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Excessive oil consumption in my 2016 Q5 2.0T – Normal or problem?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:16 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium

Hi everyone,

I own a 2016 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium, and I've noticed it's consuming a significant amount of oil between oil changes. I'm talking about needing to add a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles. I had the oil changed about 3,000 miles ago, and the low oil warning light just came on again.

Is this normal for these 2.0T engines? I've heard some Audis are known for higher oil consumption, but this seems a bit much. I don't see any leaks under the car, and there's no visible smoke from the exhaust.

Should I be concerned? What could be causing this, and what are my options? Thanks for any insights!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:16 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in Audi's 2.0T engines, particularly those from certain model years, is a well-documented issue. While some oil consumption is normal for turbocharged engines, needing to add a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is generally considered high and warrants investigation.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps:

  1. Known Engine Issues: Earlier iterations of the 2.0T engine (specifically the EA888 Gen 2) were notorious for piston ring issues leading to high oil consumption. While your 2016 Q5 likely has a Gen 3 engine, some residual issues or variations can still occur.
  2. PCV Valve Failure: A malfunctioning Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can lead to increased oil consumption by allowing oil vapor to be drawn into the intake manifold and burned. This is a common failure point and a relatively inexpensive fix.
  3. Turbocharger Seals: Worn or failing turbocharger seals can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side of the turbo, leading to consumption without external leaks.
  4. Valve Stem Seals: Over time, valve stem seals can harden and lose their effectiveness, allowing oil to seep past the valves into the combustion chamber.
  5. Oil Viscosity: Ensure you are using the correct oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-40 or 0W-40, depending on Audi's specification for your specific engine code) and meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: If you are consistently adding oil at such frequent intervals. Ignoring high oil consumption can lead to premature wear of engine components, catalytic converter damage, and potential engine failure.
  • Oil Consumption Test: An Audi dealership or independent specialist can perform an official oil consumption test. This involves draining and refilling the oil, sealing the drain plug, and having you return after a set mileage to measure the exact consumption. This test is crucial for warranty claims or identifying the root cause. While there aren't specific OBD codes for oil consumption itself, low oil pressure warnings (P0521, P0522, P0523) could eventually appear if levels drop too severely, or misfire codes if oil is burning in the combustion chamber.
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