Carsieve All versions
Show all 14 variants
At a glance
- Years: built 2015-2024. The facelift in 2019 brought a larger update. Saloon, Avant, Allroad, S4 and RS4.
- Most common: 3.0 TDI camshaft and chain problems, oil use on petrol engines, worn suspension and phone link faults in the infotainment.
- Reliability: 3/5, because the 3.0 TDI camshaft and chain repairs cost thousands of euros.
- DIY: 2/5, because engine and chain work needs a workshop, and fault codes need a scanner.
- Prefer: a 2.0 TDI with service records. Two sources say it has no major faults when it is serviced. Avoid: a 3.0 TDI with no proof of camshaft check or chain work.
Engines and gearboxes
- 1.4 TFSI petrol, 150 hp (CVN): oil use after long distances is the main risk. See the Known issues table.
- 2.0 TFSI petrol (EA888): its own 2.0 TFSI guide covers the engine faults. Oil use on this engine is in the table.
- 2.0 TDI diesel (EA288): the 2.0 TDI guide covers AdBlue, EGR and water pump faults. This is the engine to prefer.
- 3.0 TDI V6: the camshaft and timing chain faults in the table apply. Ask for proof of both.
- 7-speed S tronic (DL382): clutch, judder and mechatronic faults. See the S tronic guide.
Known issues
| Issue | Affects | Typical km | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 TDI camshaft defect (CRT) | 3.0 TDI V6 CRT engine (272 hp), check by engine number | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Timing chain stretch (3.0 TDI) | 3.0 TDI V6 chain drive | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Oil use on petrol engines | 1.4 TFSI (CVN), 2.0 TFSI (EA888 gen 3) | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Suspension wear | All, front lower arms first | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Infotainment and phone link faults | Facelift and newer B9 with MMI | Not stated | No confirmed price |
Before you buy
- Check the engine number of any 3.0 TDI CRT with a dealer, and ask for the answer in writing. A metallic rattle or ticking louder than normal diesel noise is a warning sign. The check needs a dealer, not a scanner.
- Ask whether the timing chain drive was replaced. A rattle or knock at cold start, or when the load changes, is a warning sign. A chain check needs a workshop, because the engine must be partly stripped.
- Check the oil level when the engine is cold. Ask for the top-up record with dates and kilometres. A car that needs regular top-ups between services is a warning sign.
- Drive over a rough road and listen for knocks from the front and rear axle. Ask for alignment and suspension work records. Inspectors often flag suspension mounts at the German HU (the statutory inspection).
- Pair a phone over Bluetooth and start Apple CarPlay during the test drive. A failed pairing or CarPlay that will not start is a warning sign. A fault memory read needs a scanner.
Running costs
| Operational | €199 |
|---|---|
| Workshop | €156 |
| Fixed costs (tax, insurance) | €172 |
| Total per month | €527 |
| New-car depreciation (not included) | €101 |
ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months
Market
Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.
- Listings
- 6,856
- 25th percentile
- €20,950
- Median price
- €24,480
- 75th percentile
- €28,890
- Median mileage
- 80,154 km
- Median first registration
- 2023
- Dealer share
- 92.8%
- Price at 100,000 km
- €24,459
To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.