What's the verdict? -Oil Consumption
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
oil consumption
the problem exist since 2006 for Audi and VW 2.0 T
on my passat 2007 2.0 fsi 1 liter every 3000 km
the dealer and audi Canada confirm the problem was fix only 2012 and up
imagine they took 6 years to fix the problem
on my passat 2007 2.0 fsi 1 liter every 3000 km
the dealer and audi Canada confirm the problem was fix only 2012 and up
imagine they took 6 years to fix the problem
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
From: Gaithersburg, MD
I didn't know that, but that's very possible. I have had three Audi A4s, my present vehicle is a 2010. My first was a 1999, the second was a 2003. I never had oil usage problems in either of my previous A4s.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
I wasn't sure if I should create a new post, new to the forum, but I want to make sure my story is available to ALL Audi and none Audi Owners. In September of 2012 I purchased a 2009 A4 Quattro 2.0T with 65k from a local dealership. Not too long after I purchased it I noticed the display stated I needed to add oil, not more than one quart, okay to keep driving. I thought this interesting and started some research (while also adding some 0W-40 Mobil One). My research lead me to huge amount of data on B8 excessive oil consumption. Immediately I had anxiety, which drove me to spend countless hours reviewing forums (thus my post). It seemed as though the oil consumption issue was a miss or hit, with those suffering from it falling into 1 of 2 categories. Those that were near the 1,200 miles per quart burned or better that were unhappy with having to add oil (majority of people). And those that had excessive oil consumption at 1k or less per quart burned. I needed to know where I fell. As someone that likes to take on the very simplest of car related duties on I bought a filter, oil and conducted a standard oil change of my vehicle.
I then drove my car for approximately 400 miles, at which point it asked that I add more oil. Prior to this I realized I was in trouble as I saw the oil level dropping on my display. At this point my anxiety was through the roof as I'm driving a $20,000 car out of warranty that clearly has a major issue. The only comfort I found was in research via all of the Audi forums. I soon realized my first step needed to be contacting AofA (Audi of America). So I went to their website and submitted my problem. Shortly after I was contacted by Brandon Simpson, this was to be my customer advocate. I explained the issue and my concern not just for my car but the environmental impact of this vast oil consumption. I told him right off the bat, my experience from that point on would end up in a forum, either negative, losing a long time Audi owner forever, or positive, maintaining my business and respect.
After some discussion Brandon said I needed to make an appointment at the local Audi Dealership. I did so and dropped off my car. They stated my car is leaking no oil so CONSUMPTION PHASE #1 needed to be done. I was prepared for this diagnosis but unwilling to foot the bill. Brandon fought on my behalf and returned with an offer to split the $750 cost. Given my circumstances and deemed this fair and reasonable and accepted. PHASE ONE was quickly completed and my car were returned. If this repair worked, I leave happy, if not I drop the car off when my display asked for more oil.
Unfortunately, roughly 600 miles later my car had consumed another quart of oil. I promptly dropped it off with no advance warning and reached out to Brandon. I was already aware of PHASE 2 (thanks to this forum, An engine rebuild to replace the rings) and explained I would pay NO MONEY against this step. A 3 year old car with 65k should not need its rings replaced, regardless of how it's driven.
With in 1 day the local Audi dealership contacted me stating I needed new Piston Rings. That they were in touch with AofA and the repair would be completely covered, they would also provide a loaner during the process of the work. They said I could pick up the car and use it while they awaited delivery of the new piston rings. I was thrilled at this point. Brandon’s communication was thorough and fast. Audi was willing to stand behind their product to the tune of thousands of dollars for a car technically out of warranty.
Is it unfortunate I and others have had to deal with this... Yes. Could it affect ones choice to buy and Audi? Yes. However they will maintain my business. They manufacture a high end transport vehicle made up of computers and 10k+ different parts to make a combustion engine. I work in Aerospace, engineering, construction, quality issues occur. Every car company has issues at some point on some model. The best they can do is stand behind the product, as Audi has done thus far for me.
Right now I'm behind the wheel of my 2013 All Road loaner, my car has been in the shop for 2 days. Will this fix my problem? I really hope so. I do promise that I will continue my story through the end. I personally would like to thank Brandon and Audi for their service thus far... hopefully that sentiment doesn't change.
I know I wrote a book and I apologize. I just know how much a post like this could have helped me. I owe it to all consumers to post my experience.
I then drove my car for approximately 400 miles, at which point it asked that I add more oil. Prior to this I realized I was in trouble as I saw the oil level dropping on my display. At this point my anxiety was through the roof as I'm driving a $20,000 car out of warranty that clearly has a major issue. The only comfort I found was in research via all of the Audi forums. I soon realized my first step needed to be contacting AofA (Audi of America). So I went to their website and submitted my problem. Shortly after I was contacted by Brandon Simpson, this was to be my customer advocate. I explained the issue and my concern not just for my car but the environmental impact of this vast oil consumption. I told him right off the bat, my experience from that point on would end up in a forum, either negative, losing a long time Audi owner forever, or positive, maintaining my business and respect.
After some discussion Brandon said I needed to make an appointment at the local Audi Dealership. I did so and dropped off my car. They stated my car is leaking no oil so CONSUMPTION PHASE #1 needed to be done. I was prepared for this diagnosis but unwilling to foot the bill. Brandon fought on my behalf and returned with an offer to split the $750 cost. Given my circumstances and deemed this fair and reasonable and accepted. PHASE ONE was quickly completed and my car were returned. If this repair worked, I leave happy, if not I drop the car off when my display asked for more oil.
Unfortunately, roughly 600 miles later my car had consumed another quart of oil. I promptly dropped it off with no advance warning and reached out to Brandon. I was already aware of PHASE 2 (thanks to this forum, An engine rebuild to replace the rings) and explained I would pay NO MONEY against this step. A 3 year old car with 65k should not need its rings replaced, regardless of how it's driven.
With in 1 day the local Audi dealership contacted me stating I needed new Piston Rings. That they were in touch with AofA and the repair would be completely covered, they would also provide a loaner during the process of the work. They said I could pick up the car and use it while they awaited delivery of the new piston rings. I was thrilled at this point. Brandon’s communication was thorough and fast. Audi was willing to stand behind their product to the tune of thousands of dollars for a car technically out of warranty.
Is it unfortunate I and others have had to deal with this... Yes. Could it affect ones choice to buy and Audi? Yes. However they will maintain my business. They manufacture a high end transport vehicle made up of computers and 10k+ different parts to make a combustion engine. I work in Aerospace, engineering, construction, quality issues occur. Every car company has issues at some point on some model. The best they can do is stand behind the product, as Audi has done thus far for me.
Right now I'm behind the wheel of my 2013 All Road loaner, my car has been in the shop for 2 days. Will this fix my problem? I really hope so. I do promise that I will continue my story through the end. I personally would like to thank Brandon and Audi for their service thus far... hopefully that sentiment doesn't change.
I know I wrote a book and I apologize. I just know how much a post like this could have helped me. I owe it to all consumers to post my experience.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Battery Replacement - 2009 A-4 Premium Quattro
My apologies for shanghaiing this thread. I bought my Audi in March 2009 and currently has 40,600 miles on it. Since most batteries are "self-contained" and "maintenance-free", how does one test the battery's remaining useful life? I would rather replace it before it dies in some lonely parking lot at 2 in the morning.....
Last edited by richardwan; Oct 13, 2013 at 03:38 PM. Reason: Apology for an off-topic comment
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
From: Gaithersburg, MD
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Looking at buying a 2012 A4
I've been doing a lot of research about the oil consumption issue. Other than that people seem to really love their A4.
One thing I haven't settled is whether they've resolved the oil burning issue in newer models.
For those who own a 2012 A4, does the oil burning issues still remain? What about 2013?
One thing I haven't settled is whether they've resolved the oil burning issue in newer models.
For those who own a 2012 A4, does the oil burning issues still remain? What about 2013?
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
From: Gaithersburg, MD
It's my understanding that the problem is limited to the 2009, 10, and 11 models. That said, I would contact an Audi dealer directly. I just purchased a 2014, and truthfully my question to the dealer during the test drive was, "has Audi taken care of the oil consumption problem?" I've owned three A4s over the past 12 years and I understand the car. We had a very direct conversation and he did not BS me. His response was that a few here and there may still have a problem, but he said the service departments are seeing far fewer service appointments for this issue and he would be surprised if the problem had not been addressed and rectified. Still, it's hard to tell yet on late-season 2013s and the new 2014s... new cars burn more oil in the beginning anyway.
A 2012 model is just outside the problematic years. Much depends on the piston ring design... if it's the same, the problem may carry over. If they changed it, you may not have a problem. But as a second owner, you have no idea what the first owner did in terms of service and how much damage has been done to the engine.
What I would do is also consider contacting Audi corporate. Tell them you are considering purchasing a previously owned 2012 or 2013 model. Audi has no desire to have unhappy owners... I found the lack of transparency when I first started experiencing this problem unprofessional, but I persisted as must have others.... the problem has got to have been a marketing problem for them (there's a facebook page dedicated to people who have had Audi oil consumption issues and if you google the problem there are attorney websites promoting lemon law assistance). Perhaps as a result they have stepped up to the plate for me and were helpful in resolving my problem (I've had all my piston rings replaced), and if there is a problem with the 2012s and 2013s, I should think they would tell you.
I grabbed this comment off the AudiWorld forum:
"This new 2014 2.0T engine was used in European 2013 Q5s, so there is over one year of real world history on this newer 2.0T and there doesn't seem to be many complaints. It's completely different (new head, turbo, added indirect fuel injector, cam timing actuator, etc.) Most techs don't even know that yet. I'm coming off a 3.0 A4 and really can't complain about my 2.0T compared to that. My big hurt with the 2014, 2.0T is that it's sweet spot for cruising is 85-90 mph, I have a very hard time keeping it near 70... "
I'm hoping that his comment about the 2014 proves correct. If they haven't fixed this problem, it may be my last Audi.
A 2012 model is just outside the problematic years. Much depends on the piston ring design... if it's the same, the problem may carry over. If they changed it, you may not have a problem. But as a second owner, you have no idea what the first owner did in terms of service and how much damage has been done to the engine.
What I would do is also consider contacting Audi corporate. Tell them you are considering purchasing a previously owned 2012 or 2013 model. Audi has no desire to have unhappy owners... I found the lack of transparency when I first started experiencing this problem unprofessional, but I persisted as must have others.... the problem has got to have been a marketing problem for them (there's a facebook page dedicated to people who have had Audi oil consumption issues and if you google the problem there are attorney websites promoting lemon law assistance). Perhaps as a result they have stepped up to the plate for me and were helpful in resolving my problem (I've had all my piston rings replaced), and if there is a problem with the 2012s and 2013s, I should think they would tell you.
I grabbed this comment off the AudiWorld forum:
"This new 2014 2.0T engine was used in European 2013 Q5s, so there is over one year of real world history on this newer 2.0T and there doesn't seem to be many complaints. It's completely different (new head, turbo, added indirect fuel injector, cam timing actuator, etc.) Most techs don't even know that yet. I'm coming off a 3.0 A4 and really can't complain about my 2.0T compared to that. My big hurt with the 2014, 2.0T is that it's sweet spot for cruising is 85-90 mph, I have a very hard time keeping it near 70... "
I'm hoping that his comment about the 2014 proves correct. If they haven't fixed this problem, it may be my last Audi.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Hi! I figured I'd add my experience here. I bought a CPO 2009 A4 Avant in November 2011 with about 48,000 miles. Noticed right away I needed a quart of oil every 2000 miles or so. About a year into owning it I asked the dealer to look into it and they did a software update. It got worse over the next year where I was filling a quart every 1000 miles or so. This summer after an unrelated service visit they told me they now top off the engine with oil if need be for free.
About a month ago the light came on again and instead of buying more quarts to fill it on my own I stopped in and asked them to top it off. I also mentioned I was aware of the oil consumption test and wanted it done. The servicewoman told me "a year and and half ago there was nothing we could do, but Audi is now fessing up to the problem" and I scheduled a Stage I test for the following week which they did in less than a day. I got the car back and was told to come back after 700 miles.
Just today at 520 miles the oil light came back on. I called them and asked if I should come back now or at 700 miles - they said now. But I would have to wait until Monday when they would have a rental car for me. Stage 2 will be performed. I plan on confirming EXACTLY what they plan to do for stage 2. I'm hoping for new Pistons and Rings, and a Cam bridge seal and crank case valve, based on all the other posts I've seen out here.
I still have one more year (and about 35,000 miles on my warranty). I'm debating what to do after stage 2. No matter what, I plan to see how it burns oil afterward. My main concerns are resale value down the line, and of course, if this will cause problems in a few years after the warranty has expired. I'm planning to contact AOA after stage 2 and request IN WRITING an extension of the CPO warranty for 2 years. That will cover the car for the entire period I have an outstanding loan. After 5 years of ownership, I'll decide if I want to keep it or move on.
That's where I'm torn. I do love the car in every way aside from oil consumption. I just don't want to be holding the car 7 years in and find I'll need $5000+ in repairs for an issue that may or may not have been fixed. If it comes to that it'll be traded in right away. I'm leery of another Audi, but again, it's a great car in every other way. I did get a 2014 All road as a loaner and while the center of gravity is a little higher than I like, overall, I really liked it...... and really, there aren't a lot of nice looking good performance wagons left out there.
I'll post back after stage 2 is performed and I have a few thousand miles on the car to see how well it worked.
About a month ago the light came on again and instead of buying more quarts to fill it on my own I stopped in and asked them to top it off. I also mentioned I was aware of the oil consumption test and wanted it done. The servicewoman told me "a year and and half ago there was nothing we could do, but Audi is now fessing up to the problem" and I scheduled a Stage I test for the following week which they did in less than a day. I got the car back and was told to come back after 700 miles.
Just today at 520 miles the oil light came back on. I called them and asked if I should come back now or at 700 miles - they said now. But I would have to wait until Monday when they would have a rental car for me. Stage 2 will be performed. I plan on confirming EXACTLY what they plan to do for stage 2. I'm hoping for new Pistons and Rings, and a Cam bridge seal and crank case valve, based on all the other posts I've seen out here.
I still have one more year (and about 35,000 miles on my warranty). I'm debating what to do after stage 2. No matter what, I plan to see how it burns oil afterward. My main concerns are resale value down the line, and of course, if this will cause problems in a few years after the warranty has expired. I'm planning to contact AOA after stage 2 and request IN WRITING an extension of the CPO warranty for 2 years. That will cover the car for the entire period I have an outstanding loan. After 5 years of ownership, I'll decide if I want to keep it or move on.
That's where I'm torn. I do love the car in every way aside from oil consumption. I just don't want to be holding the car 7 years in and find I'll need $5000+ in repairs for an issue that may or may not have been fixed. If it comes to that it'll be traded in right away. I'm leery of another Audi, but again, it's a great car in every other way. I did get a 2014 All road as a loaner and while the center of gravity is a little higher than I like, overall, I really liked it...... and really, there aren't a lot of nice looking good performance wagons left out there.
I'll post back after stage 2 is performed and I have a few thousand miles on the car to see how well it worked.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
From: Gaithersburg, MD
Stage 2 will undoubtedly result in replacing all your piston rings. I will say I have vastly improved my oil consumption. That said, I lost trust in the car and I know personally I can't enjoy a car waiting to see if/when something is going to go on it. The oil fix may take, it may not. Much depends on how much damage the engine sustained (regardless of how good I was about keeping cases of oil in the trunk and filling it before the light came on).
I'm trading it in tomorrow and picking up my 2014. This will probably be it. If the 2014s don't show marked improvement I will probably go to another brand next time, much as I hate to admit it. I've driven an A4 to the exclusion of every other brand since 2001. This will be my fourth, so I hope the maintenance required is routine. I will say, Audi did right by me and will for you, but you have to be confident in your vehicle as well as proud.
I'm trading it in tomorrow and picking up my 2014. This will probably be it. If the 2014s don't show marked improvement I will probably go to another brand next time, much as I hate to admit it. I've driven an A4 to the exclusion of every other brand since 2001. This will be my fourth, so I hope the maintenance required is routine. I will say, Audi did right by me and will for you, but you have to be confident in your vehicle as well as proud.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
From: Northern Virginia
Just out of curiosity, it seems that dealer is doing this 'Software Update' after the initial triage to the oil consumption problem. Does anybody know what they are actually updating? Is it the oil meter calibration?
