KNOWN FAULTS · Audi

Audi A5 (8T) 2.0 TDI (EA189) common problems.

2007–2016 · Diesel

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

4 known faults with sources

Cracked EGR coolerCooling / EGR

Engine / equipment: 1.6 and 2.0 TDI (EA189 and EA288)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2010–2020
Symptoms: Coolant level drops with no visible leak, white smoke with a sweet smell, rising temperature or engine light. In severe cases the engine hydrolocks.
Possible cause described: The internal tubes of the EGR cooler crack and coolant enters the intake. It worsened after the post-Dieselgate software update, which increased EGR use.
Check for the garage: Cooling system pressure test and check for coolant in the intake or manifold.
Cost cited in the source: €400–1,300A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.

A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control

Engine / equipment: Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Possible cause described: The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
Check for the garage: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Cost cited in the source: N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

Audi Multitronic (CVT) gearboxAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: Multitronic continuously variable gearbox (01J and successors) in front-wheel-drive Audis: A4 B6/B7/B8, A5 8T and A6 C5/C6/C7
Period mentioned: 2000–2014
Symptoms: Judder or vibration when pulling away (especially uphill), a slipping feeling at low revs, jerky acceleration and limp mode with limited speed; sometimes a burning smell.
Possible cause described: Known failures of the variator chain and pulleys, the hydraulic and electronic control unit and the clutch pack. Audi issued service bulletins, and forums report failures even with the recommended fluid changes, although poor maintenance speeds them up.
Check for the garage: Read the gearbox codes with Audi-compatible equipment, check the fluid change history and, at a specialist, judge whether fluid and a clutch adaptation are enough or the control unit or variator needs repair. With limp mode or a burning smell, stop driving.
Cost cited in the source: A UK specialist says a judder checked early usually costs a few hundred pounds, while ignoring it can end in a full rebuild.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only with 75 mm hydraulic bushings.

Front knocking over bumps in hot weather caused by the guide link hydraulic bushingsSuspension and steering

Engine / equipment: A4 (B8), A5 (8T) and Q5 (8R) with 75 mm hydraulic bushings
Period mentioned: 2008–2014
Symptoms: Front knocking or rattling over bumps with the car warm and hot outside, especially when braking at the same time; in the cold it is not heard.
Possible cause described: Heat makes the front guide links' hydraulic bushings noisy (only the 75 mm ones). Audi describes it in bulletin 40 14 39 (February 2014) as a comfort issue that does not affect the car's handling.
Check for the garage: Note whether it only happens in hot weather and when braking over bumps. At the garage, have them check the front guide links' hydraulic bushings before replacing shock absorbers or ball joints.
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.