Recalls: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe
2011-12 Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe 3.0 TFSI: fuel leak
In January 2015, a recall was issued for Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe models with the 3.0 TFSI engine that were manufactured from April 2011 to April 2012 (inclusive). In these vehicles, a fuel leak may occur at the connection between the fuel rail and the injector. If this occurred, the owner may detect a fuel smell from the engine compartment and leaking fuel could pose a fire hazard in the presence of an ignition source. As part of the recall, the fuel rail was to be replaced and a reinforced retaining bracket fitted (PRA 2015/14530).
2013-18 Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe 3.0 TFSI: fuel leak
In March 2019, recall campaign 24DP was issued for Audi 8T3 S5 Coupes that had 3.0 TFSI EA837 evo engine and were manufactured between September 2013 and April 2018. In these vehicles, fuel may escape from one or both low-pressure fuel rails. In the presence of an ignition source, the fuel could ignite and pose a fire hazard; petrol fumes may also be noticed in the cabin. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17395.
Problems and faults: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Carbon deposits (build-up) on intake valves
Audi’s naturally aspirated, direct injected petrol engines (such as the S5 Coupe’s 4.2 FSI) are considered susceptible to accumulating carbon deposits (or build up) on the intake valves. In these direct injection petrol engines, carbon deposits may accumulate on the stem and throat of the intake valve due to:
- the vaporisation of oil which is not trapped by the oil separator; or
- unburned fuel and exhaust gases that escape past the piston rings and enter the crankcase (‘blow-by’).
Since direct injection engines do not spray fuel on the backside of the intake valves, the detergent properties of the fuel cannot remove the carbon build up (as occurs in port injected engines). Symptoms of carbon deposits on the intake valve include difficulty starting the vehicle (hard starting), misfiring and misfire engine codes and reduced engine performance. Potentially, these deposits can result in damage to the catalytic converter and, for turbocharged engines, the turbocharger itself if bits of the deposit break off and enter the exhaust. To remove the carbon deposits, the intake must be removed and the valves cleaned manually. To reduce the incidence of carbon deposits, a common aftermarket measure is the fitment of an oil vapor catch can. The catch can receives dirty air from the crankcase via the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, filters it and returns it to the intake manifold via the PCV port.
Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe: air conditioning doesn’t work
In April 2010, Audi issued technical service bulletin 2020124/2 for Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe vehicles because the air conditioning (A/C) may stop working. According to the service bulletin, this may be caused by:
- The A/C pressure/temperature sensor G395 leaking refrigerant – this would cause sensor G395 to show an incorrect or implausible value when reading MVBs (Measuring Value Blocks) such that the air conditioning compressor would deactivate; or,
- The LIN cable connecting the J519 Central Electric Control Unit to Sensor G395 being pinched or cut.
An improved A/C pressure/temperature sensor G395 was introduced in series production (part no. 8K0 959 126B for the A4, A5 and S5).
Problems and faults: Audi 8T3 S5 Coupe
- The brakes may make a moaning or murmuring sound at low speeds or when turning at low speeds – this may be due to a faulty caliper piston seal that does not retract the brakes sufficiently.
- If something other than the ignition key (e.g. the wrong key) is inserted into the ignition lock, the remote keys will not work. For vehicles with the ‘Advanced’ key, the start/stop button will not work and the boot will not release.
- The parking lights may stay on permanently if the system is ‘awakened’ (e.g. a remote keyless entry unlock command) while in the ‘fall-asleep’ mode, requiring the control module to be reprogrammed.
- The 12-volt power outlets may not work due to a problem with the software in the convenience control module – reprogramming may also correct other problems such as remote keyless entry and the boot light not illuminating.
- The door seals may come loose due to poor adhesive and require replacement.
- When attempting to use an an iPod, the error message ‘unit or cable type not supported’ may appear – improved cables were subsequently released which fixed this problem.
