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Audi A5 I (2007–2017)

Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI problems

The Audi A5 I used the 2.0 TSI / TFSI from 2008 to 2017 (2.0 TFSI). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “high oil consumption” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Audi A5 I, the safest option is the 3.0 TFSI V6.

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.

Engine score on this car

4.6 out of 10Low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the A5 I. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Audi A5 I

5.2 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

6 sourcesHow we work

2.0 TSI / TFSI

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

In the A5 I
2008–2017[1][2][3]
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

All versions and faults of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

What to check before buying a used Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

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

Other engines and gearboxes of the Audi A5 I

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Faults of the Audi A5 I outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Buying a Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI reliable?

The Audi A5 I used the 2.0 TSI / TFSI from 2008 to 2017 (2.0 TFSI). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “high oil consumption” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Audi A5 I, the safest option is the 3.0 TFSI V6.

What faults does the Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: 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) and PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure (low severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Audi A5 I?

None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «With caution» verdict.

Own a Audi A5 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Audi A5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  6. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French