The most reliable Audi engines by the numbers
Audi's best engines prove that the brand can deliver outstanding reliability when the engineering gets the balance right. The standouts span from classic naturally aspirated units to modern turbocharged four-cylinders and refined diesel powertrains.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 TFSI I5 (EA855: CEPA, CZGA/CZGB, DAZA, DNWA) | 89/100 | BEST |
| 2 | 4.0 TDI V8 EA898 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 3 | 5.2 FSI V10 Gen 2 (dual injection) | 84/100 | BUY |
| 4 | EA837 3.0 TFSI supercharged | 84/100 | BUY |
| 5 | EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) | 84/100 | BUY |
| 6 | 5.2 FSI V10 | 83/100 | BUY |
| 7 | 2.0 NA (ALT) | 81/100 | BUY |
| 8 | 3.2 V6 FSI | 81/100 | BUY |
| 9 | 2.7 TDI | 80/100 | BUY |
| 10 | EA839 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo (LK3) | 80/100 | BUY |
2.5 TFSI I5 (EA855: CEPA, CZGA/CZGB, DAZA, DNWA) — 89/100
2.5L Turbo I5
Found in: A3, Q3, RS3 2.5 TFSI, TT, TT RS 2.5 TFSI
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Wastegate rattle (cold start, part throttle) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Coolant pump leak (2017-2022 RS 3 and TT RS) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full 2.5 TFSI I5 (EA855: CEPA, CZGA/CZGB, DAZA, DNWA) reliability report →
4.0 TDI V8 EA898 — 84/100
4.0 TDI V8 EA898 (CZAC/DCZF) SQ7/SQ8
Found in: Q7
No significant reliability issues reported.
Full 4.0 TDI V8 EA898 reliability report →
5.2 FSI V10 Gen 2 (dual injection) — 84/100
5.2 FSI V10 NA Gen 2 (R8 Type 4S, CSPA/CSPB)
Found in: R8
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- False low-oil warning: factory sealer blocks oil-pump strainers — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full 5.2 FSI V10 Gen 2 (dual injection) reliability report →
EA837 3.0 TFSI supercharged — 84/100
3.0L TFSI Supercharged V6
Found in: A4, A5, A6, A6 3.0 TFSI SC, A7, A7 3.0 TFSI SC, A8, Cayenne
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Intake valve carbon build-up (direct injection) — severity minor, typically appears around 97.000 km
- Upper timing-chain tensioner rattle at cold start — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Fuel rail leak - fire risk (2011-2013 recall) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full EA837 3.0 TFSI supercharged reliability report →
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) — 84/100
2.0L TSI/TFSI I4 (EA888 Gen 3)
Found in: A1, A3, A3 2.0 TFSI, A3 S3 2.0 TFSI, A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI, A4, A5, A6 2.0 TFSI
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Intake valve carbon build-up (reduced, not eliminated) — severity minor, typically appears around 100.000 km
- PCV valve diaphragm tear (valve cover) — severity minor, typically appears around 90.000 km
Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) reliability report →
5.2 FSI V10 — 83/100
5.2 FSI V10 NA (S6 C6 BXA, S8 D3, R8 Type 42)
Found in: A6, R8
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing chain and guide wear (rear-mounted, engine-out job) — severity high, typically appears around 150.000 km
- Ignition coil failure (10 coils) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection) — severity moderate, typically appears around 97.000 km
Full 5.2 FSI V10 reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →