The Most Common Audi Problems

A young man shouting with his eyes closed

Audi vehicles tend to break in certain ways. So we comb over complaint, recall, and investigation data to come up with a list of the most likely problems an Audi owner is going to face.

We can then compare that to lawsuits, service bulletin repair information, and owner submitted ideas to give you some options for what to do when a specific problem happens.

  1. Busted Timing Chains

    Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

    Continue reading article "Busted Timing Chains" View of engine timing chain

  2. Takata Recalls

    A large number of Audi vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

    Continue reading article "Takata Recalls" Test dummy getting hit by Takata airbag

  3. Sunroof Leaks

    Multiple defects with the sunroof drainage system are causing massive amounts of leak problems for Audi owners. The water is soaking headliners, creating unsafe amounts of condensation, and short circuiting sensitive electronic components. …

    Continue reading article "Sunroof Leaks" Poorly drawn blue box outlining damage made to the headliner from rain leaking in through the sunroof.

  4. Start-Stop Defects

    There are multiple problems with Audi's start-stop technology that outweigh the modest fuel efficiency gains. Owners complain that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times and cause the accelerat The …

    Continue reading article "Start-Stop Defects" A tachometer with the red arrow pointing at the 'ready' position

  5. Turbocharged Oil Sludge

    From 1997-2005, Audi 1.8-liter turbocharged engines came with a tiny 3.7 quart oil capacity. That’s simply not a lot of oil to cool down this hot engine. In 2004, following numerous sludge complaints, Audi extended the warranty on some of…

    Continue reading article "Turbocharged Oil Sludge" Oil pan covered in a thick sludge

  6. Excessive Oil Consumption

    It's normal for cars with six-figure odometer readings to burn a little oil. But recently a few automakers have been building specific engines that require a topping off of the oil reservoir in between changes. Audi tries to tell you this i…

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Overhead view of engine timing chain, valves, and pistons

  7. Fuel Pump Flange Leaking

    It’s been quite a journey figuring out how to stop Audi's Continental fuel pump flanges from leaking, but it appears the automaker is finally offering a solution after years of interim repairs.

    Continue reading article "Fuel Pump Flange Leaking" test

  8. DSG Transmission Shifting

    Audi's DSG transmissions have multiple problems resulting in violent shaking as it shifts between gears. A class-action lawsuit says the problem is expecially prevelant while accelerating or slowing down through 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear. Audi…

    Continue reading article "DSG Transmission Shifting" An three-quarters front view of a VW gearbox"

  9. Oil Starved Turbochargers

    The twin-turbochargers in Audi's 4.0L V8 engine can become starved of oil because of a clogged filter. This can cause strange acceleration noises, difficulty starting the engine, or sudden stalls.

    Continue reading article "Oil Starved Turbochargers" Gray RS 7 Sportback on a concrete dock near the water

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There are so many problems out there it's easy for us to miss some. Let us know if there's a problem you'd like to see us cover.

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