KNOWN FAULTS · Audi

Audi A3 (8L) 1.9 TDI common problems.

2000–2003 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

PD TDI camshaft, injectors and cylinder headInjection / cylinder head

Engine / equipment: 1.2, 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI unit-injector (PD) engines, including the VW-sourced 2.0 CRD in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
Period mentioned: 2000–2010
Symptoms: Growing noise from the cylinder head, power loss and rough running (cams and lifters); unstable idle, smoke or hesitation (injectors); on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, coolant loss with no visible leak from a cracked head.
Possible cause described: The camshaft also drives the unit injectors and carries a heavy load: without VW 505.01 oil the lobes and lifters wear. 2.0 TDI PD injectors fail frequently. Some 16-valve 2.0 TDI heads (part number ending in A) crack; VW considered it fixed by the end of 2006.
Check for the garage: Check the oil history (VW 505.01), listen to the head, check injector balance rates with a diagnostic tool and, on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, read the head part number (03G 103 351) and look for coolant loss.
Cost cited in the source: Camshaft and lifters: approx. €400–800; 2.0 TDI PD injectors: €900–2,000A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 120,000–200,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Rust, TDI fifth gear and fuel gauge on the A3 8LBodywork

Engine / equipment: Audi A3 8L (petrol and TDI)
Period mentioned: 1996–2003
Symptoms: Heavy rust on the roof seam, door edges, lower side trim, third brake light and engine-bay earth points; on TDIs, fifth gear stops engaging; the pump nozzle cuts off before full and the gauge never reaches maximum; coolant loss from the expansion-tank cap.
Possible cause described: The rust was largely fixed with the first facelift. The TDI fifth gear is fixed by replacing the damaged gears (as on the Golf IV). The tank sender is faulty.
Check for the garage: Check rust on roof, doors and trims; test fifth gear on the TDI; watch the coolant.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.