How reliable is the Audi Q5, and what are this model’s common problems and issues?

The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV made by the German automaker since 2008. Positioned between the smaller Audi Q3 and the larger Audi Q7, the Q5 offers a balance of performance, comfort, and versatility, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.

With an attractive front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body profile, the Audi Q5 looks elegant yet sporty on the road. It also offers a spacious, luxurious interior with high-spec tech, including Audi’s MMI infotainment system, virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Q5 has a range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants.

Table of contents:

• What are the most common faults with the Audi Q5?
  • Mechanical problems
  • Electrical problems
• What to consider when purchasing an Audi Q5
  • Is the Q5 a reliable car?
  • Is the Q5 an expensive car to maintain?

What are the most common faults with the Audi Q5?

Like most cars, the Audi Q5 has a few recurrent issues drivers and potential owners need to be aware of. These include the following:

Mechanical problems

Fuel leaks

Many Audi Q5 owners have experienced a common problem: fuel leaks. This issue mainly affected Q5s made between 2013 and 2017. The problem stemmed from a part called the fuel pump flange, which could crack and let fuel escape. This flange is like a protective ring that holds the fuel pump in place, especially when driving on rough roads. Its job is to stop fuel from leaking out around the pump.

To tackle the issue, Audi recalled affected vehicles in 2017 to fix the problem free of charge.

Excesive oil consumption

It’s typical for cars with high mileage to burn more oil. Luxury cars tend to guzzle oil, even if they haven’t racked up too many miles yet. So, vehicles like the Q5 tend to need more frequent oil top-ups than others.

This isn’t usually a problem if you’re aware of it, as you can just refill the oil every few thousand miles without much hassle. But if you’re not on top of it, it can cause various engine problems, like making the engine run hotter and potentially wearing it out faster than expected.

Timing chain 

Between 2009 and 2013, timing chain failures were a big issue for Q5 models and other Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. This component, vital for synchronising crankshaft and camshaft rotation, posed a significant risk when failing, potentially causing irreparable engine damage and requiring a replacement engine. 

Symptoms usually started between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, including rattling noises, check engine light illumination and engine misfires. Legal action was taken, resulting in a settlement in June 2018 that granted an extended warranty for 2011-2012 Q5 models, covering future timing chain and tensioner replacements.

Power steering failure

Owners of Q5 models from 2015 – 2021 have reported power steering failures. This issue often triggers a warning message on the digital display, advising drivers to stop the vehicle due to a steering malfunction. Some incidents occur during high-speed driving, particularly in very cold weather conditions. The root cause is often linked to a faulty steering rack, requiring a replacement steering rack. 

However, in some instances, a software update has resolved the issue. If the vehicle is under warranty, Audi should address the problem and provide a replacement car during repairs.

Electrical problems

Daytime running lights

Audi owners also report an issue with the daytime running lights. Over time, these lights can stop working, meaning you’ll need to replace them. It’s not a significant problem, but it can be a hassle and an extra cost.

Some in-car electrics, like dome lights or switches, can also start acting up after a while. This might mean the lights don’t turn on when they’re supposed to, or the switches don’t work as smoothly as they used to. While these issues might not affect the car’s performance, they can annoy the driver and passengers.

Airbag problems

According to Car Problem Zoo, a popular site for owner feedback, the most common issue with the Audi Q5 involves its airbags, with numerous complaints reported over the years. In 2018, Audi recalled a significant number of Q5s from 2009 to 2012 due to potential explosions of the driver’s side frontal airbag.

It’s essential for potential buyers and current owners to check for recalls using Audi’s or NHTSA’s recall lookup tools, as there have been multiple airbag recalls for the Q5.

Leaking sunroof causing electrical problems

A leaking sunroof is one of the most common problems plaguing owners of the 2011-2017 Q5 models. This annoying but relatively insignificant problem created a huge safety issue with the airbags, as the leak allowed water directly into the foam surrounding the side airbag inflator canister. Over time, this corroded the canister, weakening it and increasing the risk that fragments would be fired into the cabin if the airbag inflated.

Other owners reported their sunroof motor breaking down because water had gotten into it. As a result, Audi was forced to recall multiple vehicles in 2017 and provide a fix or replacement for the issue.

What to consider when purchasing an Audi Q5

Is the Q5 a reliable car?

While Audi is known for its build quality and engineering, the Q5 can experience the problems mentioned above and require new or used Audi Q5 parts.

Whatcar?’s 2023 reliability survey placed petrol Q5s in the top third of large SUVs, but the diesel option was closer to the bottom. However, all Audi Q5s come with a 3-year warranty up to 60,000 miles, and an extended 5-year warranty lasting 90,000 miles is available. The plug-in hybrid model’s battery pack has an 8-year warranty of up to 100,000 miles.

Is the Q5 an expensive car to maintain?

The Audi Q5 can be relatively expensive to maintain and repair as parts are more costly with luxury brands, particularly large SUVs.

RepairPal data indicates that the average yearly repair and maintenance cost for Audis is approximately £780, notably higher than the industry average of £500 for other brands. This disparity is due to the manufacturer’s luxury status, which involves using specialised Audi parts known for their high quality and higher cost than other brands.