Audi A5 8T/8F (2007-2016): known problems and buying guide

Check oil use and chain proof first, then the gearbox. Avoid a 2.0 TFSI that burns oil with no repair proof.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
3.0 TDI, 245 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€560	€13,750	227	Diesel	CKV	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2011–2016
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, automatic	€470	€15,890	186	Diesel	CNH	CVT-Getriebe	2014–2016
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€492	€15,890	186	Diesel	CNH	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2014–2016
3.0 TDI, 245 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive, convertible Research	€534	€14,890	76	Diesel	CKV	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2011–2016
1.8 TFSI, 170 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€461	€10,500	67	Petrol	CJE	Manual (6)	2011–2015
2.0 TDI, 177 PS, automatic	€467	€11,900	67	Diesel	CGL	CVT-Getriebe	2011–2015
2.0 TDI, 177 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€493	€11,900	67	Diesel	CGL	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2012–2015
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 6-speed manual, convertible	€453	€15,500	61	Diesel	CNH	Manual (6)	2014–2016
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive, convertible	€464	€15,500	61	Diesel	CNH	Manual (6)	2014–2016
3.0 TDI, 218 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€559	€16,000	53	Diesel	CKV	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2015–2016
3.0 TDI, 204 PS, automatic Research	€501	€10,490	50	Diesel	CLA	CVT-Getriebe	2011–2015

Years: built 2007-2016: Coupe and Sportback (8T), Cabriolet (8F). Facelift in 2011-2012. It shares its platform with the Audi A4.
Most common: petrol engines that burn oil from coked piston rings, and timing chain wear on the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI.
Reliability: 3/5, because oil and chain repairs are costly. ADAC breakdown statistics rate the car good to very good in every year.
DIY: 2/5, because oil and chain work needs an engine workshop. The checks below need no tools, but gearbox faults need a scanner.
Prefer: a 1.8 or 2.0 TFSI with proof of piston work and a chain record. Avoid: a 2.0 TFSI that burns oil with no repair proof, and a multitronic that shudders or jerks.

1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol: oil use and chain wear are the main risks.
2.0 TDI diesel: see the VW 2.0 TDI (EA189) guide. Its faults are on that page.
3.0 TDI V6 diesel: EGR and particulate filter faults, and water pump leaks.
Multitronic CVT, front-wheel drive: shuddering and jerking are the risks. Repairs can be costly.
S tronic DL501, 7-speed dual clutch, quattro: clutch and mechatronic faults.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Oil use from coked piston rings	1.8 and 2.0 TFSI petrol, mainly cars built to 2012	About 100,000 km (auto.ru)	No confirmed price
Timing chain	1.8 and 2.0 TFSI petrol	80,000-120,000 km (auto.ru)	No confirmed price
Multitronic CVT	Multitronic, front-wheel drive	Not stated	Often over GBP 1,000 (WhoCanFixMyCar, year not stated)
S tronic clutch and mechatronic	S tronic DL501, quattro	50,000-120,000 km (auto.ru)	No confirmed price
Diesel V6 EGR and DPF	3.0 TDI V6	About 100,000 km (auto.ru)	No confirmed price
Window regulators	Coupe and Sportback with frameless doors	Not stated	GBP 120 per new regulator from Audi (Auto Express, UK, year not stated)
Suspension and wheel bearings	All	80,000-150,000 km (auto.ru)	No confirmed price

Ask for proof of piston work on a 1.8 or 2.0 TFSI built to 2012. Check the oil level, then measure oil use over 1,000 km. A car that needs topping up between services is a warning sign.
Ask whether the timing chain was replaced. A metallic knock or rattle on a cold start is a warning sign.
On a multitronic, drive from cold and at town speed. Shuddering, jerking or overheating is a warning sign. A scanner reads the gearbox fault codes.
On an S tronic, check for slip, hesitation or jerking when pulling away, and gears that do not engage. Ask for the oil change record, every 50,000-60,000 km. A scanner reads the mechatronic codes.
On a 3.0 TDI, ask for EGR and particulate filter records. Look for oil leaks around the EGR cooler and water pump. Ask how often the car was used on short trips.
Open and close every window. Listen for snaps or grinding from the regulators. Auto Express gives GBP 120 for a new regulator from Audi.
Listen for groaning when turning. Check the front wheel bearings and shock absorbers on a lift.
Check the brake hoses. They wear out with age. Check them from about seven years old.
Check open recall campaigns for the car by VIN before you buy.

Operational	€188
Workshop	€133
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€161
Total per month	€482
New-car depreciation (not included)	€91

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.