Excessive oil consumption on my 2017 Audi A4 2.0T

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:41 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Audi A4 Prestige

I'm getting quite concerned about the oil consumption in my 2017 Audi A4 Prestige 2.0T. I bought it used a year ago, and it seems like I'm having to add a quart of oil every 1,500-2,000 miles. There are no visible leaks under the car, and no smoke from the exhaust that I can see.

I know some Audis are known for burning a bit of oil, but this feels excessive for a car with 70,000 miles. I'm using the recommended synthetic oil.

Is this normal for the B9 A4 2.0T engine, or should I be worried? What are the common causes for high oil consumption in these engines, and what can be done about it?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer: Excessive oil consumption in Audi's 2.0T engines, while a known issue in some earlier generations, is generally less prevalent in the B9 platform (2016-2026). However, adding a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is indeed higher than typical for a healthy engine of this age.

Here are common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. PCV Valve Failure: A malfunctioning Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a very common culprit for increased oil consumption and can sometimes lead to internal engine pressure issues. A failing PCV can draw excessive oil vapor into the intake manifold, where it's burned off.
  2. Turbocharger Issues: A worn or failing turbocharger can allow oil to leak past its seals, either into the exhaust or intake system, leading to consumption without external leaks.
  3. Piston Rings/Cylinder Wear: While less common for a 2017 model with 70,000 miles, worn piston rings or cylinder bore issues can cause oil to bypass the rings and burn in the combustion chamber. This is usually a more severe and costly repair.
  4. Valve Stem Seals: Worn valve stem seals can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber, especially when the engine is decelerating or idling.
  5. Oil Separator: Integrated within the PCV system, a faulty oil separator can fail to adequately separate oil from crankcase gases, leading to increased consumption.

When to see a shop:

  • If the consumption rate continues or increases.
  • An Audi specialist can perform an oil consumption test to accurately measure the rate. They will also perform a diagnostic scan (looking for any related codes like P052E for PCV issues), inspect the PCV system, check turbocharger play, and potentially perform a compression or leak-down test to assess engine health. Addressing this early can prevent potential catalytic converter damage from excessive oil burning.