If you are considering buying a used Audi Q5, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 14 known faults · 32 owner reports · 10 good notes
Audi Q5 B8 / B9 (2008 to 2025) 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
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
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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Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 6 owner reports, 2011 to 2012
Manufacturer recall to replace Siemens Piezoelectric injectors on 2.0 TDI PD engines (e.g., BMN code) from 2006-2009. A short circuit within the injectors can cause the fuel system to shut down and the engine to cut out. All four injectors are replaced free of charge.
Rough guide
£0 (free recall)
Typical symptoms
Engine cutting out unexpectedly
Loss of power
Engine management light illuminated
Rough running or misfires
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0 TDI (EA189) with Siemens Piezoelectric injectors
Typical mileage:
Any miles
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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.
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What owners report on the B8 / B9
32 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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 B8 / B9
10 notes
The Audi Q5 achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, with 92% for adult occupant safety and 84% for child occupant safety.
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
We track 12 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Audi Q5 advert and we check it in seconds.
Audi Q5 service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
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
Is a used Audi Q5 reliable?
The Audi Q5 has 4 known faults in our database, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are fuel system (manufacturer recall to replace Siemens Piezoelectric injectors on 2.0 TDI PD engines) 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.
What are the most common Audi Q5 problems?
Three stand out. Fuel system: manufacturer recall to replace Siemens Piezoelectric injectors on 2.0 TDI PD engines (e.g.. Engine: recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines. Engine: timing chain tensioner failure causing severe rattling (typically 80000 to 140000 miles). 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 B8 / B9 (2008 to 2025) carries the most serious faults: fuel system and engine. 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 fuel system and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine cutting out unexpectedly, engine overheating and loud metallic slapping/rattling from the back of the engine on cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a Audi Q5 advert →
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 →
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.