CriticalVery commonEngine

Audi Q5: 2.0 TFSI Cam Follower and HPFP Failure (8R Q5)

2.0 TFSI Cam Follower and HPFP Failure (8R Q5) is a very common engine fault on the Audi Q5 on the 2008–2016 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $400 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 20 documented faults on the Audi Q5.

Vehicle: Audi Q5
Engine: 2.0L
Years: 2008–2016
Fuel: petrol
System: Engine

This page covers the Audi Q5 as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Audi Q5 faults20 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the High-pressure fuel pump yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The Q5 8R fitted with the 2.0 TFSI (EA113 and transitional EA888 variants) carries the same documented cam follower and HPFP failure mode as the A4. The heavier Q5 body means the engine is frequently worked harder under load, which can accelerate follower wear relative to the A4. The follower disintegrates into the oil circuit, contaminating the system and destroying the high-pressure fuel pump. Extensively documented in Audi service bulletins and NZ/AU Audi specialist reports.

What you would notice

P0087 or P1093 high fuel pressure fault codes
Hard or extended cranking especially when hot
Power loss under hard acceleration
Ticking from the HPFP area at the top of the engine if follower is disintegrating

How to check it

Where to look. Top of engine, at the high-pressure fuel pump mounting point on the inlet camshaft

Check thickness and surface condition — pitting or measurement below 2.5 mm requires replacement.
Scan all ECUs for fuel system codes.
Ask for follower inspection history.
If no records, treat as uninspected and inspect or discount accordingly.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and physically inspect the cam follower before purchase.

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

What it costs to put right

$400 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“When was the cam follower last inspected or replaced, and is there a receipt?”
“Any HPFP or fuel pressure fault codes in the service history?”
“What oil specification and brand has been used throughout ownership?”

Now check the Audi Q5 you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Audi Q5 buyer questions

Is 2.0 tfsi cam follower and hpfp failure (8r q5) serious on a Audi Q5?

We rate it critical and very common on the Audi Q5. The Q5 8R fitted with the 2.0 TFSI (EA113 and transitional EA888 variants) carries the same documented cam follower and HPFP failure mode as the A4. The heavier Q5 body means the engine is frequently worked harder under load, which can accelerate follower wear relative to the A4. The follower disintegrates into the oil circuit, contaminating the system and destroying the high-pressure fuel pump. Extensively documented in Audi service bulletins and NZ/AU Audi specialist reports.

How much does it cost to fix on a Audi Q5?

$400 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Audi Q5 years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2008–2016 Audi Q5. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check thickness and surface condition — pitting or measurement below 2.5 mm requires replacement. Scan all ECUs for fuel system codes. Ask for follower inspection history. If no records, treat as uninspected and inspect or discount accordingly. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and physically inspect the cam follower before purchase. Look here: Top of engine, at the high-pressure fuel pump mounting point on the inlet camshaft