2025-2026 Audi A5/Q5 Engine Power Limit Warning TSB

Owners of 2025-2026 Audi A5 (FU) and Q5/Q5 Sportback (GU) models equipped with DXBA or DXCA engine types may encounter an engine power limitation and warning lights. Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2081098/1, a Pending Service Solution (PSS), to address these concerns. This bulletin, released on February 19, 2026, helps technicians understand the issue and how to respond to customer complaints while Audi investigates a permanent solution.

The TSB highlights that these issues are often related to frozen condensation within the turbocharger, particularly when outside temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C). This condition can lead to a noticeable loss of engine power and trigger specific warning messages.

Symptoms

Owners may observe one or more of the following symptoms in their vehicle:

• "The exhaust emissions warning lamp (MIL) lights up."
• "POWER LIMIT" is lit up in the instrument cluster.
• There is a noticeable loss of engine power.
• In most cases, the engine power will return to normal after the ignition is switched off and on again.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the issue, technicians may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's system. These codes indicate specific engine performance issues related to the turbocharger and torque production.

Code	Description
P032F00	"Combustion Engine Producing Insufficient Torque"
P00AF00	"Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Module Performance"
P003A00	"Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Position Exceeded Learning Limit"

In some instances, both P00AF00 and P003A00 may be logged concurrently with the Audi A5 P032F00 code, pointing to a combined issue with boost control and insufficient engine torque.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

Workshop findings indicate that the complaint can sometimes be reproduced by technicians. The issue is specifically noted to occur at low outside temperatures, below 32°F (0°C), though these are considered rare cases. The presence of the Audi A5 P032F00 and related DTCs helps confirm the condition, which is primarily linked to cold weather operation.

Technical Background

The root cause identified in TSB 2081098/1 for these symptoms is frozen condensation within the turbocharger. This temporary condition typically resolves itself after the engine has been run for a short period, allowing it to heat up, and the ignition is subsequently cycled off and on again. This self-correction mechanism explains why the issue is often intermittent.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Audi has provided specific instructions to dealerships regarding this issue, emphasizing a crucial point for both service personnel and vehicle owners:

• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." This warning prevents unnecessary and ineffective repairs.
• Audi states that no repairs are necessary at this point. A definitive resolution or further action regarding this matter is expected to be available by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Owners should be informed that the issue is under review and that immediate component replacement is not the solution.

Dealer Handling of Complaints

For technicians encountering this issue, Audi specifies a clear process under this Pending Service Solution (PSS) bulletin 2081098/1:

1. Customer Communication: Explain to the customer that this matter is currently being reviewed by Audi, and they will be advised if any action is determined to be needed. Emphasize that a result is anticipated by the end of the second quarter of 2026 (subject to change), and that no repairs are necessary at this point.
2. Component Replacement: Strictly adhere to the instruction: "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."
3. PSS Record Creation: Create a PSS record in the PSS application, accessible through the Pending Service Solutions (PSS) link in Audi Now (Service | AU-US > Pending Service Solutions (PSS)). This ensures the complaint is officially documented for tracking and future resolution.

In most cases, the engine power will return to normal after the ignition is switched off and on again, indicating the temporary nature of the frozen condensation.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin is primarily informational. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this bulletin serves only as guidance. For warranty claims, specific codes are provided to ensure proper documentation:

• Service Number: 2130
• Damage Code: 0010
• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
• Labor Operations:
  • GFF (0150 0010): Refers to the Service Repair Time (SRT) with associated operations.
  • GFF (0150 0060): Represents the time stated on the diagnostic protocol.
• Claim Comment: Claims should include the comment "As per TSB 2081098/1".

All warranty claims submitted for payment must strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty to ensure compliance.

Additional Information

All part and service references provided within this TSB (2081098) are subject to change and/or removal. Technicians are advised to always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Additionally, the Repair Manual should be consulted for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair procedures.

What Owners Should Do

If you experience any of the described symptoms, such as an engine warning lamp, a "POWER LIMIT" message, or reduced engine power, you should contact your authorized Audi service center. The dealership will explain that Audi is currently reviewing this matter and that no immediate repairs are required. They will create a PSS record in their system to document your complaint, as per the instructions in TSB 2081098/1. This ensures your concern is officially registered while Audi works towards a definitive solution, expected by mid-2026.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11029438, Transaction No.: 2081098/1