2021 Audi Cylinder Head Oil Leak TSB 2053278/4

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 15 20 35 2053278/4 to address oil leaks originating from the cylinder head in certain 2021 Audi vehicles equipped with 2.9 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI engines. This bulletin supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 15 number 20-34, dated April 28, 2020, with updated information and procedures.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe several signs indicating an oil leak from the cylinder head area. These include:

• Visible oil loss around the engine compartment, front end, and underbody of the vehicle.
• An "Oil level warning (too low)" message appearing on the instrument cluster.
• A distinct smell of burning oil emanating from the engine compartment.

Upon inspection, technicians often find leaks in specific areas, such as around the cylinder head cover, valve cover, cylinder head, injectors, or the Audi valvelift system actuator.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

To accurately pinpoint the source of the oil leak, technicians follow a specific diagnostic process outlined in TSB 15 20 35 2053278/4. This involves removing the engine compartment cover, heat shield, and upper noise insulation to gain access to the cylinder banks.

The primary diagnostic step is to remove the Audi valvelift system actuator. If a significant amount of oil is found beneath this component, the leak is attributed to the O-ring of the valvelift system actuator. If no substantial oil is present there, the investigation continues to locate oil accumulation around the injector area, which would also saturate the lower noise insulation.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 15 20 35 2053278/4 involves several steps to address the oil leak. After identifying the leak source, technicians will proceed with the following:

1. Component Removal: Remove the engine compartment cover, heat shield, upper and lower noise insulation, and the cylinder head cover and its seal.
2. Inspection and Cleaning: Thoroughly inspect the seal groove in the cylinder head cover. Technicians must carefully remove any metal casting debris found in the groove using a small flat screwdriver, taking care not to damage the seal groove itself.
3. Seal Replacement: Install a new seal for the cylinder head cover.
4. Reassembly and Cleaning: Re-assemble the camshaft cover and all other removed components. The engine compartment must be cleaned, and any oil-saturated noise insulation should be replaced.

Important Warnings

For vehicles with a production date starting October 1, 2018, technicians are required to take a picture of any metal casting debris found in the seal groove before filing the repair. This picture, along with the vehicle's VIN, must be uploaded to DOC-IT.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the repair described in TSB 15 20 35 2053278/4, specific parts may be required, depending on the identified leak source. Technicians should always consult ETKA and their Parts Department for the latest information and part bulletins.

• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual (See ETKA/ELSA)
• 06M906048F: Solenoid valve (if applicable)
• 06M103650D: Gasket Cylinders 1-3 (if applicable)
• 06M103649D: Gasket Cylinders 4-6 (if applicable)
• G 12E100M2: Coolant concentrate 1.5L (if applicable)

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this oil leak repair are handled under specific service numbers and damage codes. For 3.0L engines, service number 1580 (Leak on injector) uses damage code 0050, while service number 1551 (Leak on Audi valvelift system actuator) uses damage code 0010. Similar labor operations and codes apply to 2.9L engines (RS models).

Warranty coverage typically extends up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles may also be covered under G10. If a vehicle is outside its warranty period, this TSB serves as informational guidance only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10181058