AUDI A5 COUPE 2.0T B8 / B8.5 (2008–2017)

COMMON PROBLEMS: Excessive Oil Consumption (Pre-2012 Piston Rings), Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves, Mechanical Water Pump and Thermostat Failure, Ignition Coil Cracking, Brake Vacuum Pump Leaks

This A5 Coupe shares the 2.0T FSI/TSI engine and most of the chassis with the A4 B8 and B8.5, which means it inherits the EA888 piston ring oil consumption issue on pre-2012 production. Early timing chain tensioners rattle on cold start and can jump teeth, bending valves in the process. Carbon builds on the intake valves between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, the plastic-impeller water pump fails on schedule, ignition coils crack from heat cycling, and the brake vacuum pump on the back of the head develops oil leaks that change pedal feel.

AUDI A5 COUPE B9 / SPORTBACK (2018–PRESENT)

COMMON PROBLEMS: Wastegate Actuator Failure, Carbon Buildup on EA888 Gen 3B, Coolant Loss / Internal Leak, Sportback Trunk Strut Failure, MMI Touchscreen and Drivetrain Malfunction Faults, Front Brake Pad Premature Wear

A B9 A5 inherits the wastegate actuator pivot-bearing wear from its A4 sibling, which sets P0299 and starves the turbo of boost as the play increases. The EA888 Gen 3B uses port injection alongside direct injection to slow carbon buildup, but deposits still form at higher mileage. Phantom coolant loss appears as it does on the A4 B9. Sportback liftgate struts fail and let the hatch drop. MMI touchscreens freeze, the “drivetrain malfunction” warning shows up from communication faults, and front brake pads wear faster than sedan equivalents.

AUDI A5 CABRIOLET (2010–PRESENT)

COMMON PROBLEMS: Convertible Top Hydraulic Pump Motor Failure, Convertible Top Closed Position Switch (F202) Misalignment, Convertible Top Compartment Cover Locking Motor (V222) Failure, Hydraulic Cylinder Seal Leaks, Trunk and Carpet Water Intrusion, Soft Top Material Wear and Seam Separation

A Cabriolet shares the engine and chassis failure modes of the Coupe, then adds the convertible top, which is the most complex hydraulic system on the car. The pump motor fails first on most cars, with relays clicking and no motor response. The F202 closed-position switch bends out of alignment and stops the top from sealing the rear hoop. The V222 compartment cover locking motor has its own TSB. Hydraulic cylinder seals leak, soft top fabric weathers at the seams, and water enters the trunk and carpet long before the source becomes visible.

AUDI S5 V8 B8 (2008–2012)

COMMON PROBLEMS: Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (P2006/P2007), Thermostat Housing Cracks and Overheating, Excessive Brake Dust and Caliper Wear, 6-Speed Manual Clutch Wear, Fuel Pump Failure (4.2 FSI Specific), Driver-Side Engine Mount Collapse

This S5 Coupe ran the 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA/CFNA, 354 hp) through 2012, and the natural-aspiration sound is what owners chose over the turbo cars. The V8 produces P2006 and P2007 from carbon-fouled intake valves, often well before 50,000 miles, and walnut blasting brings the engine back. The thermostat housing cracks and pushes the temperature gauge past center. Stock brake pads produce extreme dust and the calipers wear from heat. The 6-speed manual chews clutches under hard use, the two fuel pumps on the 4.2 FSI fail and leak, and the driver-side engine mount collapses first.

AUDI S5 SUPERCHARGED V6 B8.5 / TWIN-TURBO V6 B9 (2010–PRESENT)

COMMON PROBLEMS: EA837 Plastic-Impeller Water Pump Failure (B8.5), EA839 Vacuum-Controlled Water Pump Internal Coolant Leak (B9), Crank Pulley Failure (2010–2013), PCV Valve Failure, Secondary Air Injection Carbon Clog, Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves

Two distinct V6 engines have carried the modern S5: the EA837 supercharged 3.0T in the B8.5 Coupe (2013-2017) and the B8 Cabriolet from 2010, and the EA839 twin-turbo 3.0T in the B9 (2018-present). The EA837 water pump sits inside the V under the supercharger and requires supercharger removal for access. The EA839 uses a vacuum-controlled water pump that fails internally and leaks coolant into the vacuum lines, damaging the wastegate solenoid and setting P0299. Crank pulleys fail on 2010-2013 cars, the PCV under the supercharger demands the same teardown as the water pump, the secondary air injection ports clog with carbon, and the intake valves build deposits like every other Audi DI engine.

A5 service moves faster when we know the body style and engine going in. Call Driven Auto Care of Fremont, CA at (510) 270-3686 with the model year and body type, and we’ll line up the right diagnostic and repair plan before you arrive.