Audi Engines: Common Problems and Key Specs

Audi vehicles use Volkswagen engines with their own codenames. Most modern Audi cars have completely the same engines as Volkswagen, Skoda, and Seat vehicles. This may make you think about unfair conditions because Audi cars are way more expensive. But you pay for the luxury options and design.

Given the engines in Audi vehicles aren't unique, I'm not going to make this section really long. You will find links in every engine I reviewed on this site, so you can learn more about them. Of course, the section will be updated once I add some new engine reviews on Audi vehicles.

Audi 2.0 TFSI (40 TFSI) engine

This is the EA 113 or EA 888 engine (depending on the model). In most cases, the 40 TFSI is the base trim engine that comes with the most affordable models. In my case, I reviewed it in the Audi Q5 40 TFSI and also the Audi A4 40 TFSI.

Unfortunately, Audi has a very tricky way of naming the engines in their trims, so under the 40 TFSI engine, you may see powerplants from different generations. Anyway, they will all be 2.0L TFSI engines (basically the same as the 2.0 TSI in Volkswagen cars).

This is one of the most popular VW engines now and it's used with a myriad of different cars as the 2.0 TFSI. Although its power is not perfect, the engine offers optimal durability and is still fun to drive.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2008-now
• Average lifespan of 40 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.

Audi 2.0 TFSI (45 TFSI) engine

You will be surprised but this is the same engine that was described in the previous part of the article. It just has more power and different production codes (dozens of them). So, I won't dig into the same information. I reviewed this version of the 2.0 TFSI engine in the Audi A4 but it was used in a lot of different vehicles of all types within the Audi lineup.

Audi 3.2 V6 engine

In 2004, Audi introduced its only 3.2L V6 engine codenamed AUK. It was used in several vehicles and is now known as the legendary V6 machine. Its main cars were the A4, A6 and A8.

Interestingly, this engine lived for 6 years with no serious modifications or upgrades and even now it's a wanted engine on the market of used cars. With its direct injection, high power and torque, chain-driven cams, hydraulic lifters, and natural aspiration (no turbocharger), this is the great and durable engine that suits Audi's image.

But engineers still made some mistakes, so the durability of the powerplant could be even better.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2004-2010
• Average lifespan of 3.2L V6:160,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:255 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:warped cylinder walls, piston issues causing oil consumption, timing chain problems, very intricate intake system, carbon buildup on intake valves.

Audi 1.8T engine

The 1.8T is the legendary EA113 family engine that was used in a lot of Audi and VW cars in the past. The engine started in 1996 and was manufactured up until 2008. In Audi vehicles, it was discontinued way before it left the engine bays of other VW brands.

This is a simple and reliable 4-cylinder engine with average power. It has a simple and long-lasting turbocharger and the entire construction of the engine seems to be made for durability.

Of course, the 1.8T engine still has problems and can't live forever. Interestingly, all modifications of the 1.8T engine have the chain and the belt in their timing systems. It means servicing and repairing the engine may eventually be pretty expensive.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1996-2008
• Average lifespan of 1.8T:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:150-180 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:turbochargers may malfunction when the exhaust system isn't good, crankcase ventilation system problems, the timing chain tensioner isn't that durable, sensors are pretty faulty.

Audi 2.4 V6 (ALF, BDV) engine

This engine was made for the A4 and A6 models. It was introduced in 1997 and changed generation in the year 2000. Interestingly, this is one of the smallest V6 engines in Volkswagen's modern history.

This is a very simple and extremely reliable engine and its only significant flaw is its age. The last 2.4L V6 Audi engine was made in 2005 and now all of them are old and have huge mileage on them which makes the engines completely unreliable.

Other than that, it's a perfect machine with a lot of advantages. Interestingly, it doesn't have a lot of power. But it's still a very good engine with fun driving and good quality.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1997-2005
• Average lifespan of 1.8T:210,000-230,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:165-170 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil leaks, lifters aren't that durable, chain tensioners are also pretty weak, sensors and electronics may disappoint you.

Audi AAN engine

The 2.2 Turbo 5-cylinder engine codenamed AAN is one of the old legendary Audi engines. It was first introduced in 1991 and was one of the first really good turbo engines in the VW lineup.

It was mainly used in the high-performance modifications of the Audi 100 called S4 and S6. The engine wasn't really perfect and for now, almost all of these Aan engines are already dead as well as the S4 and S6 models.

But the simple construction, reliable timing system, hydraulic lifters, simple turbocharger, and also a lot of power are certainly the advantages of this engine. Also, it was very often used for upgrades and tuning.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1991-1997
• Average lifespan of 1.8T:180,000-210,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Bosch Motronic injection
• Power range:230 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:issues with low-octane fuel, poor cooling system, hydraulic lifters aren't eternal, ignition is pretty tricky and unreliable.