Excessive oil consumption on my 2017 Audi A4 Allroad 2.0T

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:42 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus

I've noticed my 2017 Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus is burning through oil much faster than I'd expect. I'm adding a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles, which seems really high for a car with only 70,000 miles on it.

There are no visible leaks that I can find, and no smoke from the exhaust. The car runs fine otherwise, no warning lights or anything.

Is this normal for the 2.0T engine in these Allroads? What could be causing this, and what should I do? I'm worried about engine longevity.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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  1. Monitor and Document: Start by meticulously documenting your oil consumption. Note the exact mileage when you add oil and how much you add. This data is crucial for diagnosis and for any potential warranty claims.
  2. Understand "Normal" Consumption: While a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is on the higher side, Audi generally considers up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles (or 1 liter per 2,000 km) to be within acceptable limits for some engines, especially as they age. However, this varies by specific engine code and model year.
  3. Common Causes for Increased Consumption:
    • PCV Valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation): A faulty PCV valve can cause excessive vacuum in the crankcase, drawing oil into the intake manifold to be burned. This is a common culprit.
    • Turbocharger Seals: Worn turbocharger seals can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side of the turbo, leading to burning without visible external leaks.
    • Piston Rings/Oil Scrapers: Less common in newer engines but possible, worn piston rings or clogged oil scraper rings can prevent oil from being properly scraped off cylinder walls, leading to it being burned during combustion.
    • Valve Stem Seals: Worn valve stem seals can allow oil to seep past the valves and into the combustion chamber.
  4. Check for Leaks Again: Even if you don't see drips, check for oil residue around the turbocharger, valve cover, timing chain cover, and oil pan. Sometimes leaks are slow or only occur when the engine is hot.

When to see a shop: If your oil consumption is consistently above 1 quart per 1,200 miles, or if you notice blue smoke from the exhaust (especially on startup or deceleration), a significant drop in oil pressure, or new engine noises, it's time to visit an Audi specialist. They can perform a comprehensive oil consumption test, check for vacuum leaks, inspect the turbocharger, and use boroscope cameras to examine cylinder walls and valve stem seals. Addressing the issue early can prevent more severe engine damage.