PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated October 2026
2009–2016
Model years affected
$4,800 – $7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Engine damage severe enough to require replacement
Check engine light: On
Multiple reports of timing chain tensioner breakage causing catastrophic engine damage, with repair costs ranging $4,800 for repairs or $6,300 for a replacement engine.
Burning 1 quart every 200-600 miles
Check engine light: Off
Oil consumption ranging from 1 quart per 200-600 miles, described by owners as "unreal," requiring constant top-ups and in several cases major engine rebuilds.
Ring, cylinder, and piston failures requiring full engine replacement
Check engine light: On
The most expensive repairs reported for this nameplate are dominated by severe engine failures: complete engine replacements after ring failure, coolant intrusion into cylinders, two-cylinder failure totaling the engine, and piston/ring failure — an unusually high concentration of catastrophic engine failures for a single nameplate.
Intermittent pulling, with some reports of loss of control
Check engine light: On
Steering rack failures reported causing intermittent pulling, with some complaints describing an associated loss of vehicle control.
Oil leaks from the camshaft chain tensioner and valve cover gaskets
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks from the camshaft chain tensioner and valve cover gaskets. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 85 owner reports on file.
Ignition coil, ignition wires, and/or spark plugs fail
Check engine light: On
Ignition coil, ignition wires, and/or spark plugs fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.
Rainwater accumulates in the plenum tray due to clogged drains
Check engine light: Off
Rainwater accumulates in the plenum tray due to clogged drains. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 58 owner reports on file.
Check engine light and/or hesitation due to a failed high pressure fuel pump
Check engine light: On
Check engine light and/or hesitation due to a failed high pressure fuel pump. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 51 owner reports on file.
Check engine light due to vacuum leaks, an oxygen sensor fault, or a catalytic converter fault
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to vacuum leaks, an oxygen sensor fault, or a catalytic converter fault. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 46 owner reports on file.
FSI and TFSI engines accumulate carbon buildup on the intake valves, intake, and runner flaps (P0300 series)
Check engine light: On
FSI and TFSI engines accumulate carbon buildup on the intake valves, intake, and runner flaps (P0300 series). This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 32 owner reports on file.
Cabriolet convertible top mechanism fails due to hydraulic fluid leaks
Check engine light: Off
Cabriolet convertible top mechanism fails due to hydraulic fluid leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.
Premature wear in multi-link suspension components causes noise
Check engine light: Off
Premature wear in multi-link suspension components causes noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.
Check engine light due to a faulty torque converter
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a faulty torque converter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
ABS light due to ABS control module failure
Check engine light: Off
ABS light due to ABS control module failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
Flasher relay failure causes erratic turn signal operation
Check engine light: Off
Flasher relay failure causes erratic turn signal operation. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
Digital display on the instrument cluster fails
Check engine light: Off
Digital display on the instrument cluster fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.
No official recall was identified for this generation. Enter your VIN to check for the current, confirmed recall picture on your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
This generation shows an unusually high concentration of catastrophic (not just wearing) engine failures: timing chain tensioner breakage causing what one owner called "catastrophic damage to the engine," requiring either a $4,800 repair or a $6,300 replacement engine. The same timing chain tensioner failure is reported on the Volkswagen Tiguan ($6,000 and up); Audi and Volkswagen share engine platforms. Separately, owners report excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 200-600 miles), which is also reported on other luxury brands of this era.