P0087 on Audi
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
P0087 on Audi vehicles indicates fuel rail/system pressure - too low. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Audi models — most commonly on A4, S3, TT. This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $30 to $6,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0087
- •Clogged or dirty fuel filter
- •Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump)
- •Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve
- •Restricted or leaking fuel lines
- •Faulty fuel pressure sensor
- •Air in the fuel system or running low on fuel
- •Worn high-pressure pump (direct injection/diesel)
P0087 on Audi by Model
Audi A4(1 issue)
- 2.0T Cam Follower and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Wear Leading to Fuel Pressure Loss and Camshaft Damage2005-2008
The B7 A4 2.0T FSI is widely known for wear of the cam follower that rides between the intake cam lobe and the high-pressure fuel pump. If the follower coating wears through, it can damage the pump plunger and camshaft, causing fuel pressure faults, drivability problems, and expensive top-end repairs. This issue is heavily documented in TSB-related service discussions, owner forums, and repair guides because periodic inspection can prevent major damage.
Audi S3(1 issue)
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure2015-2024
The EA888 high-pressure fuel pump in the S3 can fail, causing long cranks, stalling, and fuel pressure faults. Early 2015-2017 models were most affected before an updated pump revision.
Audi TT(1 issue)
- Cam Follower Wear (Damages Camshaft and HPFP)2008-2014
The 2.0 TFSI engine in the Mk2 TT (2008-2015, particularly 2008-2009 base and 2009-2014 TTS) uses a cam follower (bucket tappet) that rides on the camshaft to drive the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). This follower is a wear item that can get completely ground down over time, typically by 60,000-100,000 miles. When the follower wears through, it damages the camshaft lobe and HPFP, causing catastrophic engine damage requiring camshaft replacement ($2,000-$3,000), HPFP replacement ($800-$1,500), and potentially complete cylinder head rebuild ($4,000-$6,000). Symptoms include loss of power, rough running, metallic ticking, and fuel pressure faults. This is a KNOWN DEFECT requiring preventive inspection and replacement.
Audi TTS(1 issue)
- HPFP Cam Follower Wear and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Mk2)2009-2015
The Audi TTS Mk2 (2009-2015) with the EA888 2.0 TFSI uses a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) driven directly by a dedicated lobe on the intake camshaft, with a cam follower (tappet) as the intermediary. The cam follower wears through its hardened surface over 30,000-50,000 miles, eventually allowing metal-to-metal contact between the HPFP and camshaft lobe. Once the camshaft lobe is worn, no amount of new cam followers will fix the issue—only a new camshaft ($2,000-$4,000) will restore fuel pump operation. If caught early, the cam follower is a $30 part that takes 30-60 minutes to replace. TTForum.co.uk and Audizine document this as a critical inspection item for all FSI/TFSI engines. The TTS's higher boost pressure increases fuel pump cycling, accelerating follower wear. This issue was largely resolved in Gen 3 EA888 engines (2015+) with a roller follower design.
Looking for P0087 on a different make?
View P0087 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0087 mean on Audi?▼
P0087 stands for "Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low." This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0087 on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Clogged or dirty fuel filter, Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump), Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve, Restricted or leaking fuel lines, Faulty fuel pressure sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0087 on a Audi?▼
Repair costs on Audi range from $30 to $6,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P0087 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0087 on 4 Audi models: A4, S3, TT, TTS.