Home / Makes / Audi / A4 Known Faults Database Audi A4 Common Problems & Known Faults (UK) If you are considering buying a used Audi A4, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 5 known faults for this model, 4 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Audi A4 B8 (2008-2012) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Piston ring design flaw leading to extreme oil consumption and eventual engine failure Typical symptoms burning 1 litre of oil every 500-1000 miles blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration oil fouled spark plugs causing misfires Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2)
Typical mileage: 50000-90000 miles Audi A4 B7 / C6 (2004-2008) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Oil pump balancer shaft hex drive rounds off, causing sudden loss of oil pressure and complete engine destruction Typical symptoms red low oil pressure warning on dash loud metallic grinding from the bottom of the engine sudden turbo failure Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.0 TDI PD (Engine Code BLB / BRE)
Typical mileage: 60000-100000 miles Audi A4 B7 / B8 / C6 (2004-2012) problems Transmission/Clutch High severity 📝 Editorial
Multitronic CVT gearbox clutch pack wear and TCM failure causing juddering and total loss of drive Typical symptoms juddering or shaking when pulling away from a standstill PRNDS display flashing on the dashboard car refuses to shift out of park or neutral Affected vehicles
Engines: All Front-Wheel-Drive Autos
Typical mileage: 60000-100000 miles Audi A4 2008-2014 Models (2008-2014) problems Engine/Emissions Medium severity 📝 Editorial
EGR valve failure and DPF blockage frequently occurring after the 'Dieselgate' emissions software update Typical symptoms flashing glow plug light engine management light limp mode (loss of power) excessive DPF regenerations Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.0 TDI (EA189)
Typical mileage: 60000-100000 miles Audi A4 B6 / Mk1 (2000-2006) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Oil sludge buildup blocking the oil pump pickup pipe, leading to catastrophic oil starvation Typical symptoms red oil pressure warning light noisy hydraulic lifters (ticking sound) turbocharger failure due to lack of oil Affected vehicles
Engines: 1.8T (20 Valve)
Typical mileage: 70000-110000 miles Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage. Data last verified: June 2026