Audi has made some legendary engines, however some are legendary for the flawed causes. Listed here are the 5 least and 5 most dependable Audi engines ever made.
Legendary Audi Engines!
The center of each car is its engine. An engine is judged on a number of elements. How highly effective is it? Does it sound good? How does it ship its energy? Is it environment friendly? These are all vital concerns. Nevertheless, maybe probably the most essential is how reliable the engine is. It may possibly make 1,000 horsepower and get 100 miles per gallon of gasoline, but when it must be rebuilt each six months, nobody goes to need it of their automotive. Audi has made some improbable engines through the years, however they’ve had some misses as effectively.
At this time, we’re each ends of the spectrum. We’re itemizing the 5 most and the 5 least dependable Audi engines of all time, however we even have an eye fixed in the direction of engine efficiency and character.
The most effective Audi engines are dependable and supply good efficiency. The worst engines are much less dependable and are in any other case uninspiring as effectively.
NOTE: Anytime we create an inventory like this, we open ourselves as much as debate. If we are saying engine XYZ is unreliable, then with out fail, somebody will say they’ve a automotive with that very same engine, and it has 300,000 miles on it, they usually by no means modified the oil. Nice, you’ll have the unicorn of engines, however we’re enjoying the averages right here. Nevertheless, if in case you have an engine you suppose needs to be added, please tell us.
#5 Least Dependable – 2.0T TSI EA888 Gen 1
The early EA888 engines changed the earlier EA113 items. The EA888 was present in a number of Audi merchandise, such because the A3 and TT, beginning round 2007. The two.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder was extraordinarily in style, however they’re well-known for burning oil. There are additionally many experiences of timing chain tensioner failures. The engine is mostly easy and torquey, however pay attention to its pitfalls.
#5 Most Dependable – 2.0T TFSI EA888 Gen 3
We just like the EA888 engine, however can’t advocate the early variations. Nevertheless, by the point the third technology got here out, these engines grew to become considerably extra dependable. They’ll endure from water pump failures and carbon buildup, however these engines are usually dependable with common upkeep. They’re additionally extra tuner-friendly.
#4 Least Dependable – 2.5 TDI V6
That is our solely diesel engine on the listing. Sometimes, one of many predominant benefits of a diesel engine is its reliability. Nevertheless, that’s not actually the case with the two.5L TDI. This engine was discovered beneath the hood of the C5 A6 and B5 A4. The engine is famous for its untimely camshaft put on in addition to gas pump and injector pump failures.
#4 Most Dependable – 3.0 V6 TFSI
Each Audi mannequin has this engine. OK, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration, however evidently manner. It was fitted in all the things from the S4 to the A8. It additionally noticed responsibility within the sporty SQ5 SUV. The 333 supercharged horsepower are a delight. However the easy energy supply and reliability are even higher. This is without doubt one of the finest Audi engines ever. And if the inventory energy will not be sufficient for you, these engines love a superb tune. Simply be certain to alter the oil often.
#3 Least Dependable – 2.0L Inline 4 TFSI
Failed rod bearings, oil consumption, piston failures, the listing of potential bother spots with this engine is lengthy and distinguished. In 2020, Shopper Stories named the Audi A4 outfitted with the two.0L Inline 4 TFSI because the automotive most probably to require an engine rebuild. Notably the 2009 and 2010 fashions. To be truthful, the rebuild was not wanted till the automotive bought between 100K and 150K miles on it. However on this day an age, that’s far too quickly to need to rebuild the engine.
#3 Most Dependable – 2.5L TFSI Inline 5
Pop the hood of the RS 3 and you’ve got among the best Audi engines of all time staring again at you. To start with, we love the distinctive sounds that emanate from the 5-cylinder. However the engine can be compact and power-dense. And but, it has a repute for reliability. This one is a peach.
#2 Least Dependable – 4.2L V8 B6/B7 S4
We love V8 engines as a lot as anybody and Audi has made some good ones. However the 4.2L discovered within the B6 and B7 S4 fashions generally is a nightmare. The timing chain guides are made from plastic, and it’s only a matter of time earlier than they fail. Properly, that isn’t the tip of the world, proper? Not so quick. On this engine the timing chain is situated in the back of the engine close to the firewall. So, to exchange it, that you must take the engine out. Now you’re looking at a five-figure restore invoice.
#2 Most Dependable – 4.2L V8 RS4 B7, R8
Not all 4.2L V8 engines are created equal. We simply mentioned one of many worst, however now we now have among the best. This glorious engine is within the R8 in addition to the B7 RS4. This 4.2L avoids the timing chain problems with the sooner model and it’s way more dependable along with being an excellent efficiency engine. Good energy, nice sound and reliability. It’s robust to ask for way more out of an engine. We want that Audi nonetheless made it.
#1 Least Dependable – 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6
This 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 may very well be discovered beneath the hood of the Allroad, S4, and A6 fashions within the early 2000s. It’s highly effective and responsive, but in addition plagued with points. Turbo failure, timing belt failure, oil leaks, and exhaust gasoline temperature sensor failures high the listing. That is an engine you’ll be higher off avoiding.
#1 Most Dependable – 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five
We’re going again a bit for this one. The unique Quattro was a legendary automotive partly as a result of it was powered by a legendary engine. Oh, and, after all, that entire all-wheel drive factor. Newer engines are extra highly effective, naturally, however they’re additionally way more complicated. The two.1L is comparatively easy. And it has a great deal of character. This can be a peak Audi engine.
Photographs: Audi
