I have a 2014 XF 3.0 AWD, 104k mi. I smell antifreeze, but no leak or coolant usage, It looks kind of like steam coming from both tailpipes, makes like a tick/knock, but goes away for the most part after warm up, and just threw two codes (P026A & P0420). The car runs fine, which makes me even more confused. I hope someone has some experience with these issues and can shine some light on this situation. I just got the car in January, and I almost feel regret buying it instead of the 2014 3.0T A6 sitting next to it at the dealer. Well... kind of feel regret at the moment. smh

 

Head gasket? Coolant seeping into a cylinder but sealing enough once at operating temp. Unless someone had the same exact symptoms it would be hard to call it for sure. But if the coolant level is going down faster than what you would see dripping on the floor, there is your answer.

And the Audi would not be any less problematic, check their forums. Any import from EU is a gamble (out of OEM warranty), sometimes we lose.

 

SOunds like a head gasket.

The Cat fault can be from the antifreeze vapor (that you said you smell it)

You are loosing coolant but from the intercooler (that's the charge cooler code) if you go long enough it will lower the coolant tank, the inter cooler fluid goes first...

 

Hey Brother I have same issue have you figured out what it was ?

 

Not sure of your outside air temperature but if no coolant loss and smoke (or potentially steam) disappears after warm up are you sure you actually have a problem. This “characteristic” as opposed to a defect is very common in the UK in Atumn and winter. Both my XK8 and Stype R have done it for all the time I have owned them. You can also smell coolant near the radiator but I have never had to top up the coolant in 7 years and 2 years of ownership. Fingers crossed this is your answer.