Audi is one of the UK’s most popular premium car brands, sleek, stylish, and built for performance. But even with all that German engineering, breakdowns still happen. At Reds Recovery, we’ve attended hundreds of callouts involving Audis, and while every car is different, certain issues crop up again and again.
If you own an Audi, especially a diesel A4, A6, or Q5, here are the most common Audi problems we see on the road, how to spot them early, and when it’s time to give us a ring.
Oil Consumption in TFSI Engines
If you drive an Audi with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine (commonly found in the A4, A5, A6) You may notice your topping up oil a lot more frequently. This is a well-known fault in older TFSI models, often caused by worn piston rings.
Signs of this common Audi problem:
- Low oil warning light
- Blue smoke from the exhaust
- Needing to top up oil every few hundred miles
Audi issued service campaigns for this issue, but many cars are now out of warranty. If ignored, this can lead to engine damage or even total failure.
Multitronic Gearbox Issues
Some Audi A4 and A6 models came with the Multitronic CVT gearbox — known for a smooth ride when it works, but expensive issues when it doesn’t. These gearboxes are prone to control module failures and shuddering during acceleration.
What to look for:
- Jerky or hesitant acceleration
- Transmission warning light
- Unusual noises when shifting
If your Audi starts driving strangely, call Reds Recovery, continuing to drive could cause further damage.
EGR Valve & DPF Problems
Audi diesels are known to have EGR valve blockages and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter issues) The DPF is responsible for removing particulate, especially soot from the exhaust gases. This becomes a more common issue if you only drive on short trips. The resulting outcome from these issues would most likely be a car in limp mode.
Symptoms Include:
- Sluggish Acceleration
- DPF or engine warning light
- Poor fuel economy
Forced regeneration, which is the process of manually initiating the burning of the soot can be a fix but may not always work. In situations where this is the case, a full cleaning or replacement DPF may be required.
Water Ingress and Electrical Faults
A surprisingly common Audi problem is water ingress, especially in models like the A6 Avant or Q7. Blocked drainage channels (often around the windscreen or sunroof) can allow water into the cabin, damaging control modules and wiring.
Common issues caused by this:
- Electrical systems randomly failing
- Warning lights on the dash
- Damp carpets or strange smells
These electrical issues can leave your Audi completely undriveable. If you notice signs of water damage, call us before it gets worse.
Suspension Wear in Quattro Models
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is great for performance — but adds weight and wear to suspension components. We see many older A4, A6, and Q5 models with worn-out control arms, bushes, or shocks.
What to watch for:
- Clunks when going over bumps
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering that feels vague or noisy
Failing suspension can be dangerous, don’t wait until it fails on the road.
No matter which Audi you drive, if you’re facing a common Audi problem — or something more serious — Reds Recovery is ready to help.
24/7 emergency vehicle recovery
Diagnostics & transport to trusted garages
Friendly, fast response across Kent & the South East
Save our number now: 01634 926 901 — just in case.