Audi Q5

DAXB 2.0L TFSI 252 hp Automatic All-wheel drive 2017–2024

– Be Careful

Engine DAXB – Be Careful 3,950–17,100 €

EA888 Evo with 185 kW in the Q5 FY. Powerful turbo petrol with good power delivery. Mature generation with significantly reduced oil consumption.

Fun Factor? Decent

Practical everyday SUV drive

252 hp 2.0L for everyday use — solid overall package without sporting ambitions.

Engine Weaknesses 5

!! Timing chain tensioner wear

The EA888 Gen.3 (DAXB) can develop chain tensioner and guide rail wear. Cold-start rattling is the early warning sign; in extreme cases chain jump with engine damage is possible.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, rough running during warm-up, engine warning light P0016/P0011

1,500–3,000 € from 100,000 km

Ad timing chain EA888 Gen3 chain tensioner 2.0 TFSI DAXB

!! Oil consumption from worn piston rings

The EA888 shows elevated oil consumption at higher mileage. On the predecessor engine (Gen.1/2 up to 2012) this was a massive problem due to overly narrow oil scraper rings; Gen.3 is improved but not immune.

Symptoms: Blue smoke during acceleration, dropping oil level between changes, oil smell

1,500–4,500 € from 120,000 km

Ad piston rings EA888 Gen3 Ölabstreifring 2.0 TFSI

!! DSG gearbox wear at high mileage

The S-tronic/DSG gearbox in the Q5 FY is prone to elevated oil consumption and jerky or illogical shift characteristics at high mileage. Regular gearbox oil changes are essential.

Symptoms: Juddering on take-off or gear change, harsh shift shocks, elevated gearbox oil consumption

200–2,500 € from 100,000 km

Ad DSG transmission fluid Q5 FY S-tronic Ölwechsel 7-Gang

! Software and infotainment faults

On the Q5 FY (from 2017) software problems accumulate: faulty Google Earth view in the MMI navigation system, Audi Connect connection drops, and 360° camera faults up to production year 2018.

Symptoms: MMI system freezes, navigation failures, camera faults, connection drops

0–400 € from 30,000 km

Ad MMI Update Q5 FY control unit MMI 4M

! Intake valve coking

As a direct-injection engine, the 2.0 TFSI does not wash the intake valves with fuel. Coking builds up especially with short trips and causes power loss and misfires.

Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, cold-start problems, power loss

300–700 € from 80,000 km

Ad Walnut blasting 2.0 TFSI Ansaugventil EA888

Vehicle Weaknesses 5

!! Other Control Arm Stress Corrosion Cracking (Recall)

KBA recall: stress corrosion cracking can cause elevated play between the control arm and wheel carrier. Affects build years 2019–2021. Free replacement at dealer.

0–0 €

Ad control arm Q5 FY rear axle

!! Other Brake Master Cylinder Failure (Recall)

Recall for Q5 FY (production July 2018 to March 2019): faulty brake master cylinders increase stopping distance. Free replacement programme through Audi.

0–0 €

Ad Hauptbremszylinder Q5 FY

!! Other Haldex Differential Oil Contamination

The Haldex rear differential suffers from oil contamination by clutch debris when maintenance is neglected. A differential oil change clears the symptoms. Neglect risks differential damage.

100–3,500 € from 80,000 km

Ad Hinterachsdifferenzial Öl Q5 FY Haldex Filter Q5 FY

!! Brakes Brake Calliper Seizing

Brake callipers seize especially after prolonged standing. Rear axle callipers are most affected. MOT reports list brake defects as a frequent fault.

350–1,500 € from 60,000 km

Ad brake caliper rear Q5 FY brake caliper Q5 FY repairsatz

! Electronics MMI Software Errors and 360-Degree Camera Failure

Early FY models show MMI faults: faulty Google Earth view, Audi Connect dropouts and failure of the 360-degree camera. Audi has issued service actions and firmware updates.

0–1,000 €

Ad MMI control unit Q5 FY

Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03

Below Average

394 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2024). Most reported: Electrical (114), Engine (78), Other (66).