A7 Power Loss & Smoke Points to Faulty EGR Valve

Had the same symptoms on my 2017 Audi A5. The rough idle and power loss were clear signs of EGR valve issues. The exhaust gas recirculation system got completely clogged, causing the engine to run rich and produce excessive smoke. The repair involved removing and cleaning the EGR valve, plus replacing the valve itself since it was stuck in an open position. The check engine light kept coming on because the system was not properly regulating exhaust flow. This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affected both performance and emissions test results. The symptoms match exactly: jerking during acceleration, hissing sounds, and increased fuel consumption are typical indicators of EGR system failure. Left unrepaired, this can lead to carbon buildup and potential engine damage. Best course of action is to have a specialized Audi workshop perform a complete diagnostic. They should check the EGR valve operation, clean the entire system, and verify if the valve needs replacement. This is not a DIY job due to the complexity of modern engine management systems.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the A5 EGR valve issues. I had very similar problems with my A7 last year. The automotive repair shop found both a faulty EGR valve and a small vacuum leak that were causing the rough idle. Got it all sorted with a complete system cleaning and new valve. How much did the repair end up costing in your case? Also curious if youve had any issues since the fix? The EGR system on these engines can be tricky to diagnose properly.

Glad you got your A7 fixed. After taking it to my trusted mechanic, they found the exhaust gas recirculation valve was completely jammed and causing those power issues. The total repair came to 355 Euro, which included cleaning the system and installing a new EGR valve. The check engine light hasnt come back since the repair six months ago, and the engine runs perfectly smooth now. The fuel economy is back to normal too. These high-performance engines really need proper maintenance of the recirculation system to prevent carbon buildup. One tip, I make sure to take longer drives occasionally to help keep the EGR system clean and working properly. Short trips can contribute to carbon deposits forming. Since getting it fixed, the idle is stable and power delivery is crisp again with no smoke or hesitation.

Thanks for the advice. Finally got my A7 fixed last week. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed the EGR valve causing all those issues. Total bill came to 890 Euro including diagnostics, parts, and labor. The repair process took longer than expected because they found additional carbon buildup that needed cleaning. They showed me the clogged valve, it was completely gunked up. After a thorough cleaning of the entire system and installing a new valve, the difference is night and day. No more rough idle, the power is back, and fuel consumption has returned to normal. The hissing and jerking during acceleration are completely gone. The check engine light cleared up right after the repair and hasnt come back. Really relieved to have this sorted before it caused any serious engine damage. Using a specialized shop was definitely worth it. They knew exactly what to look for and had the right diagnostic tools for these engines. Learned my lesson about getting problems fixed at the first sign of trouble rather than waiting.