Reliability Summary

Best engine EA888 Gen 3 1.8 TSI/TFSI (CJSA/CJSB/DAJA/DAJB) — 83/100 BUY
Worst engine EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) — 38/100 AVOID
Average reliability 60/100

Engine Comparison

Engine Reliability Score Verdict Known Issues
EA888 Gen 3 1.8 TSI/TFSI (CJSA/CJSB/DAJA/DAJB)
1.8L TSI I4 (EA888 Gen 3)
83/100 BUY Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak +1
EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI)
1.8/2.0L Turbo I4 (early EA888)
38/100 AVOID Timing-chain tensioner failure — chain can jump and wreck the engine +3

Engines in this model

Known Issues Across All Engines

Issue Engine Severity Onset
Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak EA888 Gen 3 1.8 TSI/TFSI (CJSA/CJSB/DAJA/DAJB) high 90,000 km
Higher than normal oil consumption EA888 Gen 3 1.8 TSI/TFSI (CJSA/CJSB/DAJA/DAJB) moderate —
Timing-chain tensioner failure — chain can jump and wreck the engine EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) critical 80,000 km – 150,000 km
Excessive oil consumption — narrow oil-control rings (built 2008 to mid-2011) EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) critical 40,000 km – 100,000 km
Plastic thermostat / coolant-pump housing leaks EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) moderate —
Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection) EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) moderate 80,000 km – 100,000 km

FAQ

Is the Audi A4 reliable?

The Audi A4 has 2 engine options with reliability scores ranging from 38/100 (AVOID) to 83/100 (BUY). Average reliability: 60/100.

Which Audi A4 engine is most reliable?

The EA888 Gen 3 1.8 TSI/TFSI (CJSA/CJSB/DAJA/DAJB) is the most reliable engine in the Audi A4, scoring 83/100 (BUY).

What problems does the Audi A4 have?

Across all engine variants, the Audi A4 has 6 known issues. The most common are related to Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak, Higher than normal oil consumption, Timing-chain tensioner failure — chain can jump and wreck the engine.