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 5 Audi models — most commonly on A4, R8, S3. 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 $150 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)
- 2005-2007 A4 2.0TFSI Cam-Follower / HPFP Diagnosis - TSB 2013147/122005-2007
Audi TSB 2013147/12 applies to 2005-2006 A4 vehicles with the BPG engine and 2007 A4 vehicles with the BWT engine when the MIL is on and P2293 is stored; P0087 or P1093 may accompany it. Audi’s procedure checks fuel pressure and wear at the cam follower, intake camshaft lobe and high-pressure fuel pump. The documents do not publish a universal inspection interval and state the covered condition does not cause stalling.
Audi R8(1 issue)
- Direct-Injection Fuel Injector Failure2008-2023
The FSI direct-injection injectors shared across the VAG family (Audi/VW/Porsche) are a documented R8 failure point. Injectors can stick open or closed; a stuck-open injector dumps raw fuel into the cylinder and can wash down the bore, while a stuck-closed injector starves the cylinder. One well-known r8talk case had 6 of 8 injectors fail on a 2008 V8 at only 14,000 miles. Symptoms overlap with coil failure (misfires), so proper diagnosis is important, and carbon buildup on the injector tips is a contributing factor.
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 S7(1 issue)
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure Causing Hard Start and Power Loss (4.0T V8)2013-2018
The 4.0T TFSI V8 in the S7 uses two cam-driven high-pressure fuel pumps (one per bank). A failing HPFP cannot maintain rail pressure, producing long cranking, no-start (especially when warm or cold), stalling, rough idle, and reduced power, typically with low fuel-rail pressure codes. German S7 owners report the Hochdruckpumpe as a replacement item alongside the PCV/oil separator. The cam follower that rides the pump tappet should always be replaced with the pump to avoid damaging the new pump and camshaft.
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.
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 5 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 $150 to $6,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P0087 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0087 on 5 Audi models: A4, R8, S3, S7, TT.