2016-2024 Audi A4 45 TFSI Engine (2.0 TFSI): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

While the B9 Audi A4 lives its last years before going into the next generation, I'm still keen on its engines. I've already told you about the base 40 TFSI engine and in this article, I want to outline some features of the more interesting 45 TFSI powerplant that powers more expensive versions of the A4.

Today, I will tell you more about the 2.0L turbo engine powering the 45 TFSI trim of the Audi A4 - about its common problems and ways to avoid them. I will also cover its durability and will tell you my point of view on whether this engine is really worth its money. If you already bought or are going to buy the A4, read the article to have a full understanding of the nature of its best engine.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2008-now
• Average lifespan of 45 TFSI:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:190-300 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:heavy oil burning, turbocharger problems, issues with the oil and water pumps, timing chain problems.

Key features of the Audi A4 S-Line engine

So, this engine is referred to as the S-Line because all the trims that it powers come with S-Line in their names. Actually, in 2023, you can buy all three trims of the A4 (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) with a base engine (40 TFSI) and with a more performance-oriented engine - the 45 TFSI.

They are both 2.0L TFSI and they have similar engineering behind them but the engines are very different in how they feel when you drive them. Also, their specs are different and so they should be considered different powerplants and reviewed separately.

Here's what you may want to know about this engine:

• this is the 2.0L TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offering you 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque;
• the engine is the direct injection unit with port injectors, so carbon buildup shouldn't bother you at all;
• the engine is codenamed CYRB, it's also used in the A5 and Q7 in different markets all over the world;
• the engine is equipped with AVS (Audi Valveshift System) in intake valves for better performance;
• both camshafts are equipped with phasers, and there are hydraulic lifters, so no valve adjustment procedures are required;
• the cylinder block is cast-iron while the head is, of course, aluminum, there is a special coating on cylinder walls for better durability;
• the timing system is driven by the chain but it's not eternal and will need expensive replacement at least once within the lifespan of the engine;
• the powerplant is equipped with the 7-speed DCT (S-Tronic) transmission, all versions come with the all-wheel drive.

One of the coolest things is the fuel economy. The EPA estimated figures are surprisingly good given the power of this engine is well over 250 hp. The engine offers 24 MPG in city traffic and 32 MPG on highways. Almost the same mileage as its younger brother, the 40 TFSI. Of course, this is only possible if you drive carefully and calmly.

The engine is crazy. Once you step on the gas pedal, you feel every single horsepower and every pound-foot of torque. It accelerates to 60 MPH for about 5.2 seconds and this is insane. Also, the transmission works wonderfully - you barely feel its shifts and it's so quick that your acceleration is smooth and pleasant even if you press the pedal to the floor.

How many miles will the 45 TFSI engine last in the A4?

This is the performance engine, so it's not bulletproof and shouldn't be considered to live forever. But I still see no reasons why it can be much worse in terms of durability than the 40 TFSI version.

In my opinion, the 45 TFSI engine in the A4 should be able to live about 160,000 miles or a little more depending on the quality of regular maintenance and your driving style. It's the driving style that causes many concerns because I can imagine how a person that is ready to pay plus $2,000 for just an additional 50 horsepower will drive the car.

You may think the dual-clutch transmission is bad because you have heard about all those Volkswagen DSG problems. Basically, the S-Tronic is the DSG but with the other name. But in the A4, they use a good version of the DCT with the wet clutch. And as far as I know, these transmissions can last over 200,000 miles without any repairs.

Of course, the aggressive use will change things a bit. The transmission and the engine will be heavily loaded and may die earlier because of overheating and bad loads. But even in high-performance use, this engine can still go many miles.

What are the common problems with these engines?

The 45 TFSI engine will have more or less the same problems as other 2.0 TFSI versions. But this is a high-power engine and maybe some new issues should also be considered. The engine has been here for more than 8 years now, so we know a lot about its issues at high mileage and some common problems that may show up on the way.

Let's see which problems you should be ready for:

1. Oil consumption

As with almost any Audi engine, this one will burn some oil. Especially high the oil consumption becomes at high RPM. After an hour or two of driving on the highway at a very high speed, you may need to top up some oil.

Also, the engine oil pressure light is late, as in all VW cars. It will light up when the engine has already started destroying itself because of the low oil level. Better check the oil level regularly and top up some oil when necessary.

2. Timing chain short life

The chain is said to live forever here but it doesn't. I've seen 45 TFSI engines in Audi A4 requiring chain change at 60,000 miles. It's insanely expensive, so you will not be glad to pay for this that early. Also, in another 50-60K miles, you may need another chain replacement.

If your 2.0 TFSI engine in the Audi A4 started rattling, you shouldn't ignore this symptom. Better go directly to specialists and replace the chain as soon as possible.

3. Plastic water pump

All modern 2.0 TFSI versions have a little "improvement" - the plastic water pump. You will need to change it every time you replace the chain. The pump is not that reliable and may fail at any moment. If you see that the engine is overheating, never keep driving it. The broken pump may cause a lot of bad issues.

One bad thing about this plastic water pump is that it costs a lot. Well, any part for this engine will cost you surprisingly much - this is Audi!

4. Minor issues and repairs

The engine seems to be very reliable up until it hits the 50,000-mile mark. After the warranty is over, the engine starts throwing different minor problems. But you may know that a minor problem in your Audi will cost you quite a lot of money to solve. So, this may be a little disappointing for owners.

For example, a simple antifreeze leak under the hood may affect some electronic control units and this will cause a thousand-dollar repair.

5. Turbocharger failure at high mileage

If your A4 is over 100K miles now, you may expect problems with its turbo. Especially, it's common for cars that have been driven aggressively. When working at high RPM, this engine just can't cope with proper lubrication of all parts and the turbo is the number one victim of this issue.

By the way, the oil pump is adjustable and it may also cause some problems at high mileage. The pump may also die if you use an inappropriate type of oil.

How can you prolong the life of the Audi A4 45 TFSI engine?

So, the engine will be good till it reaches 50,000 miles. Then, the health of this engine is completely in your hands. You need to remember that this is not a racing car and even though it allows you to drive aggressively at times, it will need careful overall use and good maintenance.

Here's what you should consider to drive your A4 S-Line longer:

• good maintenance with only OEM parts and fluids is extremely important;
• you better repair this engine in the dealership - they certainly know some tricks;
• aggressive driving is OK, but not at all times;
• don't ignore minor problems, they may quickly grow into huge and expensive issues;
• check the oil regularly because this engine may burn some;
• replace the timing chain at 90,000 miles or when it starts rattling.

In my opinion, the 45 TFSI engine is one of the best high-performance engines for the Audi A4 and one of the coolest engines in the whole class of compact sedans. It's reliable, economical, not really problematic, cool to drive, and not super-expensive. Of course, as with any technology in the world, it has some weak sides that you should consider and understand. But overall, the engine is really cool and wonderful to own.