Thinking about buying a used Audi A5 (2007–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 17 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
17
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,800–$4,800
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Audi A5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 8T A5 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2, roughly 2008-2012 build) is notorious for burning oil - undersized oil-control piston rings and clogged return drillings let oil into the combustion chamber. Consumption of a litre every 1,000 km is common on affected cars, and running it low scores the bores. Audi revised the pistons for later builds and ran goodwill programs overseas, but those are long expired here. This is the single most important check on an 8T 2.0T.
Symptoms to notice
'Add 1 litre of oil' dashboard message
Blue-grey smoke on hard acceleration
Low oil between services
Fouled spark plugs
What to check
Pull the dipstick/check the electronic oil level - a car near minimum shortly after a service is a red flag. Ask directly how much oil it uses per 1,000 km and for receipts of top-ups. Look for blue smoke on a hard third-gear pull. Ask whether the pistons/rings were ever replaced under the oil-consumption fix.
Where to look: Engine internals - pistons and rings inside the block
Ask the seller
“How much oil does it use between services?”
“Have the pistons or rings been replaced for oil consumption?”
The F5 A5's 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch can develop a low-speed shudder and hesitant take-up as the clutch packs and mechatronic age, particularly on city-driven cars. It is generally more robust than the older dry-clutch DQ200, but a neglected gearbox that has never had a fluid service can jerk and, in bad cases, fault into limp mode.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder when moving off gently
Hesitation or a delayed 'catch' from a standstill
Occasional harsh downshift
Rare limp mode
What to check
Pull away gently several times and feel for shudder; try a slow crawl in traffic. Confirm the S tronic fluid has been serviced on schedule. Any flashing gear display or limp-mode event needs investigating before purchase.
Where to look: Dual-clutch transmission / mechatronic
Ask the seller
“Has the S tronic fluid been serviced?”
“Does it shudder or hesitate pulling away?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMinor
EngineMinor
15 more documented faults on the Audi A5
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 17 documented faults for the Audi A5, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Audi A5 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A5?
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We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Audi A5, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Audi A5?
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Most single repairs on the Audi A5 fall between $1,800–$4,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Audi A5?
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Yes. A Audi A5 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.