Why the Audi 2.0L Engine Burns So Much Oil

The Audi 2.0L TFSI engine—especially from the late 2000s to mid‑2010s—burns excessive oil primarily because of flawed piston ring design, high specific output, and long service intervals that together accelerate wear and increase oil consumption. Owners report needing to add up to a quart of oil every 800–1,000 miles in some affected engines, a problem serious enough to trigger technical service bulletins, extended warranties in some markets, and even class‑action lawsuits.

Background: Which Audi 2.0L Engines Are Affected?

Not every Audi 2.0L engine is equally prone to oil consumption. The worst reputation belongs to early generations of the turbocharged 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 1 and early Gen 2) used in various Audi and VW models from roughly 2008–2014, including A4, A5, A3, Q5, and some VW GTI/Passat variants. Later revisions significantly improved the problem but did not eliminate oil use entirely under hard driving.

The Core Engineering Reasons for High Oil Consumption

To understand why these engines burn oil, it helps to look at the internal design trade‑offs Audi made for performance, emissions, and fuel economy—and how some of those choices backfired over time.

1. Piston Ring Design and Oil Control Problems

The single biggest contributor to chronic oil burning in many 2.0 TFSI engines is the design and behavior of the piston rings, which are meant to seal combustion gases and scrape excess oil off cylinder walls.

The following list outlines the key piston‑ring‑related issues that lead to oil burning:

• Thin, low‑tension oil control rings that don’t scrape enough oil from cylinder walls.
• Ring groove design that allows carbon buildup and ring sticking.
• Inadequate drainage holes in pistons, trapping oil behind rings.
• Accelerated wear of compression rings, reducing cylinder sealing over time.

Together, these factors cause more oil to be left on the cylinder walls, where it is burned during combustion, gradually increasing consumption as the engine ages.

2. Direct Injection and Carbon Buildup

Audi’s 2.0L TFSI uses direct injection, which improves efficiency but introduces side effects that can worsen oil consumption and perceived oil problems over time.

The points below explain how direct injection and carbon buildup interact with oil usage:

• Fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder, so intake valves are not washed by fuel.
• Oil vapors from the PCV system and blow‑by gases deposit on intake valves, forming carbon.
• Carbon buildup can affect airflow and cylinder filling, changing combustion behavior.
• Hot carbon deposits can increase local temperatures and promote oil burning.

While carbon buildup alone does not cause oil consumption, it amplifies existing design weaknesses and can worsen drivability, misfires, and perceived engine wear associated with oil burning.

3. PCV System and Crankcase Ventilation Issues

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is designed to route blow‑by gases and oil vapors back into the intake. In practice, early versions of Audi’s system contributed to oil loss.

The following characteristics of the PCV system help explain its role in oil consumption:

• Early PCV valves were prone to failure, causing excess crankcase vacuum or pressure.
• Faulty PCV units could pull liquid oil, not just vapor, into the intake tract.
• Higher boost pressure from the turbo increases crankcase pressure and blow‑by volume.
• Oil mist carried into the intake manifold is then burned in the combustion chamber.

When combined with already marginal piston ring performance, a weak or failing PCV system accelerates oil burning and can leave visible oil residue in the intercooler and intake piping.

4. Turbocharger and High Specific Output

The 2.0 TFSI is a relatively small engine producing substantial power with the help of a turbocharger, which puts extra thermal and mechanical stress on components and lubrication systems.

The list below summarizes how turbocharging contributes to oil consumption risks:

• Turbocharger bearings are oil‑lubricated and can leak oil into the intake or exhaust if worn.
• High boost pressure increases cylinder pressure and blow‑by past the rings.
• Elevated exhaust and turbo temperatures can degrade oil more quickly.
• Frequent high‑load driving (tuning, spirited use, towing) exacerbates underlying design issues.

While a healthy turbo alone should not cause extreme oil loss, aging turbos, combined with ring and PCV weaknesses, can noticeably increase oil burning in higher‑mileage engines.

5. Long Oil Change Intervals and Oil Quality

Many of these engines were sold with “long‑life” service intervals—up to 10,000–15,000 miles (or around 15,000–30,000 km) per oil change—in an effort to reduce maintenance costs on paper. In real use, this has often been too long.

These maintenance practices influence oil consumption in several ways:

• Extended intervals allow oil to shear, oxidize, and thicken, reducing protection.
• Degraded oil increases sludge and varnish, promoting ring sticking and carbon buildup.
• Low oil levels between services can starve components and accelerate wear.
• Using non‑spec or low‑quality oil worsens breakdown under turbocharged, high‑heat conditions.

The combination of marginal ring design and long intervals means engines that might have remained stable with 5,000‑mile changes instead drift into heavy oil consumption over time.

How Audi Responded: Technical Fixes and Legal Fallout

As complaints mounted—particularly in North America and Europe—Audi and Volkswagen took a series of technical and legal steps to address the oil consumption controversy.

Service Bulletins and Revised Parts

Audi issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) and released updated components for certain engine codes and model years.

The following measures summarize how Audi attempted to mitigate the issue via service channels:

• Revised pistons and piston rings with improved oil control design.
• Updated PCV valves and breather systems to reduce oil carry‑over.
• ECU software updates to optimize combustion and reduce blow‑by in some cases.
• Guidance to dealers on “oil consumption tests” to evaluate warranty eligibility.

These corrective measures improved reliability in many engines, but typically required partial or full engine teardown, making out‑of‑warranty repairs expensive.

Extended Warranties and Lawsuits

In markets such as the United States, owner complaints led to class‑action lawsuits and negotiated settlements covering certain 2.0 TFSI engines.

The legal and warranty outcomes can be summarized as follows:

• Extended warranties on specific engine codes and model years for oil consumption repairs.
• Coverage in some cases for piston and ring replacement if consumption exceeded a set threshold.
• Mandatory dealer oil‑consumption tests (e.g., measuring usage over 1,000 miles) before approval.
• Partial reimbursement for owners who had previously paid for repairs out of pocket.

Eligibility depended heavily on build dates, engine codes, mileage limits, and jurisdiction, leaving some owners fully covered and others bearing substantial repair costs.

Improvements in Later Generations

Subsequent evolutions of the 2.0L EA888 engine—later Gen 2 and especially Gen 3 and Gen 4—feature numerous refinements aimed at reducing oil usage and long‑term degradation.

Key improvements in newer generations include:

• Redesigned pistons and oil control rings with better drainage and higher effectiveness.
• More robust PCV and crankcase ventilation systems.
• Improved crankcase sealing and tighter manufacturing tolerances.
• More advanced engine management to better control combustion and blow‑by.

While no high‑output turbocharged engine is entirely immune to some oil use, newer 2.0 TFSI/TSI engines generally exhibit far lower and more acceptable consumption compared with the problematic early‑2010s designs.

Symptoms Owners Notice When Oil Burning Is Excessive

Drivers experiencing high oil consumption usually notice several consistent symptoms over time, some subtle and others obvious.

The list below outlines typical signs that an Audi 2.0L engine is burning more oil than it should:

• Frequent low‑oil warnings between scheduled services.
• Needing to add a quart (liter) or more of oil every 800–1,500 miles.
• Blue or bluish‑gray exhaust smoke, especially on cold start or after idling.
• Oily residue in the intake piping, intercooler, or around turbo connections.

These indicators, particularly when combined, strongly suggest that internal oil control is compromised and the engine should be evaluated rather than simply topped off continuously.

What Owners Can Do to Diagnose and Limit Oil Consumption

If you own an Audi with a 2.0L TFSI engine, you can’t always eliminate oil usage, but you can diagnose its severity and often slow its progression with targeted actions.

1. Measure Actual Oil Use Accurately

Perception can be misleading; some consumption is normal in high‑performance engines. Establishing a baseline is the first step.

These steps help quantify real‑world oil consumption:

• Start with a fresh oil change using the correct VW/Audi‑approved oil spec.
• Record mileage and oil level (via dipstick or MMI) at the start.
• Check and log oil level every 500–1,000 miles.
• Calculate consumption in miles per quart (or km per liter).

Most manufacturers consider up to about 1 quart per 1,200–1,500 miles “within spec,” but anything worse—especially below 1,000 miles per quart—is usually a sign of abnormal wear or design issues.

2. Inspect PCV, Turbo, and Intake System

Before assuming the worst, it’s wise to check external components that can contribute to high oil usage but are easier to service than pistons and rings.

An informed inspection should focus on the following areas:

• PCV valve operation and any signs of oil pooling in the PCV lines or separator.
• Turbocharger shaft play and oil traces on compressor or turbine sides.
• Intercooler piping and intake tract for excessive oil residue.
• External oil leaks around the valve cover, rear main seal, or oil filter housing.

Addressing a failing PCV or leaking turbo can sometimes significantly reduce oil burning, especially if caught relatively early in the engine’s life.

3. Adjust Maintenance Habits

While maintenance alone won’t fix severely worn rings, it can slow further deterioration and help keep consumption within manageable limits.

Practical maintenance changes that may help include:

• Shortening oil change intervals to 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).
• Using only high‑quality synthetic oil that meets exact VW/Audi specifications.
• Avoiding low‑viscosity oils not recommended for your specific engine and climate.
• Allowing the engine and turbo to warm up before heavy acceleration and cooling down after hard runs.

These practices won’t reverse major mechanical damage, but they can reduce additional wear and keep oil consumption from spiraling further out of control.

4. Considering Major Mechanical Repair

For engines with severe oil consumption—often beyond 100,000 miles / 160,000 km—mechanical overhaul may be the only lasting solution.

Typical repair paths in such cases include:

• Piston and piston ring replacement with updated designs.
• Cylinder honing or, in extreme wear cases, block replacement.
• Turbocharger replacement if bearing or seal wear is evident.
• Comprehensive PCV and breather system refresh during engine teardown.

These repairs are expensive and often exceed the resale value of older vehicles, so many owners weigh them against selling the car or living with frequent top‑offs instead.

Is Some Oil Consumption Normal in the Audi 2.0L?

Even when everything is operating correctly, a turbocharged, direct‑injected engine like Audi’s 2.0 TFSI is likely to use at least some oil between changes.

Several considerations frame what can be considered “normal” for these engines:

• Performance engines generally tolerate moderate oil use by design.
• Driving style (high RPM, frequent boost) increases oil consumption.
• Newer EA888 generations have improved but not eliminated light oil use.
• Consistent consumption that remains stable over time is less concerning than rapidly increasing usage.

The real red flag is not that the engine uses some oil—but that it uses a lot, and increasingly more, often pointing to the specific design flaws and wear patterns seen in earlier 2.0 TFSI variants.

Summary

Audi’s 2.0L TFSI engine burns so much oil in many cases because of a convergence of factors: marginal piston ring and piston design, carbon‑promoting direct injection, a PCV system that can pull oil into the intake, turbocharged operating stresses, and long factory oil change intervals that accelerate wear. Early EA888 generations (around 2008–2014) are most affected, leading to widespread complaints, technical bulletins, and legal action. While later engine revisions improved oil control, owners of earlier engines often face a choice between frequent top‑offs, costly piston and ring repairs, or selling the vehicle. Careful monitoring, shorter service intervals, and timely repair of PCV and turbo issues can help limit but not always fully resolve the problem.

What is the Audi 2.0 oil consumption lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit alleges that Audi 2-L turbo engines consume excessive amounts of oil, eventually causing engine damage. The lawsuit includes the following Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0T engines: 2012–2017 Audi TT.

What is the recall on the Audi 2.0 engine?

Recall Description: In certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TFSI gasoline engine, the electric coolant pump may experience a short circuit and/or overheat. A short circuit or overheating within the electric coolant pump may lead to a fire resulting in vehicle or other property damage.

Why does my Audi run out of oil so fast?

Your Audi is likely burning oil due to worn internal engine parts like piston rings or valve seals, a faulty PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system, or external oil leaks. Some Audi engines, particularly certain 2.0T models, are known to have a history of high oil consumption due to manufacturing defects, as noted in a class-action lawsuit, Class Action Lawsuits. Using the wrong oil grade can also increase consumption. 
Internal engine problems

• Worn piston rings: If piston rings are worn, oil can slip past them into the combustion chamber and burn off. This is a common issue, especially in certain older 2.0T engines that had manufacturing defects. 
• Worn valve seals: Seals on the valve stems can wear out, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. 
• Cylinder wall damage: Scoring or excessive wear on the cylinder walls can allow more oil than normal to enter the combustion chamber. 

This video explains common causes of oil loss and consumption, including PCV system failure: 58sAudi C7 OwnersYouTube · Oct 26, 2021
PCV system issues

• A failing or clogged PCV valve can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase, forcing oil out of the engine and into the intake system to be burned.
• You can test for a PCV failure by starting the car and trying to remove the oil filler cap; if it’s hard to remove due to suction, the PCV system is likely faulty. 

Leaks

• External leaks: Check for external oil leaks from components like the valve cover, oil pan gasket, or seals, which can be a sign of a problem. 
• Turbo seals: Look for leaks around the turbocharger seals, as these can also be a source of oil loss. 

Other potential causes

• Incorrect oil grade: Using an oil that is too thin can increase consumption. Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil grade. 
• Aggressive driving: Driving style can influence oil consumption. Extended periods of high RPM operation can lead to higher oil usage. 
• Manufacturing defects: Specific Audi engine models, particularly certain 2.0T engines from 2009-2011, are known to have a manufacturing defect with their pistons and rings, leading to excessive oil consumption. 

What you can do

• Check your oil level and color: Regularly check your oil level and monitor any changes. If the oil looks milky or has a foamy texture, it could indicate a head gasket issue. 
• Inspect for leaks: Look for any signs of oil on the engine or on the ground under your car. 
• Check your PCV system: Check for signs of a failing PCV system, such as difficulty removing the oil cap or a whistling sound. 
• Get a compression test: This can help determine the condition of your piston rings. 
• Consult a professional: Given the potential for serious engine problems, it is best to have an Audi specialist perform a thorough inspection to diagnose the exact cause. 

What years did the 2.0 TFSI consume oil?

The engines affected with the oil consumption issue are the 2.0L TFSI from around 2006 to Mid 2011 as changes to the pistons & rings where made in the factory form Mid 2011 onward.