Audi Q5 8R
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
326 PS
3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo Diesel
First performance diesel SUV — pioneer with BiTurbo punch
Fun to Drive!163–177 PS
2.0L TDI Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi Q5 8R is available with 5 engine variants — from 163 to 326 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 163–177 PS) has the CAHA (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 239–258 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CRTE (2008–2017, Be Careful) und CCWA (2008–2017, Stay Away!) und CRTE-190 (2008–2017, Be Careful) und CDUC-184 (2008–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!
The Audi SQ5 (Diesel, 313–326 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CGQB (2013–2017, Stay Away!) und CVUB (2014–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the SQ5!
The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 211 PS) has the CAEB (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Audi 3.2L FSI V6 (Benziner, 271 PS) has the CALB (3.2L FSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Control Arms and Coil Springs Wear From about six years of age, control arms and coil springs show elevated wear that is flagged at MOT. Heavy bodywork and all-wheel drive accelerate bush wear. Symptoms: Vehicle pulls under braking, nervous handling, knocking from suspension over bumps from 90,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 59 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q5 8R (2008–2017) — 53 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: CAEB (2.0L TFSI), CAHA (2.0L TDI), CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CCWA (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Other, Electronics.
Q5 (CAHA, 2008–2017) — Stay Away!: Oil pump hex-shaft drive wears out, Mandatory software update — VW emissions scandal (EA189), EGR cooler failure and carbon build-up. Power: 163–177 PS.
Q5 (CRTE, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Camshaft Material Defect (CRT/CZV), Timing Chain Stretch — Four Chains, Engine Damage from Low Oil Pressure (EA897evo). Power: 258 PS.
Q5 (CCWA, 2008–2017) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner cold-start rattle, Piston Slap — Alusil Block, EGR valve soot deposits. Power: 239–245 PS.
Q5 (CRTE-190, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Fuel Contamination of Engine Oil from DPF Regeneration, Leaking Injectors Contribute to Engine Damage, Low Oil Pressure from Variable Oil Pump. Power: 258 PS.
Q5 (CDUC-184, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Chain Tensioner and Timing Chain Wear, Faulty Injectors (Oil Dilution), Camshaft Break Due to Material Defect. Power: 245–250 PS.
Q5 (CGQB, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Exhaust Manifold Particles Damage High-Pressure Turbo, Camshaft Material Defect (EA897), Timing Chain 1.2 TFSI EA111 — Early Failure. Power: 313 PS.
Q5 (CVUB, 2014–2017) — Be Careful: Camshaft Break from Material Defect, Con Rod Bearing Engine Damage, Turbocharger Damage from Flex Pipe Failure. Power: 326 PS.
Q5 (CAEB, 2008–2017) — Stay Away!: Increased oil consumption from coking oil control rings, Timing chain and tensioner — premature wear, Overly narrow oil control rings — mass-production problem. Power: 211 PS.
Q5 (CALB, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear, Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection, Burnt injector sealing rings. Power: 271 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi Q5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee