The timing chain in the Audi A4 TFSI stretches. This mainly affects the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines with more than 80,000 kilometres on the clock. It leads to rattling noises and timing issues. In serious cases it causes engine damage. It is a known problem that calls for timely inspection of the chain tensioner and guides. Audi A4 car problems occur more often, but this timing chain issue deserves extra attention. Do not ignore the warning signs, because continuing to drive can lead to repair costs running into thousands of euros.
Which engines are most affected?
The timing chain issue does not affect all Audi A4 engines to the same extent. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI variants in the B8 generation and later models most often suffer from a stretched chain. The 3.0 TFSI engine with engine codes such as CGWA, CGWB, CGWD, CMUA, CRED, CTVA, CTJB and CJTC also regularly shows this problem.
The problem does not only occur in the A4. You will find the same TFSI engines in the A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7, where owners report similar complaints. Older, smaller-capacity engines seem slightly less susceptible, but vigilance is still required there as well.
‘ Continuing to drive increases the risk of serious damage. ’
Recognisable symptoms of a faulty timing chain
The most noticeable symptom is a clattering or rattling noise from the engine, especially on a cold start. This noise occurs because the hydraulic chain tensioner can no longer keep the stretched chain tight. When pulling away or accelerating, the noise can increase.
Other signs include:
- An illuminated engine management light with fault codes such as P0016, which indicate an incorrect relationship between camshaft and crankshaft
- Rough idling, juddering or hesitation while driving
- Loss of power when accelerating
- A dragging noise that becomes louder at idle speed
Pay particular attention on a cold start, immediately after you have started the engine. Do you hear a distinct rattling then? Stop driving and have the car checked. Continuing to drive increases the risk of serious damage.
What causes the chain to stretch?
The hydraulic chain tensioner works on oil pressure and normally keeps the chain tight. When the chain stretches due to wear, the tensioner can no longer compensate for this. When the engine is switched off, the oil pressure disappears, giving the chain even more slack.
Besides the stretching of the chain itself, other factors also play a role. The tensioner can fail, guides can break or sprockets can wear out. All this makes the problem worse and eventually leads to timing issues. Volkswagen and Audi acknowledge this as a known problem. Any goodwill contribution is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Consequences of a stretched timing chain
If you ignore the symptoms, the valve timing will jump. In TFSI engines, the valves then collide with the pistons, which leads to bent valves and loss of compression. The cylinder head must then be reconditioned, which is an expensive repair.
In severe cases the chain breaks completely. This causes total engine failure and the engine must be fully reconditioned or replaced. Owners report repairs where not only the chain, but also the crankshaft sprocket, the balance shaft chain, guides, tensioners and the head gasket all have to be replaced. The costs amount to several thousand euros.
‘ Taking action in time therefore saves you a lot of money and misery. ’
How much does timing chain repair cost?
The repair costs vary widely. The total depends on the extent of the damage and the dealer labour rate. For preventive replacement of the chain, tensioners and guides, the costs are around 1,500 to 2,500 euros at an authorised garage. In this process, seals, engine oil, an oil filter and coolant are also replaced.
If damage has already occurred to the valves or the cylinder head, the costs increase significantly. Reconditioning a cylinder head quickly adds another 3,000 to 5,000 euros. With serious engine damage, you will pay even more. Taking action in time therefore saves you a lot of money and misery.
Practical tips to prevent problems
Prevention starts with regular maintenance. Replace the engine oil at the prescribed interval and choose quality oil that meets Audi’s specifications. TFSI engines are sensitive to contamination, which shortens the life of the chain.
Have the timing chain checked at every major service, especially if your car has covered more than 80,000 kilometres. A garage can determine through an inspection whether the chain already shows signs of stretching and whether the tensioners are still working properly. Replace the chain preventively if there is any doubt, especially on cars older than five years.
When buying a used Audi A4 TFSI with more than 100,000 kilometres, ask for a compression test and a check of the timing chain. Avoid early B8 models without a service history. Always ask about any previous complaints or replacements.
Immediate action when warning signs appear
Do you hear a loud rattling from the engine? Then stop driving immediately and have the car towed to a garage. Continuing to drive can, within a few kilometres, lead to serious damage to valves and pistons. The cost of towing is nothing compared to the damage that can occur.
Have the chain, guides, tensioner, seals, oil and filter renewed as soon as the problem has been identified. Also ask the garage to clear the fault codes and, if necessary, reprogramme the engine management. Some owners report that once replaced, the problem is permanently solved.
‘ An early diagnosis can prevent you from being hit with a large bill. ’
Use an OBD scanner (On-Board Diagnostics) for early detection
An OBD scanner (On-Board Diagnostics) helps you read fault codes before the engine management light comes on. Codes such as P0016 indicate timing problems and give a clear signal that an inspection is needed. Many scanners are affordable and easy to use, which makes them a handy tool for every Audi owner.
Also check the idle speed regularly. If it fluctuates or you hear a rattling that becomes louder at idle, the matter is urgent. An early diagnosis can prevent you from being hit with a large bill.
On the Carnews website you can find more information about common problems with various Audi models and practical maintenance tips. Find out how to make your car last longer and avoid expensive repairs by checking in regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Early symptoms are usually a rattling or clattering noise from the engine, especially on a cold start or shortly after starting. You may also experience an unstable idle speed, slight juddering or noticeable loss of power. Sometimes the engine management light comes on, often with timing-related fault codes such as P0016. If the rattling quickly becomes louder or more constant, an immediate inspection by a specialist is strongly recommended.
Changing the oil regularly and on time, using high-quality oil approved by Audi, reduces wear and contamination of the hydraulic chain tensioner. At every cold start, listen out for rattling or clattering noises and have the car checked immediately if you hear anything or if fault codes appear. At higher mileages, have the condition of the timing chain, tensioners and guides checked preventively, for example during servicing or a pre-purchase inspection. Do not continue driving if there is obvious chain rattle, but have the car towed to prevent serious engine damage.
If you ignore timing chain problems, the chain can jump a tooth, causing the valves to hit the pistons and resulting in serious engine damage. In the worst case, the chain can break, which often leads to total engine failure. As a result, the cylinder head must be reconditioned or the entire engine replaced, with repair costs that can run into thousands of pounds. In addition, you may experience unreliable driving behaviour, stalling and dangerous situations in traffic.
In practice, the average costs for replacing a timing chain on an Audi A4 TFSI can easily add up to thousands of euros, especially if guides, tensioners, sprockets and any additional engine damage also have to be dealt with. The best approach is to have the entire chain system replaced in one go (chain, guides, tensioners, seals) rather than only the chain itself. At the same time, have the oil and oil filter renewed, the fault codes cleared and the engine software checked. Make sure the car is no longer driven if there is clear rattling from the chain, but is towed instead, to avoid extra damage and costs.
Yes, known timing chain problems with certain Audi A4 TFSI engines can have a negative impact on residual value, because buyers factor in the risk of expensive engine repairs. Future reliability is also compromised if the chain, tensioners and guides are not replaced preventively. A demonstrably renewed timing chain set and a good service history reduce both the loss of value and the reliability risk. If in doubt, a technical inspection or chain check before purchase can be a wise decision.