2016-2019 · 2.0 TFSI EA888 Gen 3 petrol (190 hp / 140 kW)
The B9 A4 represents a significant reliability improvement over earlier generations, particularly the B8. The EA888 Gen 3 engine is more robust than Gen 2, with oil consumption issues largely resolved. Main concerns center on the water pump/thermostat housing (known to fail around 60,000-100,000 km), timing chain tensioner on early models, and carbon buildup requiring walnut blasting every 80,000-120,000 km. The DL382 S-tronic transmission is generally reliable when serviced properly. Electrical issues including MMI system freezes and battery drain affect some 2017-2019 models. Later 2019+ models benefit from refined electronics and updated components.
Water pump / thermostat housing failure€900 - €1,600
Plastic housing cracks from heat cycles, integrated electric pump fails around 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
This is the most common failure on EA888 Gen 3 engines. The water pump and thermostat are integrated into one plastic housing unit. Oil causes the O-ring seal to swell, which can crack the plastic housing. Coolant leaks result in overheating risk. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Parts cost €400-600 for the complete assembly. Labor is approximately 3.5 hours due to front-end access requirements. Dealerships charge €1,500-1,600 total, independent shops €900-1,200. Some recommend upgrading to an aluminum aftermarket pump (GRAF brand) for improved durability.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€700 - €1,200
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, requires walnut blasting every 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The TFSI engine's direct injection system sprays fuel directly into cylinders, bypassing intake valves. Without fuel washing over them, carbon from crankcase vapors accumulates on valve surfaces. This reduces airflow, causing power loss, rough idling, misfires, and poor fuel economy. Walnut blasting (media blasting) is the only effective solution - chemical cleaners don't work well. Independent specialists charge €700-1,000, dealerships €1,200-2,000. The 2.0T engine is easier to access than larger V6/V8 engines. Consider this preventive maintenance every 80,000 km if you do mostly short trips or city driving.
2016-2017 models had weaker tensioners causing cold start rattle, fixed in later production · more· less
Early B9 A4 models (2016-2017) used timing chain tensioners that could lose oil pressure overnight, causing a distinctive rattle for 1-3 seconds on cold startup. The EA888 Gen 3 has improved over Gen 2, but the tensioner release valve can weaken over time. If rattling persists beyond a few seconds or occurs regularly, the chain, guides, tensioners and sprockets should be replaced. Audi updated the tensioner design in later production. Parts cost €800-1,200, labor is 6-9 hours due to deep engine access. Total cost at independent shops: €1,500-2,000, dealerships €2,200-2,800. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve damage.
Control arm bushings / ball joints€750 - €1,800
Rubber bushings crack and deteriorate after 5-7 years regardless of mileage · more· less
The A4 B9's front suspension uses control arms with rubber bushings that age poorly. Even low-mileage cars develop cracked bushings after 5-7 years due to heat cycling and material degradation. Symptoms include clunking over bumps, imprecise steering, and uneven tire wear. Replacing the complete control arm assemblies (with new bushings and ball joints pre-installed) is more cost-effective than pressing in new bushings. Quality aftermarket brands like Lemförder (OEM supplier) cost €500-800 for a full set of parts. Labor is 3-4 hours including alignment. Independent shops charge €750-1,200 total, dealerships €1,500-1,800.
The crankcase ventilation system separates oil mist from engine vapors. The PCV valve and oil separator are known failure points, typically occurring around 70,000-120,000 km. Symptoms include rough idle, high oil consumption, hissing from the engine bay, oil leaks from rear main seal area, and check engine light with lean/rich mixture codes. The valve itself is inexpensive (€50-80 OEM), but labor requires removing intake components. Use quality OEM or Hengst parts - cheap aftermarket PCV valves fail quickly. Total repair at independent shops: €220-350, dealerships €350-450.
Dual-mass flywheel or mechatronics valve body failures, mostly preventable with proper service · more· less
The 7-speed DL382 S-tronic transmission is relatively reliable when serviced correctly. Main issues include clutch pack wear (from frequent stop-go traffic), mechatronics solenoid clogging, and dual-mass flywheel rattling. The DL382 uses up to 3 different fluids and filters depending on configuration. Audi considers transmission fluid "lifetime" but experts recommend changing DSG fluid every 60,000 km and manual transmission fluid (MTF) in the gearset every 120,000 km. Clutch replacement costs €2,500-3,500, mechatronics unit €1,500-2,500, dual-mass flywheel €800-1,200. Proper maintenance dramatically extends transmission life.
Turbocharger failure€1,500 - €3,300
Turbo seal leaks or bearing failure, typically after 150,000+ km with proper maintenance · more· less
The IHI turbocharger on the 2.0 TFSI is generally reliable. Failures are rare before 150,000 km if oil changes are done on time. Symptoms include blue-black smoke from exhaust (oil seal failure), whistling/whining under load, or significant power loss. The turbo relies on engine oil for bearing lubrication - neglected oil changes cause premature wear. OEM IHI turbocharger costs €1,000-1,200, installation kits €150-200, labor 5-6 hours. Independent specialists charge €1,500-2,200 total, dealerships €2,600-3,300. Some aftermarket suppliers offer remanufactured turbos for €700-900.
MMI system freezing / battery drain€0 - €800
2017-2020 models experience MMI reboots and parasitic battery drain, usually fixed with software update · more· less
Some 2017-2020 A4 owners report MMI infotainment system randomly rebooting or freezing, especially on vehicles with older CL32 software versions. The system can also fail to enter sleep mode when the car is locked, draining the battery within 2-3 days. Most cases are resolved with a dealer software update (free if under warranty, €100-200 out of warranty). In rare cases, the gateway control module stays awake communicating with MMI and must be replaced (€600-800). Parasitic drain above 50 milliamps indicates a problem. Later 2020+ models have updated software that largely eliminates this issue.
Brake pads and rotors€400 - €1,300
Brake pads wear faster than expected, typically need replacement every 40,000-60,000 km · more· less
Multiple B9 A4 owners report brake pads wearing out within 30,000-50,000 km, faster than expected for normal driving. The A4's weight (1,550-1,650 kg) and aggressive pad compound contribute to this. Front pads wear faster than rears. Aftermarket quality pads (Akebono, EBC, ATE) cost €100-150 per axle, rotors €150-300 per axle. Independent shops charge €400-600 for front pads and rotors including labor, €350-500 for rears. Dealership prices reach €900-1,100 front, €700-900 rear. Replace rotors every other pad change unless warped. Quattro models wear brakes slightly faster due to extra weight.
Solid reliability for a German premium sedan, but requires proper maintenance
The B9 A4 2.0 TFSI is significantly more reliable than previous generations. The EA888 Gen 3 engine addresses most oil consumption issues from Gen 2. Water pump and carbon buildup are predictable maintenance items rather than catastrophic failures. Electrical gremlins affect some early models but are often software-fixable. Choose 2019+ if possible for refined electronics. The manual transmission is more reliable than DSG, but the DL382 S-tronic is acceptable with proper fluid changes. Budget for walnut blasting every 80,000-120,000 km as routine maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km maximum.
Tires
Check tread depth (min 3mm), age codes (max 6 years), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 3 seconds. Persistent rattle is serious.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to warm engine and transmission fully.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, and panel gaps. B9 aluminum body panels are expensive to repair.
Specific for this vehicle
Check coolant level and look for leaks
Inspect thermostat housing area and under engine for coolant stains. Low coolant = potential water pump failure.
Test for carbon buildup symptoms
Hesitation during acceleration, rough idle, or loss of power suggests carbon on intake valves. Ask when last walnut blasted.
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
Rattle lasting more than 3 seconds indicates tensioner wear. This is the single most important check.
Inspect control arm bushings
Jack up front end, wiggle wheels for play. Look for cracked rubber bushings. Common on cars 5+ years old.
Test MMI system thoroughly
Check all MMI functions, ensure screen doesn't freeze or reboot. Verify backup camera works instantly.
DSG transmission behavior (if equipped)
Feel for smooth shifts, no clunking or hesitation. Check when DSG fluid was last changed (should be 60k km intervals).
Check for oil leaks around valve cover
Look for oil seepage around rocker cover, especially on higher mileage examples (100,000+ km).
Verify airbag/seat heater recall completed
2017-2020 models affected. Contact Audi with VIN to confirm recall 21V874000 (74E3) completed.
Test all electrical systems
Windows, mirrors, seats, adaptive cruise, sensors. Electrical faults are expensive to diagnose and repair.
Front seat backrest assembly (Feb-Mar 2019)Verify completed
Steering malfunction / dynamic steering TSBSoftware update available
MMI system freezing / rebootingSoftware update CL35+
Contact an Audi dealer with your VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The passenger airbag/seat heater recall (74E3) is particularly important for 2017-2020 models. MMI software should be updated to at least CL35 version to prevent freezing issues.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all B9 models
Extended warranty availableThrough Audi dealers
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)Includes 1-year warranty if from Audi dealer
All 2016-2019 A4 B9 models are now outside original factory warranty. Audi offers extended warranty plans through dealers, typically costing €800-1,200 per year. CPO vehicles from Audi dealers include 1 year warranty. Consider extended warranty if purchasing a higher-mileage example (120,000+ km) or if vehicle lacks complete service history.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.