So here's my story:
- I bought my 2009 A4 2.0T in September 2009. I knew that it was an '09 model, but the dealer gave me such a great deal that I didn't go for a '10 model.
- At about 20,000 miles, it started using about 1 qt of oil every 1,000 miles. After some hassle from my local dealership in DE and Audi of America intervention, I got the revised engine breather and software. The oil consumption decreased to about 1 qt every 4-5,000 miles, which isn't perfect, but I can live with.
- Because of the hassle. AoA gave me an extra 1 year warranty on the engine "as a good-will gesture".
- The car is now just past 60,000 miles, and driving to work last Friday (43 miles, all highway), the MIL warning (check engine) light goes on. Called my local dealership, and took it in. They looked at it today, and told me that there's a boost problem and it needs a new turbo at $2,600.

I am not impressed, to say the least!

I asked if the replacement turbo would be covered under the AoA extended warranty, but the dealer tells me that the turbo "is an accessory, so isn't covered by the engine warranty". Smells like BS to me!

So the questions that I have are:
- has anyone else had premature failure of the turbo? Remember that this vehicle is less than 4 years old, 60,000 miles and I cool the turbo before turning the engine off.
- Could the oil use contributed to the turbo failure?
- Do we think that the turbo is part of the engine, or an accessory?
- I'm not confident that the turbo is the fault. I'm concerned that there may be something else at fault (catalyst?).

Your opinions?

 

Check and make sure that your car has the improved diverter valve.

 

As it turns out, the extended warranty covers the whole vehicle, not just the engine, so I'm getting the repair done free of charge. Result!

I am still not convinced that this engine isn't going to leave me at the side of the road on a regular basis!

 

That sounds similar to my experience but, I do not have warranty coverage. My A4 with 62K M just went into Audi in Newtown Square, PA for new pistons to resolve an excessive oil consumption problem (used >1 qt /1K M). I am thankful that Audi USA is footing the entire bill for that. However, when they were checking the car in, the tech noticed the "check engine" light was on and eventually diagnosed it as a failing turbo. No warranty coverage for a turbo with 62K M wear (?). The only upside to discovering it now is I will save ~$500 on labor because the engine will be torn down (assume removed too) for the new piston/oil consumption fix.

I am equally curious about other owners' experience with turbo failures. I had assumed I would get at least 100K M life from the turbo as I use only 100% synthetic and religiously change oil between 3 - 5 K M. I had traded-in a 1999 Volvo S80 T-6 (twin turbos) with 144K M on the odometer with no sign of turbo related issues. I (naively) assumed that I would get similar life from an Audi turbo.

Live and learn.

 

2009-2011 are prone to turbo failure.... Its a design flaw. The wastegate door leaks boost. The situation gets tricky because Audi subcontracts the turbo manufacturing. As of right now Audi has convinced them there is a problem, But there hasn't been enough action to warrant an extended warranty as of now.

 

how do you " cool the turbo " before turning engine off?

i got a 2010 over a month ago, i have less than 20K miles on it right now, so im kinda worried....how can i avoid this problem ??


i didnt buy extended warranty cuz they are mostly bs and when **** goes wrong, they make excuses. i have heard the "turbo is not covered" bullshit before so i ended up not getting it. BUT i still have it for another 7 months...is there anything i can do now while i have this warranty to prevent that??

 

If you got the Audi extended warranty the turbo would be covered whether its Audi CPO extended warranty or Audi Pure. I would not own or recommend owning an Audi or any luxury brand car without a warranty.

Secondly you cool the turbo down by letting it run at idle for about 2-5 minutes after driving before shutting it off, BUT your car is equipped with a V51 after run electric cooling pump that does the job for you after the car is turned off. There is nothing you can do to prevent a design flaw. Get the Audi pure warranty. I could not stress it more

 

But also get a run down of the things covered and not covered before you do

 

so i already bought my car, can i still get that warranty? if u can recommend a place that would be great. because i think the dealership doesnt offer or its really expensive.

 

Audi pure can be purchased at any time. It is more expensive but it covers just about everything except trim and entertainment. Fidelity is probably the second most common i see, but you have to do research to see what company covers what for the price. You can probably find a company to cover engine and transmission only to save some money but make sure the turbo is included in engine