Audi Q5
Strong EA888 Gen3B variant with 180 kW for the Q3 Sportback. Quattro standard, S tronic as the only gearbox option. Powerful and efficient.
265 hp in an SUV – adequate, not inspiring
The Q5 45 TFSI moves the 1,900 kg SUV solidly but doesn't fully overcome the vehicle weight. Solid powertrain for a relaxed family SUV.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The DMTA petrol particulate filter (OPF) requires regeneration cycles at sufficiently high exhaust temperatures. With frequent short-trip use or cold temperatures, the OPF cannot regenerate fully and clogs. Extended motorway drives often fix the problem.
Symptoms: Power loss, P200200 OPF efficiency fault, increased fuel consumption, MIL
EA888 evo uses an improved cooling system, but fundamentally the same water pump design. Early long-term experience still limited; the known Gen3/Gen3B plastic pump weakness is considered a risk.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant smell
The DMTA is one of the first petrol engines with variable turbine geometry (VTG). The electric actuator for the VTG vanes is a new component without sufficient long-term experience. Soot deposits from OPF operation could block VTG vanes. Issues known from diesel VTG may occur analogously.
Symptoms: Boost pressure instability, turbo noises, power loss, MIL with turbocharger codes
EA888 evo has improved timing chain system over Gen3. Long-term experience from ~100,000 km still limited (market introduction 2020). Based on predecessor experience, chain inspection from 100,000 km remains recommended.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, P0016/P0017
EA888 evo has a revised oil pump. Early feedback still shows occasional ticking after cold start. Long-term experience still limited; risk analogous to Gen3/Gen3B.
Symptoms: Ticking after cold start, camshaft phaser fault codes
EA888 evo DMTA uses exclusively direct injection (no dual injection). OPF regeneration cycles can load intake valves more heavily with soot particles. First concerns from ~80,000 km. Walnut blasting recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough cold start, P2015 tumble flap
PCV membrane valve is structurally the same design as the predecessor. Early long-term experience for the evo still limited, but risk based on Gen3/Gen3B history.
Symptoms: Whistling noise, P2279, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
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.
Recall for Q5 FY (production July 2018 to March 2019): faulty brake master cylinders increase stopping distance. Free replacement programme through Audi.
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.
Brake callipers seize especially after prolonged standing. Rear axle callipers are most affected. MOT reports list brake defects as a frequent fault.
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.
Reports & Tests
394 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2024). Most reported: Electrical (114), Engine (78), Other (66).