2016 Audi A3 - Possible Oil Leak?

[Lorne Malvo]

Hello everyone,

It has been awhile since my last post.

My car has been parked in my designated spot since the 21st of January. Today (31st) was the first day I drove it and when I pulled out from my spot I noticed an oil patch on the cement (see photo).

Once I popped the hood I saw an oil spill/patch below the engine, on the plastic skid plate (see photo). What's strange is that the oil cap for some reason had oil around it (see photo). I checked oil levels and it appears to be a little past the halfway point (see photo). The oil seems to be leaking near the middle of the engine, but definitely closer to the passenger side.

I am a safe driver and don't remember if I hit anything on the freeway or street recently. I am certain I have not scraped on any driveways. I am always careful when driving up or down steep driveways. I am also very mindful when it comes to dodging potholes.

My car is about to hit 38K. The last time I had it serviced was for the 35K maintenance on August 8th, 2020 at EMD Auto. I spent quite a lot for for that service because I had the DSG fluid replaced, etc. I get an oil change every 5K miles.

My car is still under the extended warranty (Audi Certified pre-owned). Is this something I should bring to the dealership or would it be best to have it checked at EMD Auto?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Engine (1).jpg Engine (2).jpg Engine (3).jpg Oil Cap.jpg Oil Stick.jpg Oil Spill on Cement.jpg

[n8vs3]

You can try using engine oil dye or Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-40 with fluorescent dye. It will help you detect where the leak is coming from ...

[MikTip]

The oil coming from the oil cap is generally an indication of the oil separator gone bad....

[Lorne Malvo]

The oil coming from the oil cap is generally an indication of the oil separator gone bad....

What could of caused this issue? Normal wear and tear? Do you think the warranty will cover this repair?

[evo v]

I have an oil in the same exact spot (2015 A3 with 120K miles). I was thinking oil cap or upper timing cover gasket because they failed on my '09 A3. I brought it to the dealer for a recall last summer and the mechanic pulled me aside: " You have some leak on the bottom of your engine, you know that, right?". I took a look and what you know - oil is sipping between the aluminum upper cover and the engine block. To fix it I need to remove the timing cover, rear main seal and the bottom engine cover. I told my daughter to drive like this for now until the spring and when it gets warmer outside I will tackle it.

[MikTip]

What could of caused this issue? Normal wear and tear? Do you think the warranty will cover this repair?

- - - Updated - - -

What could of caused this issue? Normal wear and tear? Do you think the warranty will cover this repair?

[MikTip]

I recently installed this ^^^

My excessive oil consumption is zero now.

[Lorne Malvo]

Unfortunately, I am not as handy as most of you guys . I already dropped off the car at the dealership. Warranty should cover the issue(s). Will update as soon as I hear back. I am also having them potentially replace my water pump. It was suggested during my last maintenance.