DNTA Engine

Audi 2.0 TFSI (DNTA) 245 hp – Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and maintenance

The engine with the code DNTA is a modern evolution of Volkswagen’s famous EA888 engine family. It is primarily installed in the second-generation Audi Q5 (FY), where it carries the badge 45 TFSI. Unlike its notorious predecessors from the early 2010s (which burned oil like fuel), this unit is much more refined, but it also brings new technologies such as a 12V mild hybrid system (MHEV). As someone who has spent years both under the hood and behind the keyboard, I’ll try to demystify whether this is the right choice for you.

Key points in short (TL;DR)

• Reliability: Significantly better than older TFSI engines. The oil consumption issue is largely solved.
• Performance: 245 hp is the “sweet spot” for the Q5 – powerful, but not overly aggressive.
• Biggest downside: Thermostat and water pump module (the housing cracks and coolant is lost).
• Gearbox: The S tronic (DL382) is excellent, but requires strict servicing every 60,000 km.
• Emissions: Equipped with a GPF filter (gasoline DPF), which means it doesn’t like exclusively short city trips.
• Recommendation: An excellent alternative to diesel if you drive less than 20–25,000 km per year.

Contents

• Technical Specifications
• Reliability and Maintenance (Timing chain, Oil, Service)
• Specific Components and Costs
• Fuel Consumption and Performance
• Additional Options (LPG, Tuning)
• Gearbox (S tronic)
• Buying Used and Conclusion

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Data
Engine code	DNTA (EA888 Gen 3b/4)
Displacement	1984 cc (2.0 l)
Power	180 kW / 245 hp
Torque	370 Nm (at 1600–4300 rpm)
Injection system	Direct injection (FSI) + MPI (combined depending on market/revision)
Forced induction	Turbocharger (IHI IS20) + intercooler
Hybrid system	12V Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
Emissions standard	Euro 6d-TEMP / Euro 6d

Reliability and Maintenance

Does this engine have a timing belt or a chain?

The DNTA engine uses a timing chain for valve timing. This is the third/fourth generation of the EA888 engine, where timing chain stretch issues (which destroyed engines before 2013) have been largely resolved. The chain is now more robust. Still, it is not “lifetime”. It’s recommended to check its condition (elongation) via diagnostics or visually (through the inspection opening) after around 150,000 km. If you hear metallic rattling on cold start that lasts longer than 2–3 seconds, that’s a sign you need to visit a workshop urgently.

What are the most common failures on this engine?

Although it is more reliable than its predecessors, the DNTA has its own “weak spots”:

• Thermostat and water pump module: This is the Achilles’ heel. The housing is made of plastic which eventually cracks due to heat cycles. Symptoms include loss of coolant or engine overheating. Replacement is not cheap because the module is complex.
• Fuel pressure sensors: They sometimes fail, causing warning lights on the dashboard and rough running.
• Oil leaks from the plastic oil pan: Audi uses plastic oil pans to save weight. If the drain plug is overtightened or the gasket fails, leaks occur.
• MHEV components: Since this is a mild hybrid, there is a belt that connects the starter-generator. That belt is under heavy load and must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

At what mileage is the “major service” done?

Since it has a chain, a classic “major service” (belt and tensioner replacement) is not done at a fixed interval. However, the serpentine belt (auxiliary belt) and its pulleys should be replaced at around 100,000 to 120,000 km, especially because of the MHEV system where the starter-generator drives the engine via the belt in start-stop operation.

How many liters of oil does this engine take and which grade is recommended?

The engine takes approximately 5.2 to 5.7 liters of oil (depending on the exact oil pan and filter revision). The factory recommendation for DNTA engines (Euro 6d) is usually ultra-low-viscosity 0W-20 oil with specification VW 508 00 / 509 00 (often greenish in color). This oil is used to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Mechanic’s tip: If you drive aggressively or live in very hot regions, consult your workshop about switching to 5W-30 (VW 504 00), but only if the technical documentation for your VIN allows it, due to the GPF filter.

Does it consume oil between services and what amount is considered normal?

All turbo petrol engines consume a bit of oil. For this engine, consumption of 0.3 to 0.5 liters per 5,000 km is completely normal and acceptable, especially if you drive a lot on the highway. If it burns a liter per 2,000 km, you have a problem (usually the PCV valve or piston rings, although ring issues are rarer than before). Don’t fall for stories that “new engines must not burn a single drop”.

Specific Components (Costs)

Does this engine have a dual-mass flywheel?

Yes. Even though it’s paired with an automatic (S tronic), it has a dual-mass flywheel. Its lifespan is usually around 150,000–200,000 km, depending on driving style. Failure symptoms include knocking at idle (change in sound when the gearbox is put into N or P) and vibrations when switching the engine off.

What kind of injection system does it have and are the injectors problematic?

The DNTA uses a high-pressure system (up to 350 bar). The injectors are generally reliable. However, the problem with direct injection is carbon buildup on the intake valves (because fuel does not wash them). After 100,000+ km, mechanical intake cleaning (so-called “walnut blasting”) may be necessary if you notice power loss or rough running.

Does this engine have a turbocharger (or two) and what is their lifespan?

It has one turbocharger (usually IHI IS20). It is very responsive. Turbo lifespan is directly related to oil quality and change intervals. If you change the oil every 10–15,000 km, the turbo will last as long as the engine. If you stick to 30,000 km “Long Life” intervals, the turbo may fail before 150,000 km.

Does this model have a DPF filter or an EGR valve?

This petrol engine has a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) – the gasoline equivalent of a diesel DPF. It is located in the exhaust system and serves to trap soot. Unlike diesel, the GPF regenerates much more easily and quickly (passively) thanks to the higher exhaust gas temperatures of petrol engines. Clogging is rare, unless the car is driven exclusively on 2 km trips to the shop and back for years. A classic separate EGR valve often doesn’t exist; instead, the effect of recirculation is achieved via variable valve timing (VVT), which is one less thing to worry about.

Fuel Consumption and Performance

What is the real-world fuel consumption in city driving?

Let’s be realistic: the Q5 is a heavy SUV with quattro all-wheel drive. In pure city stop-and-go driving, expect 10 to 13 liters per 100 km. The mild hybrid system (MHEV) helps the start-stop system run more smoothly and allows “coasting” (engine off while decelerating), but don’t expect miracles.

Is this engine “lazy” for the weight of the car?

Absolutely not. With 245 hp and 370 Nm, this engine moves the Q5 with ease. 0–100 km/h takes under 6.5 seconds, which is quicker than most average “sporty” hatchbacks. In-gear acceleration is excellent thanks to the fast-shifting S tronic gearbox.

How does the engine behave on the highway and at what rpm does it cruise at 130 km/h?

This is where this engine shines. At 130 km/h in 7th gear, the engine spins at a low ~2,000–2,200 rpm. The cabin is quiet, and fuel consumption on the open road drops to a reasonable 8 to 9 liters.

Additional Options and Modifications

Is this engine suitable for LPG conversion?

Theoretically yes, but in practice – it’s expensive and complicated. Due to direct injection, you need a system that either injects liquid LPG directly through the petrol injectors (very expensive, 1000€+) or a system that uses a mix of petrol and LPG (additional petrol injection to cool the injectors). Given the complexity and installation cost, the payback is questionable unless you drive more than 30,000+ km per year.

How far can this engine be safely tuned (Stage 1)?

EA888 engines are known for their tuning potential. With a Stage 1 remap, power can be safely raised to 290–300 hp and torque to over 440 Nm. The engine handles this mechanically very well, but keep in mind that higher torque wears out the gearbox clutches faster and shortens turbo lifespan.

Gearbox

Which gearboxes are fitted?

With the DNTA engine in the Q5 (FY), you only get an automatic dual-clutch gearbox – the 7-speed S tronic (code DL382). Manual gearboxes are not an option for this engine and power level.

Most common gearbox issues and maintenance?

The DL382 is a “wet” gearbox (the clutches run in oil), which makes it much more reliable than the old dry-clutch units. However, it is sensitive to oil quality.

• Service interval: Gearbox oil and filter MUST be changed every 60,000 km. No exceptions.
• Problem symptoms: Hesitation when setting off, harsh shift from 1st to 2nd gear, or a jolt when shifting from R to D.
• Failures: The mechatronic unit (the electronic-hydraulic “brain” of the gearbox) can fail if the oil is not changed. Repair is very expensive (often 1500€+).
• Clutch cost: Replacing the clutch pack is also an expensive job, but on this model it is rarely needed before 200,000 km if the car is driven normally.

Buying Used and Conclusion

Before buying an Audi Q5 with this engine, make sure you do the following:

1. Cold start: Listen to the chain. Any rattling longer than a few seconds is a “red flag”.
2. Check for leaks: Look around the thermostat housing (under the intake manifold) for whitish traces of coolant.
3. Gearbox service history: If there is no proof that the S tronic oil was changed at 60k and 120k km, skip that car.

Conclusion: The Audi Q5 45 TFSI with the DNTA engine is a fantastic car. It offers a level of refinement that diesel cannot match, along with smile-inducing performance. Maintenance costs are in line with the premium class (moderately expensive), but the risk of catastrophic failures and the cost of exhaust after-treatment repairs are lower than with modern diesels. It is ideal for drivers who want quietness, power, and do not cover extremely high annual mileage.