a tooth, it can slam the valves into the pistons.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, no petrol washes over the intake valves, so oil residue and soot build up and, over the years, restrict airflow and affect engine response.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
  5. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250

A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

3.0 TDI V6

VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel

In the A5 I
2011–2016[13]
Name
3.0 TDI quattro
Faults that affect it
4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
48
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A5 I

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0

A5 I 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Safest option

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol

In the A5 I
2011–2016[3][19][20]
Names
S5 3.0 TFSI 333 CV · A5 3.0 TFSI 272 CV
Faults that affect it
4 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
31
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the A5 I

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
  3. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
  4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.

A5 I Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Faults of the Audi A5 I outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A5 I

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 3,570 inspections of 1,274 cars registered between 2007 and 2015, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 3.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 11.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 21.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 2.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 4.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.6%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 17.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.3%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi A5 I

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Multitronic gearbox (2007–2014)

Wear of the variator chain and cones

Critical severity

Control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode

High severity

Jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)

Medium severity

If it has the 2.0 TSI / TFSI (2008–2017)

High oil consumption

High severity

Timing chain and tensioner wear

Critical severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Medium severity

Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure

Medium severity

PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure

Low severity

If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (2011–2016)

Failing water pump and cooling system leaks

High severity

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults

High severity

Control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)

Medium severity

If it has the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (2011–2016)

Fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)

High severity

Leak at the thermostat housing and water pump

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)

Low severity

PCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi A5 I

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi A5 I?

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Own a Audi A5 I? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A5 I reliable?

All 3 engines and 1 gearbox of the Audi A5 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the Multitronic gearbox, the 2.0 TSI / TFSI, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine we have found no official campaigns for the Audi A5 8T; owner testimonies point to windows and door locks, the MMI and radio, the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and wheel bearings, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies (239).

Which Audi A5 I engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict. Direct injection only, so carbon build-up is to be expected, and several of these units fall under the fuel rail campaigns; ask for invoices for the campaigns and for intake cleaning.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Audi A5 I have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine we have found no official campaigns for the Audi A5 8T; owner testimonies point to windows and door locks, the MMI and radio, the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and wheel bearings, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies (239). The most important documented faults are: dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear on manual gearboxes (gearbox and clutch, medium severity), wheel bearing wear (suspension, medium severity), electric window and door lock faults (electrical system, low severity) and MMI screen, radio and on-board electronics faults (electronics and infotainment, low severity).[4]

What faults does the Audi A5 I have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic, high severity), high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and timing chain and tensioner wear (2.0 TSI / TFSI, critical severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi A5 I?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2017 (8.6/10); the worst rated is 2008 (5.5/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  3. Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité Audi A5 (2007-2016) (239 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  8. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  9. Audi A5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  11. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  14. VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  15. 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  16. Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  17. Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Zwangsrückruf für Audi-DieselmodelleDer Tagesspiegel · General press · published 21 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  19. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  20. Audi EA837: códigos de motor del 3.0 TFSIMyMotorList (base de datos de motores) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  21. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  22. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  23. Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  24. VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  25. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2015/031 y R/2019/099)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  26. Fuel rail fault prompts Audi recallGoAuto · Motoring press · published 30 January 2015 · consulted 9 October 2026
  27. Common Problems of Audi A6 C7 3.0 TFSI: A Comprehensive GuideEuro Auto Pro (blog de taller, Australia) · Other source · published 6 October 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026