2008-2015 (B8/B8.5) - EA888 2.0L turbocharged petrol (211-225 hp)
Popular German executive sedan with a sophisticated turbocharged engine. Early models (2009-2011) are notorious for excessive oil consumption due to faulty piston rings - this was subject to a class action lawsuit. The timing chain tensioner is another critical weak point that can cause catastrophic engine failure if not addressed. Carbon buildup on intake valves is inevitable with direct injection. Post-2012 "B8.5" facelift models have revised tensioners and improved oil consumption, making 2014+ the most reliable years. Avoid multitronic CVT transmissions - opt for manual or S-tronic DSG with quattro.
Faulty piston ring design allows oil to bypass into combustion chamber · more· less
This is the most notorious issue affecting 2009-2012 Audi A4 B8 models with engine code CAEB. Audi considers 1 liter per 1,200 km "acceptable," but many owners report consumption of 1 liter per 1,000 km or worse. The root cause is poorly designed piston rings that fail to seal properly. A class action lawsuit was filed and settled. The fix requires engine disassembly to replace pistons, rings, and connecting rods - typically €4,000-6,000 at independent shops. If cylinder walls are scored, a complete engine replacement may be needed (€8,000-12,000). Check oil consumption carefully before purchase. 2013+ models have revised pistons with significantly fewer reports.
Timing chain tensioner failure€1,200 - €2,500
Pre-2012 tensioner design prone to failure, can cause catastrophic engine damage · more· less
The timing chain tensioner in pre-2012 models is failure-prone. When it fails, the timing chain can skip teeth, causing pistons to collide with valves - resulting in bent valves, damaged pistons, and potentially complete engine destruction. Warning signs include a rattling noise on cold start lasting more than a few seconds. Preventive replacement costs €1,200-2,500 depending on whether only the tensioner or the full chain kit is replaced. If the chain has already jumped, expect €3,500-5,500 for cylinder head repair, or €7,000-10,000+ for engine replacement. Cars built after September 2012 have the revised tensioner design. An inspection port on the front of the engine allows checking which tensioner version is installed.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€500 - €900
Direct injection means no fuel washing over valves - carbon deposits accumulate · more· less
All direct injection TFSI engines suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves because fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, bypassing the intake valves. Over time (typically 60,000-100,000 km), carbon deposits restrict airflow, causing rough idle, misfires on cold starts, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. The only fix is removing the intake manifold and manually cleaning the valves using walnut shell blasting or chemical cleaning. Professional walnut blasting costs €500-900 at independent specialists. Some dealerships quote €1,500-2,400. This should be considered scheduled maintenance every 50,000-80,000 km.
Water pump / thermostat failure€800 - €1,400
Plastic water pump housing cracks, causing coolant leaks and overheating · more· less
The water pump on TFSI engines uses a plastic impeller and housing that becomes brittle over time. Failure typically occurs between 50,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant loss, engine overheating, and poor cabin heating. A class action settlement extended the warranty on the coolant pump to 10 years/100,000 miles for 2011-2016 models. The thermostat housing also uses brittle plastic that can crack. It's recommended to replace both the water pump and thermostat together as a preventive measure. Independent shop cost is €800-1,000; dealership quotes often exceed €1,400. Always use an upgraded aluminum water pump for the replacement.
High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure€600 - €1,500
Sudden loss of power and stalling due to fuel pump failure · more· less
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) delivers fuel at up to 150 bar to the direct injectors. When it fails, symptoms include sudden power loss, stalling, and inability to restart (engine cranks but dies within seconds). Early B8 models (2009-2011) used a design with a separate cam follower that could wear prematurely. Around 2012, Audi revised the HPFP design with an integrated roller tappet. Contaminated fuel accelerates wear. Never use a second-hand pump - failures often recur. Replacement cost is €600-1,500 depending on whether the cam follower also needs replacement.
PCV valve failure€150 - €350
Rubber diaphragm cracks causing vacuum leaks and rough running · more· less
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve contains a rubber diaphragm that cracks over time, creating vacuum leaks. Symptoms include rough idle, whistling noise from the engine bay, stalling at startup, check engine light, and increased oil consumption. The part has been updated multiple times - ensure you get the correct version for your production date. Replacement is straightforward (about 10 minutes) with the part costing €40-80. Total repair cost at a shop is €150-350. Recommended preventive replacement around 70,000 km.
Intake manifold runner failure (P2015)€300 - €900
Intake manifold flap sensor fails causing check engine light and rough running · more· less
The P2015 fault code indicates the intake manifold runner position sensor is reading outside expected range. This is a common issue caused by wear in the manifold flap mechanism or carbon buildup restricting movement. Symptoms include engine vibration, misfires, and check engine light. VW/Audi extended the warranty on this component to 120,000 miles. Repair options range from a €50-100 repair bracket that prevents excessive movement, to an ECU software flash, to complete manifold replacement (€500-900). The dealership manifold replacement can cost significantly more than aftermarket options.
CVT mechatronics and clutch pack wear - avoid this transmission if possible · more· less
The multitronic CVT transmission (front-wheel drive models only) is known for reliability issues. Common failures include TCU (transmission control unit) faults due to overheating, worn friction plates, and mechatronic unit failure. Symptoms include PRNDS light flashing, gear slipping, and complete loss of drive. Audi has discontinued this transmission partly due to reliability concerns. Repair costs range from €1,400 for a reconditioned mechatronics unit at a specialist, to €4,000-6,000 for a full transmission replacement. Oil changes every 60,000 km are critical. If buying a B8, strongly prefer manual gearbox or S-tronic DSG with quattro - both are significantly more reliable.
Control arm bushing wear€700 - €2,000
Front suspension bushings crack and wear causing vague steering and uneven tire wear · more· less
The multi-link front suspension uses several control arms with rubber bushings that deteriorate over time (typically around 80,000-120,000 km). The bushing material becomes brittle and cracks regardless of mileage - age is the primary factor. Symptoms include vague steering feel, clunking over bumps, and uneven tire wear. On Audi A4, the bushings are often permanently installed in the control arms, requiring complete arm replacement. Parts alone run approximately €800-1,000 for a full set. Independent shop labor brings total to €1,500-2,000. Dealership quotes can reach €2,500+.
Turbo wastegate rattle€50 - €2,500
Wastegate arm wears causing rattling on deceleration · more· less
A common issue where exhaust gas pulsations cause the wastegate flap and actuator rod to vibrate. The hole in the wastegate arm wears open over time. Symptoms include a distinctive rattle on deceleration and slight boost loss. Audi released an anti-rattle clip (part 06J145220A) for around €40-50 that often fixes the issue, though rattle may return after months. If the actuator spring has weakened, actuator replacement costs €200-400. If the turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €1,500-2,500 at independent shops.
Diverter valve failure€100 - €250
Rubber diaphragm tears causing boost loss and turbo flutter · more· less
The diverter valve (bypass valve) relieves boost pressure when you lift off the throttle. Original valves used a rubber diaphragm that tears with age, especially in tuned cars. Symptoms include turbo flutter sound (compressor surge - harmful to turbo), inconsistent boost, loss of power at wide-open throttle, and underboost fault codes. A distinctive honking sound during acceleration is also common. OEM replacement costs around €80, while upgraded piston-style aftermarket valves cost €150-250. The valve is held by 3 bolts and takes about 30 minutes to replace. Preventive replacement recommended at 80,000+ km.
Higher risk profile - model year matters significantly
The Audi A4 B8 2.0 TFSI has several well-documented problem areas that require attention. Early models (2009-2011) have serious oil consumption and timing chain tensioner issues that can lead to expensive repairs or engine replacement. Post-2012 facelift models (B8.5) are considerably more reliable with revised components. If buying a B8, prioritize 2014+ model years, verify the timing chain tensioner has been updated, perform an oil consumption test, and strongly prefer manual or S-tronic quattro over multitronic CVT.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Look for oil change intervals under 15,000 km and evidence of any major repairs.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for rattling sounds in the first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches and door sills.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds and varying conditions.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattling in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates tensioner issues. This is the single most important check.
Oil consumption test
Ask for records of oil consumption. If possible, top up oil, note mileage, and check after 1,000 km. Consumption over 0.5L/1,000 km is concerning.
Check timing chain tensioner version
There's an inspection port on the front of the engine to identify which tensioner is installed. Cars built after September 2012 should have the revised version.
Verify water pump extended warranty status
2011-2016 models have 10 year/100,000 mile warranty extension. Ask if work has been done or if still covered.
Check for check engine light codes
Use VCDS/VAG-COM to scan for fault codes. P2015 (intake manifold) and boost-related codes are common.
Test transmission thoroughly
For multitronic CVT: check for slipping, juddering, and PRNDS light flashing. For S-tronic: check for jerky low-speed shifts.
Inspect for coolant leaks
Look under the car and around the water pump area for any signs of coolant residue or sweet smell.
Check oil filler cap condition
Any white/milky residue could indicate head gasket issues or excessive condensation from short trips.
Listen for turbo wastegate rattle
During deceleration from boost, listen for metallic rattling from the turbo area.
Water pump extended warranty - 2011-201610 years / 160,000 km
Intake manifold warranty extension - TSI enginesUp to 190,000 km
Electromechanical steering unit - 2012-2015Warranty extension applies
Takata airbag inflator recallVerify completed
Contact Audi with the VIN to verify all recalls and TSBs have been addressed. The oil consumption issue was subject to a class action settlement - check if repairs were performed under this program.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years Germany)Expired on all B8 models
Water pump extended warrantyMay still apply (10 years)
Corrosion perforation warranty12 years from new
All B8 Audi A4s are outside standard factory warranty. Check with Audi whether water pump warranty extension applies to your specific VIN and production date. Extended warranty programs are available from Audi and third parties but may have exclusions for known problem areas.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.