Audi A5 Sportback B9 2.0 TFSI Reliability

Consumer Reports rates the B9 A5 as one of the most reliable Audis with much better than average ratings. The refined EA888 Gen3 engine is a major improvement over earlier versions, with dual injection helping combat carbon buildup. However, the DQ381 7-speed DSG has known mechatronics issues, interior rattles are common, and infotainment freezing remains a nuisance. Best years are 2018-2019 with the fewest complaints. Avoid early 2017 S5/RS5 V6 models due to rocker arm bearing issues, though this does not affect the 2.0 TFSI.

Expected Annual Maintenance Costs

€900 - €1,550/year

15,000 km/year

Fixed costs

€600-1,000

Risk buffer

€300-550

What Can Break bars = likelihood

DQ381 DSG mechatronics failure €700 - €3,000

Control module faults cause harsh engagement, gearbox warnings, or limp mode · more· less

The DQ381 7-speed wet-clutch DSG has become known for mechatronics-related failures. Symptoms include gearbox malfunction warnings, harsh engagement, limp mode, and shifting jerks. While praised for smoothness when working, the mechatronic unit inherits weak points from the DQ250, including control module malfunctions and valve body issues. First serious problems typically occur after 60,000-80,000 km. Repair costs vary: sending the unit to a specialist like ECU Testing runs €700-900 with lifetime warranty, dealer replacement costs €2,000-3,000+. Regular oil changes every 60,000 km (not 80,000 km as Audi states) significantly improve reliability.

Interior rattles and squeaks €0 - €600

Door panels, dashboard, and roof console buzz and rattle, especially over bumps · more· less

This is extremely common on B9 A5s and widely discussed in forums. Owners describe the doors as "pretty awful rattle/buzz wise" with sounds like "a jar of pennies trapped in the door." Common sources: door trim panels (cheap recycled plastic welded together), MMI trim, passenger A-pillar speaker area, centre roof console around SOS button, and door puddle lights becoming dislodged. Some dealerships spend 8 hours applying felt tape to all contact points (around €400-600 labor), while others struggle to even replicate the issue. DIY solutions include adding foam padding behind door panels or clay behind speakers. Many owners feel quality is poor for the price point.

Timing chain tensioner wear €1,500 - €2,500

Cold start rattle lasting 1-30 seconds, typically between 60,000-100,000 km · more· less

The EA888 Gen3 is much improved over Gen1/Gen2, but timing chain issues persist. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle on cold start. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. VW has updated the tensioner part. Repair costs €1,500-2,500 depending on whether you use a VAG specialist or dealer. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact (€3,000-10,000 repair). The chain is a "lifetime" item officially but realistically lasts 120,000-200,000 km with proper maintenance.

MMI infotainment system freezing €0 - €150

Screen freezes or becomes unresponsive, phones won't connect properly · more· less

Infotainment system issues are a common cause for concern in What Car? surveys. Symptoms include frozen touchscreen, flickering screens, phones not connecting, or system randomly shutting off (especially in hot weather). These typically stem from software conflicts or memory overload rather than hardware. Quick fix: press and hold the volume knob for 10 seconds to restart (for 2019+ models with MMI Touch Response). For older MMI 3G systems, press SETUP + volume knob + top right soft button simultaneously. If the problem persists after multiple resets, the issue may be firmware-related or loose wiring requiring dealer diagnosis with VCDS/ODIS (around €100-150).

Carbon buildup on intake valves €500 - €1,200

Direct injection causes deposits, resulting in rough idle and misfires · more· less

The EA888 Gen3 has dual injection (port + direct) which significantly helps combat carbon buildup compared to direct-injection-only engines. However, carbon still accumulates over time. Symptoms include rough idle, cold start misfires, and loss of power. Professional walnut blasting every 60,000-100,000 km is recommended. Cost ranges from €500 at independent VAG specialists to €1,200+ at Audi dealers. The job takes approximately 4-6 hours to remove/reinstall the intake manifold plus 30 minutes per cylinder for blasting. DIY is possible for around €250-300 in tools and materials if you have mechanical experience.

Turbo actuator sticking €500 - €2,800

Actuator sticks from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less

The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light and limp mode with loss of power. Unfortunately, on the B9 platform the wastegate actuator often cannot be replaced separately from the turbo. A class-action lawsuit addressed defective wastegate actuator rods in certain 2.0T models, extending turbo warranty to 8 years/85,000 miles. Actuator-only repair at specialists costs €500-600 where possible. If turbo replacement is needed, expect €2,000-2,800. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent sticking. Note: warranty extension deadline was November 29, 2025.

Water pump / thermostat failure €600 - €1,400

Electric water pump fails typically between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less

The 2.0 TFSI uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures are relatively common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated assembly costs €400-500 due to the electric design. Labor is approximately 4-6 hours. RepairPal estimates total replacement cost at €880-1,400 depending on location and whether you use an independent shop or dealer. It's best to replace the thermostat when installing a new water pump if the thermostat is old or original.

Oil seepage around valve cover €250 - €600

Valve cover gasket weeps oil, common on cars with 75,000-90,000 km · more· less

Seepage around the valve cover/rocker cover area is commonly reported on EA888 Gen3 engines with 75,000-90,000 km on the odometer. This is typically a slow leak rather than a major failure. The valve cover gasket costs around €50-80, but labor is 3-4 hours due to accessibility in the B9's engine bay. Total cost is approximately €250-400 at independent shops, €450-600 at dealers. While not an emergency, it should be addressed before oil reaches hot components or causes fouling. The leak can also allow dirt into the engine if ignored long-term.

Generally reliable for a premium car, but DSG and rattles are annoying

The B9 A5 with the 2.0 TFSI is significantly more reliable than earlier generations. The EA888 Gen3 engine is robust when maintained properly, with many examples exceeding 150,000-200,000 km. Main concerns are the DQ381 DSG transmission (mechatronics failures are well-documented) and widespread interior quality issues (rattles). Most problems are well-documented with known solutions. The 2018-2019 model years have the fewest complaints. Manual transmission versions are significantly more reliable than DSG-equipped cars.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

General checks

Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (maximum 15,000 km, ideally 10,000 km).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear patterns. OEM sizes: 245/40R18 or 255/35R19.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds is a red flag.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, rust. Aluminum body resists rust well.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including highway speeds. DSG should be smooth when warm.

Specific for this vehicle

Listen for cold start timing chain rattle
Start completely cold. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates tensioner/chain issues. This is the single most important check.
Test DSG transmission thoroughly (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes until transmission is fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, harsh engagement, clunking, or hesitation. Any gearbox warning lights are serious.
Check for interior rattles
Drive over bumpy roads. Listen for rattles from doors, dashboard, A-pillars, roof console. Press on door panels to check for loose fittings. This is cosmetic but very common.
Test MMI infotainment system
Test all functions: navigation, phone connectivity, screen responsiveness. Try connecting phone via Bluetooth and Android Auto/CarPlay. Check for freezing or lag.
Inspect for oil leaks
Check valve cover area for oil seepage. Look underneath for any oil on the undercarriage. Ask when valve cover gasket was last replaced.
Verify DSG service history (if equipped)
DSG oil should be changed every 60,000 km (not 80,000 km). Ask for proof. Service costs €250-350 at specialists.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or gasket issues. Water pump typically fails 70,000-100,000 km.
Look for carbon buildup symptoms
Rough idle, hesitation, or misfires on cold start suggest carbon buildup. Ask when intake valves were last walnut-blasted (should be every 80,000-100,000 km).
Verify recalls completed
Contact Audi with VIN to check for outstanding recalls. Known issues: camshaft adjuster (Dec 2013-Dec 2014), airbag sensors, steering components.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Camshaft adjuster pulley (Dec 2013 - Dec 2014) Verify completed

Axle trailing arm lock nuts corrosion (2017-2018) Verify completed

Steering intermediate shaft noise (2017-2018) TSB available

Engine control module software (2018) TSB available

Service interval display incorrect (2017-2018) TSB available

Contact an Audi dealer with your VIN to verify all recalls and TSBs have been completed. TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) identify common issues with documented solutions but are not required to be fixed at no cost like recalls.

Warranty Status

Factory warranty (4 years / 50,000 miles) Expired on all 2017-2020 models

Corrosion warranty (12 years unlimited miles) May still apply

Turbo extended warranty (8 years / 85,000 miles) Class-action settlement - deadline passed Nov 2025

Audi Pure Protection extended warranty €4,000-5,500 for 10 years/100,000 miles

All 2017-2020 A5s are outside their original factory warranty. Extended warranty (Audi Pure Protection) is available but shop around as dealer markup varies significantly (€4,000-5,500 for same coverage). Third-party warranties available from €2,000-3,500 depending on coverage level. A class-action lawsuit extended turbo warranty to 8 years/85,000 miles for certain models, but the claim deadline has passed.

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.