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 | 83/100 | BUY |
| 2 | EA837 3.0T SC | 82/100 | BUY |
| 3 | EA888 Gen 4 | 82/100 | BUY |
| 4 | EA888 Gen 3 | 80/100 | BUY |
| 5 | 3.0 V6 TDI | 80/100 | BUY |
| 6 | EA839 3.0T TT | 78/100 | BUY |
| 7 | EA211 1.4 TFSI | 78/100 | BUY |
2.5 TFSI I5 — 83/100
2.5L Turbo I5
Found in: A3, Ducato, Q3, RS3 2.5 TFSI, TT, TT RS 2.5 TFSI
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Carbon buildup (DI engine) — severity minor, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Wastegate rattle (2015-2018 production) — severity minor, typically appears around 20.000 km
Full 2.5 TFSI I5 reliability report →
EA837 3.0T SC — 82/100
3.0L SC V6
Found in: A4, A5, A6, A6 3.0 TFSI SC, A7, A7 3.0 TFSI SC, A8, Q5
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Water pump failure — severity moderate, typically appears around 80.000 km
- PCV (crankcase ventilation) valve failure — severity moderate, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Thermostat housing failure — severity moderate, typically appears around 60.000 km
Full EA837 3.0T SC reliability report →
EA888 Gen 4 — 82/100
2.0L Turbo I4
Found in: A1 35 TFSI, A3 35 TFSI, A6 2.0 TFSI, Q3 35 TFSI
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- EGR valve fouling (petrol EGR) — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
- Oil dilution — cold/short trips — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full EA888 Gen 4 reliability report →
EA888 Gen 3 — 80/100
2.0L Turbo I4
Found in: A3, A3 2.0 TFSI, A3 S3 2.0 TFSI, A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI, A4, A5, A6 2.0 TFSI, Q3 2.0 TFSI
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Intake carbon buildup (reduced vs Gen 1/2) — severity minor, typically appears around 60.000 km
- HPFP noise / wear at high mileage — severity minor, typically appears around 120.000 km
- Water pump failure — severity moderate, typically appears around 60.000 km
Full EA888 Gen 3 reliability report →
3.0 V6 TDI — 80/100
3.0L V6 Diesel
Found in: A4, A4 3.0 TDI, A5, A6, A6 3.0 TDI, A7, A7 3.0 TDI, A8
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- DPF blockage — city driving — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Timing chain stretch at very high mileage — severity minor, typically appears around 150.000 km
- EGR valve + cooler fouling — severity moderate, typically appears around 80.000 km
Full 3.0 V6 TDI reliability report →
EA839 3.0T TT — 78/100
3.0L TT V6
Found in: A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, Touareg
No significant reliability issues reported.
Full EA839 3.0T TT reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →