Turbo Audi: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Audi models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: Common1.9 TDISeized or broken variable-geometry turboThe 1.9 TDI's variable-geometry turbo seizes through carbon build-up or ends up breaking after many kilometres; it appears repeatedly in all the models and outputs consulted, with cases from as early as 22,000 km.Repair (garage): €360–€900Appears at around 22,000 km
In A3 I, A4 B5 and A6 C5
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 TDITurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
In A3 II, A4 B8, A6 C6, Q3 I and Q5 I
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.8 T 20vTurbo wear and oil consumptionThe 1.8T turbo can fail over time -cases documented on an Audi TT at 60,000 and 155,000 km- and several sources link it to growing oil consumption in the engine itself. It is not the most cited fault, but it is one of the most expensive when it appears.
In A3 I, A4 B5, A4 B6 and TT I
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 TDIVariable-geometry turbo seized or with playThe variable-geometry turbo on the 1.6 TDI EA189 can seize because of carbon deposits or wear on the shaft. The engine loses power, whistles or emits bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 if there is no additional damage.Repair (garage): €1,000
In A1 I and A3 II
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.4 TDIFailing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smokeThe 1.4 TDI turbo can seize through carbon build-up or wear on the shaft over time. The engine loses power, whistles or gives off bluish smoke, and replacing it costs around €1,000 if there is no added damage to other parts.Repair (garage): €1,000
In A1 I and A2
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 and 1.4 TSITurbo wastegate actuator failureThe electric actuator that regulates turbo pressure (wastegate) can seize or fail on the 1.2 TSI and the EA211 engines: the car lights up the EPC warning light and goes into limp mode. Sometimes the actuator alone is enough; if the valve is damaged, the turbo is replaced.
In A1 I, A3 II and A3 III
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalVW 2.0 TFSI EA113Turbo diverter (blow-off) valve failureThe original turbo diverter (recirculation) valve can fail under boost pressure and cause pressure loss, whistling when accelerating and weak response; it is a cheap part and easy to replace.
In A3 II, A4 B7 and TT II
- Low severityFrequency: Rare2.0 TDIHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.
In A3 III, A4 B8, A4 B9, A6 C7, Q2 and Q3 I and 1 more model

By Audi model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your Audi for faults with the turbo

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Turbo
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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the turbo do Audi cars have?

In 18 models from Audi there are 8 documented faults with the turbo. The most important: seized or broken variable-geometry turbo, turbo with seized vanes or premature failure and turbo wear and oil consumption. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Audi models have the most problems with the turbo?

Audi A3 II (4 faults), Audi A1 I (3 faults), Audi A4 B5 (2 faults) and Audi A3 I (2 faults).

Which Audi engines have faults with the turbo?

2.0 TDI (2 faults), 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (1 fault), 1.4 TDI (1 fault), 1.6 TDI (1 fault) and 1.8 T 20v (1 fault).