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Known Faults Database

Audi Q5 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Audi Q5, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 6 known faults for this model, 4 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Audi Q5 reliable?

The Audi Q5 has 6 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 4 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (failure of the mechatronic control unit or the clutches in the S tronic seven-speed) and engine (recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Audi Q5 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

8R, 2008 to 20164 high severity
6 known faults, the serious ones in the gearbox, engine
FY, 2016 on
No faults on record yet

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2008 to 2016, 7-speed S tronic (DL501, longitudinal): failure of the mechatronic control unit or the clutches in the S tronic
  • 2007 to 2017, EA888 2.0 TFSI: recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines
  • 2008 to 2012, 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2): timing chain failure on the 2.0 TFSI petrol
  • 2004 to 2018, 3.0 V6 TDI (chain tensioner): timing chain tensioner failure causing severe rattling

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 26 known faults · 27 owner reports · 1 good note

Audi Q5 8R (2008 to 2016) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chain tensioner failure causing severe rattling; chains are located at the rear of the engine, requiring engine removal to fix. This is wear in the tensioner and chain drive itself, which is a high mileage failure, and is a separate job from the camshaft wear reported on the C7 A6 Allroad at much lower mileage

Rough guide
£2000-4000

Typical symptoms

  • loud metallic slapping/rattling from the back of the engine on cold start
  • rattle persisting for more than 3 seconds
  • engine management light

Affected vehicles

Engines:
3.0 V6 TDI (chain tensioner)
Typical mileage:
80000-140000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

EGR valve failure and DPF blockage frequently occurring after the 'Dieselgate' emissions software update

Rough guide
£400-900

Typical symptoms

  • flashing glow plug light
  • engine management light
  • limp mode (loss of power)
  • excessive DPF regenerations

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 TDI (EA189)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • May 2017An Audi Q5 2.0TDI at 73,000 miles had its engine management light illuminate and EGR fail soon after a NOx emissions fix.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2017

Recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines. Foreign particles in the coolant can block the pump, causing it to overheat. The fix involves a software update to deactivate the pump if a malfunction occurs, and replacement if it has already failed.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • Engine overheating
  • Coolant pump malfunction warning
  • Loss of coolant

Affected vehicles

Engines:
EA888 2.0 TFSI
Typical mileage:
Any miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • May 2018The water pump and thermostat failed on a 2013 Audi Q5 2.0TFSI (EA888) at 40,000 miles, costing £778 to replace.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 11 owner reports, 2012 to 2019

Failure of the mechatronic control unit or the clutches in the S tronic seven-speed automatic. Owners describe hesitation at junctions, lurching and jerking at low speed, the engine cutting out or stalling, and losing reverse, with some boxes needing a complete replacement. Several failures followed missed or late gearbox oil and filter changes, but at least one box with every change done on time also failed.

Rough guide
£1400-4752 (what owners paid for a mechatronic repair or a discounted replacement gearbox)

Typical symptoms

  • Gearbox malfunction warning, sometimes with no reverse
  • Hesitation pulling away at junctions and roundabouts
  • Jerking when setting off or slowing to a stop
  • Car creeping or lurching against the brakes at lights
  • Engine stalling or cutting out, especially when cold or reversing

Affected vehicles

Engines:
7-speed S tronic (DL501, longitudinal)
Typical mileage:
24000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012 to 2015

Heavy oil use on the 2.0 TFSI petrol, traced to the piston rings. Owners of 2011 cars reported needing a litre of oil each 1,500 miles or sooner, with dealers calling it normal until the warranty ran out. One engine had pistons and rings replaced and later failed completely.

Rough guide
£500 (one owner's share of a piston ring repair after a manufacturer contribution)

Typical symptoms

  • Low oil warning coming on between services
  • Needing to top up oil every month or so

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 1 owner report, 2019

Timing chain failure on the 2.0 TFSI petrol. One owner reported the chain failing on a 2009 car at 105,000 miles: the chain was replaced, but the valves had already hit the pistons and the engine was written off. On this engine family the chain tensioner can wear and let the chain slacken; a revised tensioner went into production around mid 2012, so engines built before then carry the higher risk.

Rough guide
£1568 (one owner's chain replacement, before the engine was found to be wrecked)

Typical symptoms

  • Rattle for a second or so after a cold start
  • Engine refusing to start or running roughly after the chain jumps

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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What owners report on the 8R

27 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2020A 2014 Audi Q5 TDI Quattro at 75,000 miles required a new driveshaft due to a speed-related noise from the rear.
  • Bodywork · July 2019The panoramic sunroof frame on a 2016 Audi SQ5 failed just after its warranty expired, with replacement costing over £1,000.
  • Engine · May 2019A 2009 Audi Q5 2.0TSI suffered timing chain failure at 105,000 miles, leading to engine damage despite a previous rebuild.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2019A 2012 Audi Q5 with a DL501 7-speed S-Tronic transmission failed at 80,000 miles; the warranty was voided due to a missed fluid change.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2019Both front outer driveshaft constant velocity boots were split or insecure on a 2013 Audi Q5 TDI at 65,000 miles, costing £1,100.59 to repair.
  • Engine · January 2019A 2016 Audi SQ5 experienced increased engine noise and 10 to 15% worse fuel economy after a software recall and Lambda sensor replacement.
  • Engine · December 2018A 2013 Audi Q5 2.0TFSI at 2,900 miles needed a new turbocharger and thermostat, costing £2,900, after emissions and engine management lights appeared.
  • Engine · November 2018A 2014 Audi Q5 at 35,000 miles had an engine block light illuminate, diagnosed as a Z104 AdBlue liner heater fault costing £385.
  • Gearbox and clutch · January 2018A 2014 Audi Q5 2.0TDI S-Tronic experienced juddering from 60mph upwards, persisting after four dealer visits and wheel replacements.
  • Fuel system · October 2017An AdBlue warning light appeared on a 2013 Audi Q5 2.0TDI at 72,300 miles, requiring a replacement part costing £527.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2017A 2010 Audi Q5 3.0V6TDI at 84,000 miles needed DL382 S-Tronic Mechatronics repair for £2,655 and had an engine oil leak estimated at £6,000.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2017A 2009 Audi Q5 2.0TDI at 100,000 miles needed a new S-Tronic transmission costing £10,000 after Mechatronics repair failed.
  • Engine · February 2017An Audi Q5 2.0TDI experienced a loss of power after receiving the EA189 NOx emissions software update at a dealership.
  • Gearbox and clutch · December 2016A 2009 Audi Q5 DL382 S-Tronic transmission failed at 24,000 miles, followed by engine failure and complete transmission failure at 27,772 miles.
  • General · November 2016A 2016 Audi Q5 DL382 S-Tronic surged forward unexpectedly after the driver moved their foot from accelerator to brake.
  • Gearbox and clutch · September 2016A 2015 Audi Q5 2.0 S-Line with DL382 7-speed S-Tronic struggled to reverse at 26,000 miles, requiring a new gearbox for £4,752.
  • Fuel system · July 2015A 2011 Audi Q5 S-Line TDI displayed an AdBlue system fault at 650 miles, which the dealer was unable to fix.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2015A Q5 2.0 litre with DL382 7-speed S-Tronic at 48,000 miles began jerking from a standstill, later resolved by a software update.
  • Engine · January 2015A 2011 Audi Q5 2.0TFSI had severe oil consumption since new, using one litre every 1,300 kilometres, which the dealer deemed normal.
  • Suspension and steering · December 2014A 20 inch tyre on an Audi Q5 blew out on the motorway at 60mph, destroying both the tyre and the rim.
  • Electrics · December 2014A new Audi Q5 purchased in July 2014 had a faulty satnav that failed to provide the fastest or shortest routes.
  • Engine · September 2014A 2011 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI at 43,000 miles had failed piston rings, causing high oil consumption and a £500 repair bill.
  • Gearbox and clutch · June 2014A 2009 Audi Q5 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox started failing at 80,000 miles, causing the engine to cut out and judder.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2013A used 2012 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 7-speed S-Tronic had noticeable gear changes at low speeds and was unresponsive when pulling away.
  • Gearbox and clutch · August 2013A 2009 Audi Q5 S-Tronic failed at 42,000 miles with a 'Gearbox malfunction' warning, requiring a £4,000 clutch and Mechatronic replacement.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2012A 7-speed in-line S-Tronic transmission exhibited hesitancy when navigating roundabouts and junctions.
  • Engine · September 2012A 2011 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI 211 S Line experienced excessive oil consumption, followed by catastrophic total engine failure.

What owners like about the 8R

1 note
  • The Audi Q5 achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, with 92% for adult occupant safety and 84% for child occupant safety.
Generation 2 of 20 known faults · 5 owner reports · 9 good notes

Audi Q5 FY (2016 on): owner reports

What owners report on the FY

5 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · January 2021A Q5 owner reported that Google Earth no longer worked in his car, with a software update providing a 'Google Earth clone'.
  • Brakes · November 2019A 2018 Audi Q5 experienced short brake disc and pad life, needing replacement at 20,000 miles and again at 29,000 miles.
  • Interior · April 2019A new Audi Q5 2.0TFSI with 235/35 R19 tyres produced disappointing and excessive tyre noise.
  • Electrics · February 2019A 2018 Audi Q5's 'pre-sense' system randomly activated twice while driving in clear conditions, causing sudden braking and seatbelt tensioning.
  • Interior · January 2018A 2017 Audi Q5 at two months old had 'rucking' leather on the driver's seat and a loud 'clicking' noise from the rear.

What owners like about the FY

9 notes
  • The Audi Q5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with 93% for adult occupant safety and 86% for child occupant safety.
  • This model is quieter than its predecessor, featuring reduced wind noise and less engine sound for a more refined experience.
  • The Audi Q5 offers an excellent, refined ride on motorways, making it suitable for long-distance journeys.
  • The 2.0 TDI engine provides ample in-gear power and is expected to deliver good fuel economy in everyday driving.
  • An electric tailgate is included as standard equipment on all models of the Audi Q5.
  • Heated front seats and Isofix mounts on the front passenger seat are standard features.
  • The Q5 Sportback offers a stylish alternative to the popular Q5 SUV model.
  • The 2021 Q5 Sportback offers an impressive interior, maintaining good practicality compared to the regular model.
  • The Q5 Sportback is available with a wide selection of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engine options.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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Audi Q5 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 28 DVSA recalls for the Q5, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ May 2026Cars built July 2025 to November 2025

Replacing seat belt with tensioner

On Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured within a specific period the belt tensioning function on the front seats does not comply with technical requirements. Although the seat belt is tightened in the event of an accident which requires this it cannot be held tight reliably which reduces the protective effect. For this reason one or both front seat belts - as required - will be replaced on affected Q5 vehicles.

Put right by: Recall campaign 69GT must be performed on affected vehicles and the affected seat belts must be replaced as described in the Workshop Manual.

DVSA R/2026/1922,119 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2025Cars built March 2021 to July 2024

Software update for battery control unit

On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.

Put right by: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes "Battery charge" and "Battery hold" until the update is applied.

DVSA R/2025/4634,630 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2025Cars built October 2008 to December 2011

Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN

Urgent Safety Warning - Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Put right by: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

DVSA R/2025/38732 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2025Cars built September 2020 to August 2024

Cylinder head cover bolts inspection

Audi conducts programmes to constantly monitor the quality of its products. As part of this we have discovered that individual bolts in the cylinder head cover area on your vehicle may become loose as a result of a manufacturing issue. Depending on the extent to which the bolts become loose engine oil may leak and drip onto hot surfaces which poses a fire risk. If you notice smoke in the engine compartment park the vehicle safely and without delay.

Put right by: To ensure the bolts are secured correctly a check must be performed.

DVSA R/2025/18411,320 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2024Cars built March 2021 to December 2022

Servicing high-voltage battery

On affected vehicles battery modules may become defective over the course of the vehicle's service life. This may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery with the associated risk of severe or fatal injuries to people inside and/or outside the vehicle as well as significant material damage. To minimise this risk do not charge the high-voltage battery using an external charging source. In addition do not use the e-tron modes "Battery charge" and "Battery hold" (refer to Owner's Manual) until further notice.

Put right by: Replace the defective modules. Further software fix being developed to improve monitoring.

DVSA R/2024/4951,585 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2023Cars built October 2008 to August 2012

Replacing TAKATA passenger airbag gas generator

If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

Put right by: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.

DVSA R/2023/05220,023 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2022Cars built October 2021 to October 2021

Inner and outer sheet metal components of rear tailgate may not have been joined sufficiently

The inner and outer sheet metal components of the rear lid may not have been joined together sufficiently well in the manufacturing process.

Put right by: Replace the rear lid of the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/2912 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2022Cars built January 2022 to February 2022

Engine control units might be fitted with semiconductor components that do not meet specifications

On a small number of vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the engine control units were fitted with semiconductor components which do not meet the specifications.

Put right by: The engine control unit must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/169109 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2022Cars built November 2019 to February 2021

Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed

Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.

Put right by: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/0365,327 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2021Cars built November 2019 to February 2021

Rear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications

One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.

Put right by: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2021/23610,089 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2020Cars built June 2020 to July 2020

The backrest adjustment mechanism gap may be faulty on individual front seats

It is possible that the gap on the adjusting mechanism for the backrest may be faulty on individual front seats.

Put right by: On the affected vehicles the backrests of the front seats are to be checked and replaced if necessary.

DVSA R/2020/26054 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2020Cars built June 2017 to March 2020

Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator

It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

Put right by: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/13834,982 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2020Cars built January 2020 to January 2020

There may be increased pedal travel as a result of production tolerances

There may be increased pedal travel as a result of production tolerances

Put right by: The brake calliper housing (with actuator motor) must be replaced on the vehicles affected

DVSA R/2020/115380 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2019Cars built November 2016 to October 2019

The collar of the wheel arch cover can become detached

The collar of the wheel arch cover could become detached

Put right by: Secure the wheel arch cover with 2 modified clips.

DVSA R/2019/36336,971 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2019Cars built November 2016 to December 2018

Latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail

It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.

Put right by: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place.

DVSA R/2019/2335,605 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2019Cars built November 2016 to December 2018

It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.

It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.

Put right by: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place with an additional bolt.

DVSA R/2019/22523,295 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2019Cars built August 2018 to November 2018

The brake master cylinder may not meet the specifications

It is possible that the brake master cylinder may not meet the specifications.

Put right by: The brake master cylinder on the affected vehicles must be checked and replaced if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/1261,059 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2018Cars built April 2018 to May 2018

Brake piston may not have been coated correctly

DVSA R/2018/1491 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2018Cars built March 2018 to April 2018

Rear brake pistons coated incorrectly

The rear brake pistons may have been coated incorrectly potentially causing the brake pedal travel to increase under braking and the effectiveness of the rear brakes to be reduced. Gas bubbles may form in the hydraulic system on the rear brake circuit under certain conditions as a function of temperature and time. In the event of a fault only the rear brake circuit will be affected. As a result the vehicle may take significantly longer to stop.

Put right by: The rear brake hydraulic system (rear left and rear right brake calipers) must be bled on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2018/161606 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2018Cars built April 2011 to July 2015

Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat

The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.

DVSA R/2018/051114,287 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2018Cars built June 2017 to July 2017

Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended

The weld joint that joins the central tube for the dash panel to the chute may be defective. The result could be damage to the passenger airbag potentially reducing the airbags protective capabilities.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the dashboard with a quality assured unit.

DVSA R/2018/04360 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2018Cars built April 2011 to July 2015

Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat

The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.

DVSA R/2017/33433,699 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2017Cars built May 2010 to July 2016

Curtain airbag cylinder may corrode leading to possible rear passenger injury

If the water drain in the area of the panoramic sunroof is not functioning properly water can seep into the vehicles headliner. If sufficient water accumulates the foam adjacent to the pressure cylinder of the curtain airbag can become wet and cause the pressure cylinder to corrode. The corrosion can weaken the cylinder causing sudden pressure release possibly with fragments.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check for water seepage and the drainage is correct from the panoramic sunroof area. Check the pressure cylinders for corrosion treat with anti-corrosion wax or replace as necessary. Remove foam which is next to the pressure cylinder.

DVSA R/2017/13114,157 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2017Cars built May 2011 to October 2016

Coolant pump may overheat

Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.

Put right by: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.

DVSA R/2017/1152,844 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2016Cars built January 2015 to January 2015

Side airbag gas generator canister may fail

For certain vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may be damaged if a side airbag is deployed. If the airbag/s were deployed the gas generator could explode and dislodge small metal parts which could cause injury to the vehicle occupants.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the dates of manufacture for the left and or right side airbags. Where a possibly affected airbag is found it will be replaced.

DVSA R/2016/063180 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2015Cars built April 2011 to April 2012

Fuel may leak

Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.

DVSA R/2015/0311,073 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2014Cars built January 2012 to August 2014

Reduction in braking performance

On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.

Put right by: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2014/0985,755 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2012Cars built January 2012 to July 2012

Sunroof glass may shatter

The glass sunroof may suddenly break at temperature's below -20 degrees C. This normally happens when the vehicle is parked. When it breaks the single pane safety glass disintegrates into small pieces. A slight risk of injury to the occupants cannot be ruled out.

Put right by: The glass sun roof will be replaced.

DVSA R/2012/083718 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Audi Q5 cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Q5. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 TDI, EA189, EA288
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

Applies to the EA189/EA288 common-rail 2.0 TDI. VW Group UK dropped the time-based interval in 2023 in favour of mileage-only limits, but independent specialists advise replacing belt and water pump every 5 years or 60,000 miles. The earlier pumpe-duse 2.0 TDI (BLB/BRE/BNA) is a different engine with its own longer interval, listed separately.

Timing chainChain
2.0 TSI, 2.0 TFSI, EA888
No fixed replacement interval

EA888 timing chain tensioners fail, giving a cold-start rattle on 2008-2013 cars that escalates to the chain skipping teeth and a full engine rebuild on this interference engine. No official replacement interval; specialists commonly replace before 80,000 miles, and a chain job runs from around GBP 1,500.

S-tronic gearbox oil and filter
DL501, 0B5, 7-SPEED LONGITUDINAL
40,000 miles

Audi's own maintenance schedule for the 7-speed longitudinal S-tronic: first oil change at 35,000 miles, then every 40,000 miles. The box has two separate oil circuits, clutch/hydraulic ATF plus gear oil, and specialists note the gear-oil side is often skipped. Missed changes are a classic cause of mechatronic faults and harsh shifting.

Automatic gearbox oil
8HP, ZF 8-SPEED, 8HP55, 8HP65
60,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first

Audi treats the ZF 8HP tiptronic as filled for life, but ZF, the gearbox maker, publishes official oil-change kits and a change procedure for the Audi 8HP55A/8HP65A/8HP90A/8HP95A units, which contradicts any sealed-for-life reading. UK specialists put the interval at 50,000-60,000 miles or 8 years, sooner for towing, tuned or hard-driven cars.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Audi Q5 buying questions

What are the most common Audi Q5 problems?

Three stand out. Gearbox: failure of the mechatronic control unit or the clutches in the S tronic seven-speed automatic (typically 24000 to 100000 miles). Engine: recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines. Engine: timing chain failure on the 2.0 TFSI petrol. The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Audi Q5 years should I avoid?

No Audi Q5 year is a write-off, but the 8R (2008 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: gearbox and engine. The FY (2016 on) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Audi Q5?

Ask the seller about the gearbox and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for gearbox malfunction warning, sometimes with no reverse, engine overheating and rattle for a second or so after a cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 6 known faults before you travel. Check a Audi Q5 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Audi Q5?

The DVSA lists 28 safety recalls for the Audi Q5 issued between 2012 and 2026. The most recent, from May 2026, is "Replacing seat belt with tensioner". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of an Audi Q5?

Owners report 36.3 mpg on average across the Audi Q5 engines with data, about 80% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 660 owner submissions. Audi Q5 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at an Audi Q5 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Audi Q5 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Audi Q5 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Audi Q5 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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All buyer's guides →

Other Audi models

A626 known faultsA419 known faultsA318 known faultsA511 known faults