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Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6: 32/100 versus 36/100 (both moderate risk). The Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

36

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

21 sourcesHow we work

Is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 reliable?

The supercharged 3.0 TFSI (EA837, 2008-2018) has a reputation for reliability: Gebrauchtwagenberater sees no known problems in the A6 C7. What is documented is limited: thermostat and water pump leaks, a fuel rail recall campaign, chain wear in the first units, and carbon build-up. The turbocharged EA839 (from 2016) has no documented faults of its own yet.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

See the 5 of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 faults

Is the E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[7][8][9]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 and E-Tech Híbrido
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6E-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,995 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power272–450 hp140–200 hp
Productionsince 2008[10][11][12][13]since 2020[7][14][15]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)36Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear
  2. High severity: Fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)
  3. Medium severity: Leak at the thermostat housing and water pump
  1. High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards)[6]
  • 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo (EA839: DECA, DKMB; 2016 onwards)[6][10]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 3.0 TFSI 290 hp supercharged (CAJA, CGWA; 2008-2013)[1][5][16]
  • 3.0 TFSI 300/310 hp supercharged (CGWB, CGWD, CGXB, CTUA; 2010-2014)[3][5][17]
  • 3.0 TFSI 333 hp supercharged, direct injection (CAKA, CJTB, CTWA, CTUB; 2008-2015)[2][3][16]
  • 3.0 TFSI 333 hp evo supercharged with combined injection (CREC; 2014-2018)[4][5][17][18]
  • 3.0 TFSI 272 hp supercharged (CTUC, CTVA, CMUA, CJTC; 2010-2017)[2]
  • SQ5 3.0 TFSI 354 hp supercharged (2013-2017)[2]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[8][19]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[20]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[9][21]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

See the 19 models with the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

With the E-Tech Híbrido

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Audi A6 C7 4G 2011-2018 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  3. Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  4. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  5. Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  6. Audi A6 C8: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  7. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (EA837 y EA839)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  11. Audi Técnica Motor 3.0 TFSI (2008)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Audi 3.0 TFSIAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 27 June 2008 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  13. Used Audi A4 buying guide 2008-2015 (Mk4)Carbuyer · Motoring press · published 7 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026
  14. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  17. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2015/031 y R/2019/099)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  18. Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI 333 CV quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2014-2017)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  21. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French