In this article, we explain the most common Audi 1.4 TFSI engine problems and provide tips on how to deal with them.

Audi 1.4 TFSI engines have a great reputation for being reliable and fuel-efficient, but like any engine, it has known common problems. If you own a car with this engine or are looking at buying one that does, it is important that you know what to do if the engine starts to malfunction.

The 1.4 TFSI engine is most commonly used in the A1, A3 and A4 models. This powerplant is perfect for powering these smaller-sized Audis efficiently.

What Does TFSI Stand For?

Fuel Stratified Injection with Turbocharging. In other words, TFSI is an abbreviation for a series of gasoline engines that have a small number of cylinders and high efficiency, which is now required by law. Audi, along with BMW and Mercedes Benz, are the industry leaders in this area.

It is worth noting that they distinguish themselves from the competition by employing an injection system with two operating modes: one that prioritises fuel economy, resulting in increased mileage, and another that strives to provide an increase in performance, resulting in more robust acceleration.

Since these engines have been accessible for quite some time, the moniker has gained widespread acclaim and usage. However, it is always possible to have reservations about the issues below.

Is the Audi 1.4 TFSI Reliable?

In general, the Volkswagen group, which includes the German brand Audi, is renowned for its reliability and high level of quality. Generally speaking, owners have only reported standard issues, none of which, according to the data, can be resolved by performing routine maintenance activities on a timely basis.

It is possible that the smaller engine size, the turbocharger, and, in some cases, cylinder deactivation of the TFSI family will cause some potential owners to be concerned about the costs of maintaining those engines over time.

As a result, if you don’t neglect the engine’s maintenance, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is finding a good road to take advantage of your Audi model, as they are typically among the best cars available in their respective market segments when they are kept in proper working order.

Common Audi 1.4 TFSI Issues

We hope that by listing common issues, you will be able to make a more informed comparison with any other TFSI models you may be considering and gain a better understanding of which new or used Audi vehicle is the most appropriate for you.

Excessive use of Oil

One of the most common Audi 1.4 TFSI engine problems is excess oil consumption. Your Audi is using oil at a far greater rate than predicted, requiring you to change it on a much more regular basis than anticipated. In general, if you want to minimize your car’s operating expenses, you should constantly maintain everything in the oil system in good working order.

Solutions that could be considered

It is possible that the piston rings in each cylinder are the source of the problem. The most common reason for this is that they are worn out from years of use. Replace them with new ones and the issue should be resolved. With the use of 5W-30 synthetic engine oil the Audi TFSI engine is more efficient.

Additionally, you should never rule out the potential that the oil tank has leaks, which are often caused by impact damage.

The next step is to inspect the pipe system for leaks. Despite the fact that they are less susceptible to impacts, they may be deteriorated or simply worn out through constant usage.

Engine tinkling sounds

A characteristic high-pitched tinkling noise may be heard coming from the inside of the front end of the vehicle when travelling.

No matter whether they are petrol or diesel engines, vibration is an unavoidable characteristic of all internal combustion engines. Intense and/or particular ones, on the other hand, are cause for concern.

Solutions that could be considered

It is likely that the timing chain has been strained, which is very prevalent in older vehicles. In actuality, this issue may even have an impact on the amount of power the vehicle produces; nevertheless, it may be resolved by simply changing the chain. You may want to get this issue resolved as soon as possible, a snapped chain can cause irreversible engine damage.

Black smoke from the exhaust

During the course of driving your Audi, you may observe a large amount of black smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe. It is common for this problem to occur in conjunction with a reduction in available horsepower and an increase in oil consumption.

Solutions that could be considered

While there are a variety of issues that can result in black smoke, it is common for the Audi TFSI engine to experience a problem with the turbo housing. If such is the case, you will need to repair the housing on your vehicle. This may include a replacement turbocharger or a refurbishment depending on the extent of wear.

Despite the fact that both the TFSI and TDI engine lines employ turbochargers, it is noteworthy to note that the diesel engines are not often impacted by this problem.

Failure of the turbocharger

Once again, TFSI engines are more prone than other engines to have this problem. Symptoms can include black smoke from the exhaust, a whistling noise coming from the top of the engine and a notable drop in horsepower. They are all indicative of a turbocharger issue.

Solutions that could be considered

Whether your car’s turbo requires a simple repair or a complete replacement, this operation is typically costly, even for the cheaper vehicles. If your vehicle is within 3 years old your manufacturer’s warranty should cover this. Aftermarket warranties can also cover turbochargers depending on the level of cover given.

Failure of the Ignition Coil

Another of the Audi 1.4 TFSI engine problems is ignition coil failure. These engines suffer from a high rate of ignition coil faults which can be a considerable annoyance. The ignition coils are very important in the combustion process. Essentially, the ignition coil takes the energy from the battery and uses it to generate a spark that is passed to the spark plugs, which ignites the fuel in the car. It is possible that your car may misfire if these components are not operating correctly.

Ignition coils are expected to last up to 100,000 miles, whereas spark plugs are expected to last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles on average.

Solutions to be considered

To be on the safe side, when one spark plug or ignition coil fails, we recommend replacing them all at the same time. This will prevent you from having to worry about worn parts being mixed in with new parts. For the DIY mechanics reading, get your required parts from The Green Spark Plug Company.

Engine slow to warm up

This issue is exactly what it sounds like: the engine takes a very long time to warm up. It affects both the EA111 and the EA211. When we say anything “takes a long time,” we’re referring to 10 – 15 minutes. After a little investigating, it was discovered that this issue continues to exist as a result of the way the engine was constructed. Because the 1.4-litre engines are smaller in size, they have a lower displacement, which results in less heat being generated in the process. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to ease this issue, which is something that is inherent to the 1.4s.

Solutions to be considered

It can be recommended that you start your car 10-15 minutes before you need to depart so that it has enough time to warm up. It is important to note that if the engine is not operating at its ideal temperature, it should not be pushed, as this might result in engine damage.

How Long Does the Audi 1.4 TFSI Last

The Audi 1.4 TFSI is known for its durability. Many drivers report that their Audi 1.4 TFSI lasts for more than 200,000 miles without any major problems. The engine is powerful, efficient and designed to withstand years of wear and tear. In addition, the Audi 1.4 TFSI comes with a comprehensive warranty that covers most repairs and maintenance costs. As a result, drivers can expect their Audi 1.4 TFSI engine to give many years of loyal service.

How to Make Your Audi 1.4 TFSI Last Longer

Although it may seem tedious, doing periodic inspections and replacements on your Audi may save you a lot of money in the long run. This includes things like servicing, interim oil changes, and ensuring tyre pressure is correct.

A simple oil change is one of those activities that is usually overlooked by busy people. Abrasion, scratching, overheating, and contamination are all prevented by the change of this fluid. It is responsible for the proper operation of nearly the entire vehicle’s powertrain. It also helps to keep the engine running smoothly & efficiently.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain the Audi 1.4 TFSI

If you’re thinking about buying an Audi 1.4 TFSI, you may be wondering how much it will cost to maintain. The good news is that the Audi 1.4 TFS is relatively low-maintenance, thanks to its Turbo FSI engine. This engine is designed to be both powerful and efficient, and it doesn’t require quite as much upkeep as other similar engines. In addition, the Audi 1.4 TFSI comes with a few features that make maintenance easier, such as self-diagnosing systems and software updates.

With proper care, your Audi 1.4 TFSI will continue to run smoothly for years to come and cost you less than £400 a year for general checkups and servicing.

What Should I Look for When Purchasing an Audi 1.4 TFSI?

When shopping for a new Audi 1.4 TFSI, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best possible vehicle. First and foremost, it is important to research the different models on offer. This engine is available in the A1, A3 and A4 models. Additionally, look at the different trim levels and options in order to find the perfect match for your needs and budget.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to take a test drive in order to get a feel for how the car handles. Pay attention to the acceleration, braking, and handling, as well as any features that stand out as particularly appealing or useful. Finally, be sure to get a competitive quote from other similar dealerships in order to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal on your Audi.

Audi 1.4 TFSI Recommended Maintenance Schedule

As the owner of an Audi 1.4 TFSI, you know that regular maintenance is essential to keeping your car running smoothly. But what exactly does the recommended maintenance schedule for this model entail? Every 10,000 miles, the Audi 1.4 TFSI should have its oil and filter changed. In addition, the car should undergo a general inspection, including a check of the brakes, tires, and suspension. At 20,000 miles, the owner should again change the oil and filter, as well as a full inspection.

The 30,000-mile service includes a service of the engine and drivetrain, as well as a change of the cabin air filter. At 40,000 miles, it’s time for another oil change and service. The 50,000-mile service is similar to the 30,000-mile service, but also includes a check of the timing belt. From then on it is a routine service every 10,000 miles with a spark plug change every 30,000 miles and a timing belt when required.

Conclusion

The 1.4 TFSI is a great car engine that is known for its durability, efficiency, and power. However, like all cars, it is not without its problems. The most common problem is turbocharger failure, which can be expensive to repair. Fortunately, the manufacturer warranty covers the cost of repairs if under 3 years old. With proper care and maintenance, your Audi will last for many years to come.

If you are currently having issues with your vehicle an On-board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner will help you diagnose the issue for as little as £25. We have put together a list of The 4 Best OBD-II Scanners for 2023 to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

We hope you have found this article on the most common Audi 1.4 TFSI engine problems useful. If you have suffered any of your own issues with this engine feel free to leave a comment below.

In this article, we’ll highlight common Audi 2.0 TDI engine problems. We discuss the best ways to diagnose, avoid and fix them. It will also help when buying any Audi with the 2.0 TDI ‘ BKD’ engine and problem solve with an existing vehicle. 

The VAG group 2.0TDI engine is used in a multitude of vehicles across a spectrum of Audi styles, from the A3, A4, A5 to the A6. Plus the SUV range that includes the Q2, Q3, and Q5. 

Identifying issues on a test drive will avoid all the hassle resulting from buying a broken vehicle, or one that’s hiding serious issues. This guide will also help you decide if the Audi 2.0 TDI is the right engine for you.

Direct injection

This powerplant is a direct injection turbo diesel engine displacing 1968cc. The 2.0 TDI was the first four-cylinder direct-injected, DOHC diesel engine made by the VAG group. It features four highly precise and calibrated injectors, one for each cylinder. 

This enables higher combustion rates resulting in higher efficiency, fewer emissions and more power when compared to traditional common rail diesel engines. 

Diesel Particulate Filter

The Audi usage of the 2.0 TDI incorporated a DPF earlier than some other manufacturers. Originally termed ‘TDV’ or technology development vehicle, it was later renamed inline with other VAG and non-VAG diesel engine terminology.

The Diesel Particulate Filter is an extra level of emissions filtering aimed at specifically reducing the particulate emissions such as soot and ash. 

Belt Driven Double Overhead Camshafts

To increase performance whilst still allowing high efficiency, the 2.0 TDI was designed from the start to utilise 4 valves per cylinder, that is 2 intake and 2 exhaust. These are actuated by independent camshafts. 

This is an improvement on the old 1.9 TDI, where only a single cam, and 8 valves were present. This has enabled the marked increase in safe power figures, despite only increasing the displacement by 100cc.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Similar to many modern diesel engines, in order to improve engine performance and specifically lower rotational inertia, a dual mass flywheel is fitted to all manual 2.0 TDI engine vehicles.

The dual mass flywheel enables the benefit of a heavy flywheel when required, allowing for smoother gear changes and the impression of more torque at higher speeds. It also enables the engine to rev freely at lower speeds, improving acceleration and general drivability. 

Intercooler and Turbo

All TDI engines are fitted with a turbo to increase performance and efficiency, and an intercooler to do the same. 

The turbochargers installed from the factory are manufactured by Garrett, and allow the engine to produce either 140 or 170hp, depending on the trim level/mapping. 

Intercoolers simply cool the air between being compressed by the turbo and entering the engine, cooler air is more dense and such allows a higher amount of fuel/air mixture to be forced in, resulting in more power. 

Turbos require high quality oil, lapses in maintenance can cause premature failure of rotating parts, and turbochargers are often most susceptible. 

EGR System 

Found in most modern vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation system re-routes exhaust gases into the manifold. Increasing intake temperature and improving fuel efficiency. 

EGR valves have been commonplace on Diesel engines for decades. The most common issue is clogging up of carbon and soot, both of which are present in diesel emissions.

Common Problems With the 2.0 TDI ‘BKD’ Audi Engine

Timing Belt Failure

The timing belt powers the cam shafts from a pulley on the engine’s crankshaft. Some vehicles utilise a metal chain, whilst others opt for a rubber belt. The latter requires changing every so often, whereas generally, chains will last much longer.

The recommended service interval is 75,000 miles or every 5 years. As the timing belt also turns the water pump, this should also be replaced when the timing belt assembly is disassembled. 

Another component in almost all belt drive systems, and especially timing belt applications is the tensioner. This as the name suggests, keeps the belt tight against the pulleys, stopping it from slipping. It is the most common reason for timing failures in many belt-drive engines, as the mechanism is small, moderately intricate, and often overlooked at previous services and cambelt changes. 

When tensioners fail, the cambelt loses its position on the camshafts and crankshaft, both of which are precisely set to ensure correct running. 

Bearings in the water pump also wear, and can prematurely fail, especially if not installed correctly. If the water pump pulley becomes misaligned for any reason, it can easily throw the cambelt off. If the cambelt stops driving the camshafts for any reason, it will cause the engine to stop, this is because the valves opening and closing enable the fuel and exhaust gases to enter, and leave the cylinders. 

Far worse than this, is that most modern engines are ‘interference engines’, meaning the valves will hit the pistons if not correctly timed.

This is why a cambelt failure can turn into a very expensive repair, often needing new valves, camshafts, cylinder heads and in some cases destroying the entire engine. 

How to prevent cambelt failure

Check your service records for cambelt changes, including receipts for the water pump and tensioner, if you are looking into a second hand vehicle, ensure the belt has been replaced every 75,000 miles at a minimum. 

Helpfully, if the engine still runs, late-changing of the cambelt will not harm the engine, unlike missing oil changes.

It is imperative however that the belt is changed as soon as possible, ideally by the seller. 

EGR Failure

The EGR system recirculates hot exhaust gases to improve efficiency, particularly when the engine is cold. The down side to this is that the exhaust gases, particularly on diesel engines, contain a large amount of soot.

This particulate matter gets clogged and stuck in the EGR valve internals and causes it to stop opening and closing as it should. The remedy is to remove the valve and clean it thoroughly, soaking in solvent to remove carbon build-up.

The cost of this in increased by the fact the EGR valve is often located under or close to the exhaust manifold and turbo. When inspecting a vehicle, check for hesitation when accelerating, as this can indicate the EGR valve causing clogs inside the intake manifold. 

You may notice an EGR fault when your vehicles goes into limp mode. A warning message may also be displayed. Fortunately clogged EGR vales don’t always need replacing, in most instances you can have them deep cleaned which is far better value.

Injector Failure

It is a fairly commonly documented issue that the injectors on BKD code engines failed prematurely. Naturally this results in improper running and or the engine not starting at all. 

Injectors are both expensive to replace and expensive to remove, often requiring specialist tooling to do. Typical costs for 4 injectors to be replaced can easily run into the hundreds. 

Injector problems will manifest in symptoms such as poor performance and higher emissions, something to check previous MOT’s for. 

Garages with the appropriate software can run a diagnostic check to seek out any issues, although they will charge a fee for this service. 

If you suspect a blocked rather than a failed injector fuel additives can be a much cheaper solution. They work by clearing built up deposits and restoring the spray pattern which will return better performance and MPG.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Dual mass flywheel failure is easy to spot. When idling and particularly when releasing the clutch, there will be a noticeable vibration coming from the vehicle. It is often felt more strongly through the clutch pedal. You may also hear a clicking sound emitted from the engine bay.

It is wise to change the clutch if the flywheel needs to be changed, parts and labour for this can vary from £500-£1000. 

Buyers should pay attention to the noises when test driving, and ensure any vehicle exhibiting the tell-tale vibration is fixed before purchase. 

In many cases, and with a careful driver, the vehicle will still operate with a failing flywheel for many miles. It is good practice to fix it as soon as possible, though for fear of it unsettling other components. 

The one and only way to resolve this problem is an outright replacement.

Turbo Failure

Turbos spin extremely fast and require high performance seals to contain the high pressure gases. They are components that are expected to last the lifetime of the engine, but are often needing to be replaced many years before that.

Turbochargers can be replaced without removing the exhaust manifold in most 2.0 TDI configurations. In this case the total cost of the job should not exceed £1200 with OEM parts. 

To check for turbo failure, listen for whistling or whooshing noises on acceleration and when revving the engine. The car is likely to be down on power too. Be aware that a combination of these symptoms could mean a new turbo is needed. 

Symptoms of a failing turbo can include loss of power, exhaust smoke and turbo noise. There are two methods of fixing this issue. The first is an outright replacement using a compatible turbo. The second is refurbishment, which involves sending your existing turbo off for reconditioning. Your mechanic should be able to tell you which option is the most cost effective.

Cracked Cylinder Head

Another of the common Audi 2.0 TDI engine problems is a cracked cylinder head. Early year 2.0 TDI engines are notorious for this serious problem. It is advised to purchase a later car, where the serial number ends in ‘B’, rather than ‘A’. The serial number can be found under the fuel lines.

The earlier A versions showed a weak spot in the aluminium casting. Slight overheating or extended hard driving could cause them to crack. 

A cracked head will exhibit all kinds of issues. These include leaking coolant and oil, as well as high consumption of oil. 

Check any second hand car for leaks around the top to middle of the engine. If possible only purchase the best variant. A new cylinder head will set you back thousands using OEM parts. Although it may be cheaper from a breaker. However the supply of ‘parts cars’ with this engine, but without this issue are limited. 

Conclusion

On the whole the 2.0 TDI is a solid reliable engine that should provide years of fuel efficient driving. However, higher mileage examples can typically be more troublesome. Ensure the service schedule and routine maintenance has been kept up to date.

If you are currently having issues with your vehicle an On-board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner will help you diagnose the issue for as little as £25. We have put together a list of The 4 Best OBD-II Scanners for 2023 to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

We hope you have found this article on Audi 2.0 TDI engine problems useful in diagnosing issues you may have. If you have suffered your own symptoms, please feel free to leave a comment below.