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Audi · Mid-Size SUV · 2013–2017 Custom Search

Audi SQ5 8R

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

326 PS

SQ5 · Diesel

First performance diesel SUV — pioneer with BiTurbo punch

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

163–177 PS

2.0L TDI Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi SQ5 8R is available with one engine variant at 163 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

SQ5 · Diesel· 313–326 PS Engine Change
2013 2017

V6 biturbo diesel with 230 kW. Twin-turbocharged six-cylinder for maximum pulling power. Complex design leads to higher maintenance costs.

  • !! Exhaust Manifold Particles Damage High-Pressure Turbo from 100,000 km

    The inner lining of the air-gap-insulated exhaust manifold detaches over time. Metal particles enter the turbine wheel of the small high-pressure turbocharger and destroy it. Both parts must be replaced.

    Symptoms: Loud whistling or metallic rattling from the turbo, significant power loss especially below 2,000 rpm, delayed boost pressure buildup
    2,500–6,000 $
  • !! Camshaft Material Defect (EA897) from 100,000 km

    Like all EA897 third-generation engines, CGQB units are susceptible to camshaft breaks from material defects. Mainly affects vehicles from production period 2014–2017.

    Symptoms: Loud, unusual knocking or ticking from the engine bay; sound differs from normal diesel combustion noise
    3,500–15,000 $
  • !! Timing Chain 1.2 TFSI EA111 — Early Failure from 50,000 km

    The EA111 1.2 TFSI (CGQB) suffers from severe timing chain problems from as early as 30,000–40,000 km. Defective tensioners and worn guide rails lead to chain jump and total engine loss.

    Symptoms: Clattering rattle on cold start, engine warning light, in worst case sudden engine shutdown.
    700–3,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2014 2017

Audi 3.0 TDI BiTurbo with 326 PS (240 kW) in the SQ5 8R facelift and A7 C7. Strongest diesel variant of the V6 TDI. Very high mileages achievable. Keep an eye on injectors and high-pressure pump from 200,000 km.

  • !! Camshaft Break from Material Defect from 80,000 km

    The 3.0 TDI bi-turbo engines from certain production periods have a material defect in the camshafts. Early lobe surface defects can occur below 100,000 km.

    Symptoms: Clattering on cold start, sudden power loss, irregular combustion, in the worst case engine failure
    3,000–7,000 $
  • !! Con Rod Bearing Engine Damage from 150,000 km

    Con rod bearing damage has been documented on several EA897 engines. Repair only possible through engine reconditioning or replacement engine.

    Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine block, oil pressure warning, engine stall while driving
    6,000–12,000 $
  • !! Turbocharger Damage from Flex Pipe Failure from 120,000 km

    The flex pipe of the exhaust manifold can disintegrate internally. Tiny particles irreparably damage the turbocharger. The bi-turbo system is particularly vulnerable as both turbos can be affected.

    Symptoms: Turbo whistle, significant power loss at low revs, black smoke, elevated consumption
    2,000–5,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
!Drive Shafts Wear at High Mileage

Driveshafts on vehicles past 150,000 km show increased wear. CV boot tears lead to grease loss and bearing damage.

Symptoms: Clicking when turning and pulling away, grease spots at the wheels, knocking on cornering
from 150,000 km
Medium
!Ball joints wear from vehicle weight

The high vehicle weight of the SQ5 places above-average stress on the wheel suspension ball joints. Premature failures occur particularly with frequent motorway driving and spirited use.

Symptoms: Knocking over bumps, poor cornering behaviour, imprecise steering
from 100,000 km
Medium
!Sport differential: seals leaking

The optional sport differential on the SQ5 8R is occasionally prone to leaks and system faults. Solenoid valves can jam sporadically and need replacing.

Symptoms: 'Sport differential system fault' message, oil drips under the car, inconsistent cornering behaviour
from 80,000 km
High

Test Reports

pannenstatistik

Breakdown statistics

Above average

Few defects, good results for the age bracket

2024
tuev

Vehicle inspection (HU)

Above average

Few defects, good results for the age bracket

2024
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
673 complaints · 2008–2017
  1. 01 Engine
    200 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Airbags
    147 ⚠ 14
  3. 03 Fuel System
    100 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Steering
    69 ⚠ 4
  5. 05 Other
    58 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Engine (200 complaints)
Airbags (147 complaints)
Fuel System (100 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
31 complaints · 2013–2017
  1. 01 Steering
    9
  2. 02 Body Structure
    4
  3. 03 Engine
    3
  4. 04 Suspension
    3
  5. 05 Fuel System
    3

Top Reported Issues

Steering (9 complaints)
Body Structure (4 complaints)
Engine (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 61 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi SQ5 8R (2013–2017) — 48 engine-related and 13 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.

What to watch out for with the Audi SQ5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi SQ5 8R have? +
The Audi SQ5 8R has 48 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi SQ5 8R? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CRTE-190 (3.0L TDI V6), CDUC-184 (3.0L TDI V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CAHA (2.0L TDI) — stay away!
Which Audi SQ5 8R engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi SQ5 8R — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 313 hp BiTurbo TDI in an SUV — this didn't exist before the SQ5. Torque monster that shoves from 1,450 rpm like a freight train. Sounds unremarkable, but every overtaking maneuver feels like dominance. The diesel SQ5 has a loyal following that rejects the petrol successor.
Is the Audi SQ5 8R worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi SQ5 8R — 4 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi SQ5 8R? +
The Audi SQ5 8R is available with engine variants from 163 to 326 hp. Petrol: CAEB (2.0L TFSI). Diesel: CAHA (2.0L TDI), CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CCWA (3.0L TDI V6), CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CRTE-190 (3.0L TDI V6), CDUC-184 (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee