Audi Q5
V6 diesel with 210 kW and 48V mild hybrid. Most powerful V6 diesel in the Audi range. Excellent long-distance engine with abundant torque.
Practical everyday SUV drive
286 hp 3.0L for everyday use — solid overall package without sporting ambitions.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Hydraulic chain tensioners lose oil pressure on cold engine. At start-up the chain rattles loudly for 1–3 seconds. Advanced wear risks chain jump and engine failure.
Symptoms: Loud rattling or clattering directly after cold start, subsiding after a few seconds. With greater wear, rattle persists when warm.
On 272-hp variants (built up to Jan 2017) camshafts broke due to material defects. On failure, metal fragments can destroy the engine. Audi replaced camshafts as a goodwill gesture.
Symptoms: Clicking or rattling from the valve train, rough engine, engine oil contaminated with metal particles.
AdBlue pump, heating element or injector fails, especially after frost periods. Engine remains unaffected, but the vehicle will not start after several cycles.
Symptoms: AdBlue system fault warning on display, SCR fault codes, restricted drive readiness once warning counter expires.
DPF clogs on short trips because regeneration temperature is never reached. Expensive cleaning or replacement required.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, limp mode, increased fuel consumption
Mandatory recall due to unlawful defeat device in the 3.0 TDI engine. Software update alters shift points and regeneration behaviour. No driver cost, but must be documented.
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).