Audi Allroad 2.7 TDI Pro Line common faults.

2006–2008, estate, diesel, 180 HP.

The fault list covers: BPP engine, AL420, AL600, ZF6HP transmission.

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3 fault write-ups. All are important. 6 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

critical1

2.7 / 3.0 TDI V6: the rear timing chain and the oil pump drive

critical

The timing chain of the longitudinal V6 diesel runs at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side, so replacing it means taking out the engine or the gearbox. That alone makes it expensive, but the mechanism is the point: the chains stretch and the hydraulic tensioners lose their pressure. The first and only early sign is a 2 to 3 second metallic rattle audible on a cold start. If that is ignored, the chain jumps or breaks, and the engine is badly damaged inside. The same chain kit also drives the oil pump: if that seizes, the engine is left without lubrication.

What to check

Start it cold, in a quiet place, with the bonnet open: the rattle is audible in the first 2 to 3 seconds
Stand at the gearbox side of the engine: the noise comes from there, not from the front
Ask whether the chain and the tensioner were replaced, and ask for the invoice (it involves removing the engine)

3 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

Four link aluminium front suspension: bushes and ball joints

expensive

The front suspension of the longitudinal engine Audis (and the Seat Exeo derived from them) works with four control arms per side: two above, two below. That gives excellent steering when new, but it also means four ball joints and eight bushes per side: sixteen wear points at the front in total.

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The first complaints appear at around 100,000 to 120,000 km: knocking over bumps, squeaking, vague steering, vibration through the wheel at higher speed, and uneven tyre wear from the disturbed suspension geometry.

Replacing a single arm is not expensive, but it rarely stops at one, and the work also needs a wheel alignment afterwards. Workshops therefore offer a full arm kit, which is a serious item, and an excellent bargaining point, because you can hear it on the test drive and see it on the tyres.

between 100,000 and 120,000 km

What to check

On an uneven road at 30 to 50 km/h listen for dull knocking and squeaking from the front
Standing still with the engine running, turn the wheel back and forth: there should be no clicking or rattling
Look at the inner and outer edges of all four tyres: uneven wear is the surest sign

2 more steps in the write-up

Air suspension: compressor, air spring, ride height sensor

expensive

The four groups of parts in the air suspension (compressor, valve block, ride height sensors, air springs) work together, and any weak link causes a fault message, an uneven ride height or a car that settles. The characteristic symptom: the car sits down on one corner overnight, levels itself for minutes in the morning, and the compressor runs long and loud. According to the reports the compressor lasts 80,000 to 100,000 km; and a leaking air spring takes the compressor with it, because it keeps trying to make up the loss.

What to check

Look at the car cold, after standing a long time: has it settled on any corner
After startup time how long it takes to level, and listen to the compressor
Cycle through the ride height settings in the onboard menu and check that all of them work

3 more steps in the write-up

Official recall6 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 23 April 2021

A12/01220/21Safety recallEnvironment23 April 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00788/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.