Audi Q5 Common Problems

The Audi Q5 is a mid-size luxury SUV sold here in three generations: the 8R (2009 to 2017), the FY (2017 to 2025, facelifted in 2021) and the new third generation from 2025. Most late-model listings are FYs. The 8R offered a 2.0 TDI, a 2.0 TFSI (CDNC), a 3.0 TDI V6 and 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TFSI petrol V6s, mostly with the seven-speed DL501 S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The FY brought the 40 TDI (2.0 TDI, 140 kW) and 45 TFSI (2.0 TFSI, 185 kW) with a seven-speed S tronic and quattro ultra, plus the 50 TDI V6, the SQ5 and a 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. The Q5 is comfortable and well built. Early 2.0 TFSI engines and the 8R's S tronic are the big-ticket risks.

Excessive oil consumption (2.0 TFSI CDNC, 2009 to 2011)

Q5 2.0 TFSI engines built before November 2011 can burn oil heavily because the piston and ring tolerances were too wide. Some owners report topping up very often. The first fix, a new crankcase breather valve and software, did not work. The real cure is new pistons and rings, or a new engine if the bores are scored, and either is an expensive engine-out job. Audi treats up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km as normal, so ask for any oil consumption test results and repair invoices.

Timing chain tensioner failure (2.0 TFSI EA888, 2009 to 2012)

The 8R's 2.0 TFSI belongs to the EA888 family built before May 2012, whose chain tensioner can let the timing chain skip teeth on start-up. Signs are a rattle for a few seconds after a cold start, camshaft timing fault codes or a no-start. A chain that skips far enough bends valves. A revised tensioner, introduced for engines built from May 2012, fixes it and costs far less than an engine. Separately, 2013 to 2015 3.0 TFSI V6s can rattle for one to three seconds on the first start of the day. Audi's fix was new upper chain tensioners.

S tronic mechatronic and clutch faults (7-speed dual-clutch, 2009 to 2025)

On the 8R, the DL501 S tronic is known for mechatronic unit failures and early clutch wear. Symptoms include a "gearbox malfunction" warning, no reverse, being stuck in only odd or only even gears, harsh downshifts when hot and jerky take-offs. Owners report bills of several thousand dollars for a mechatronic unit, and more for a replacement gearbox. FY Q5s use a newer wet-clutch S tronic. Shudder or jerking on those can point to worn clutch packs or control faults, so have the driveline scanned.

Coolant leaks and coolant pump faults (2.0 TFSI, 2009 to 2025)

Plastic water pumps and housings on the 2.0 TFSI can leak, and some owners report cracked coolant reservoirs. If the coolant warning comes on, have the system pressure tested before assuming a head gasket. Separately, 2011 to 2016 8R 2.0 TFSI models were recalled because moisture could make the additional electric coolant pump overheat and, in some cases, start a fire.

AdBlue and diesel particulate filter faults (FY 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI, 2017 to 2025)

FY diesels use AdBlue to cut emissions, and some owners report leaking AdBlue lines, failed pipes, heater faults and warning lights. A leak can damage nearby parts. Diesel particulate filters on diesels used for short trips can clog, and clearing or replacing one can be costly. A failed emissions component can also make the car unroadworthy, so a warning light is not something to ignore.

Electrical and driver-assist glitches (FY, 2017 to 2025)

Some owners report reversing camera faults, phone mirroring dropouts, boot sensor faults, failed adaptive light modules and occasional phantom emergency braking. Most are fixed with software or a single part, but diagnosis takes time. Also note a recall for 2016 to 2021 FY cars: liquid spilt on the rear seat could damage a central control unit and cause limp mode and reduced steering assistance.

Recalls and safety

8R recalls include Takata driver's airbags, the EA189 emissions software update on 2009 to 2015 2.0 TDIs, a brake servo that oil could damage on 3.0 TDIs, a fuel rail leak on 2011 to 2012 3.0 TFSIs and sunroof drain leaks that could corrode curtain airbag parts. FY recalls include brake master cylinders (2018 to 2019 builds), rear axle nuts that could break (2019 to 2021), loose wheel arch covers, seat backrest adjusters and high-voltage battery modules on 2021 to 2023 plug-in hybrids. Have an Audi dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Audi Q5? What to check

• Oil use: On a 2009 to 2011 2.0 TFSI, check the dipstick, ask how often it needs a top-up and ask for invoices for any piston or engine replacement.
• Gearbox test: Drive from cold, reverse up a slope and run through every gear. Warnings, missing gears or harsh clunks mean expensive S tronic work.
• Cold-start rattle: Listen for a rattle in the first seconds after a cold start on 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI engines.
• Coolant: Check the level when cold and look for damp or crust around the water pump and reservoir.
• Diesel warnings: On a TDI, make sure no AdBlue or DPF warnings appear on a long drive, and ask how the car was used.
• Recall paperwork: Ask for proof of recall work, especially the rear axle nuts and brake master cylinder on FY models.
• Water leaks: On cars with a panoramic sunroof, check the headlining and footwells for stains, which suggest blocked drains.
• Electronics: Test the cameras, phone mirroring, power tailgate, lights and driver aids before you sign.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off records, and use our Audi Q5 buying checklist at the inspection.

The verdict

The FY (2017 to 2025), especially the 2021 on facelift, is the best used buy: the 40 TDI and 45 TFSI are strong, and the early petrol engine problems were fixed in production. Insist on a full service history and completed recalls, and check diesels for AdBlue faults. Avoid 2009 to 2011 2.0 TFSI cars unless the engine has documented repairs. An 8R diesel can be a good buy if the S tronic drives cleanly. The new third generation is too young to judge.