The Audi Q5 has so far spanned two generations, the 8R (2008–2017) and the 80A (2012–present) (2017-present). The 8R Q5 has undergone significant revisions since its first debut at the Beijing Car Show in early 2008. During its nine-year manufacturing run, there were FCEV and hybrid models and an SQ5 model. Following the 2013 announcement of the SQ5 model, the 80A debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The second-generation Q5 hasn’t been around for very long, but it already comes in three distinct models and will be redesigned in 2021 with sharper contours.
Three different engines were available for the Audi 8R Q5, including a 2.0T FSI Quattro, a 2.0 TDI Quattro, and a 3.0 TDI Quattro. Additionally, there were three gearbox options: a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed Tiptronic, or an 8-speed Tiptronic. The 80A is offered worldwide with a 2.0 TFSI or 2.0 TDI engine mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox. We’ll try our best to identify which individual machines are affected by each of the issues below, but 2.0 TFSI-specific fixes and how-tos will be our primary emphasis. Before purchasing any replacement components, please check the specifications to be sure they will work with your car.
Here are 5 Common Q5 Engine Problems
Audi Q5 Excessive Oil Consumption
If you have an EA888 engine from the second generation and haven’t already, we strongly recommend having it checked out. This is a significant reason why some doubt Q5’s dependability. According to the issue description, the engines’ oil consumption is far more than what would be considered typical.
This second-gen EA888s featured problematic crankcase pressure regulating valves, crankshaft seals, pistons, piston rings, and piston heads from the factory. Many TSBs, including this one, have already addressed this issue. If your Q5 has this issue, putting it off might result in a high repair fee.
Signs of excessive oil use include:
- Deposits of oil in the engine
- The low oil pressure light came on earlier than usual.
- Puffs of blue smoke came out of the tailpipe.
- Lower efficiency in fuel use
- Oil pan with metal parts
If the car exhibits any following symptoms, mainly a generation 2 EA888, act quickly to avoid a 5,000-$6,000 charge.
Do you need to top up the oil between oil changes? To put it mildly, this isn’t normal. An oil consumption test may be performed to see whether the car is operating outside of Audi’s standards if this is the case.
To avoid a hefty bill, it’s best to isolate the problem to the crankcase pressurization valve or the crank seal.
2. Failure of both the Timing Chain and the Tensioner
Audis and Volkswagens often fail timing chains and tensioners around 70,000 miles. If all goes according to plan, a vehicle’s timing chain won’t break at any point throughout its lifespan. The gearbox and the engine work together thanks to a timing chain that links the crankshaft and the camshaft. Failure of a timing chain may occur in several ways, including skipping links, stretching links, or breaking ties. Any of these situations may cause serious harm to an engine.
Wear on the tensioners, a lack of lubrication and general age contribute to the eventual failure of a timing chain. Ideally, if the timing chain fails, the engine won’t turn over at all. In the worst-case situation, the engine’s internal components, like the valves and pistons, would be severely damaged.
Signs of a broken timing chain or tensioner:
- Misfires in the engine
- Rugged Idle
- Ticking sounds coming from the engine compartment
- Limp mode is activated.
- The machine will not start.
Replacement Choices for the Timing Chain and Tensioner:
The failure of a timing chain may, as was said above, result in expensive damage to an engine. We recommend changing all timing chain components when conducting this DIY since timing chains and tensioners frequently need to be changed simultaneously. This isn’t the most straightforward DIY, but possessing the right equipment could save you significant money. A repair shop trip might earn you between $1,400 and $7,500. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to replace your oil every 5,000 miles, depending on how terrible your engine is.
3. A Leaking Fuel Pump Flanges
Although Audi has issued a recall for this issue (16V660000), we thought it was important to mention it in case you haven’t already had yours fixed. Audi Q5s produced between 2009 and 2017 had premature hairline cracking in the fuel pump flange. By doing so, fuel might escape from the fuel pump and into the exhaust system. The fuel pump’s flange regulates fuel flow to the engine.
Small quantities of highly explosive chemicals are seeping from the fuel pump onto the boiling exhaust components, a significant safety hazard. Audi first attempted to stop leaks by wrapping the flanges with butyl tape. They found out later that it didn’t operate as planned, so they recalled roughly 240,000 Audi Q5s to repair the fuel pump flange.
Causes of Fuel Pump Flange Leaks:
- The scent of gasoline in the cabin
- Fuel accumulation on exhaust components
Possible Replacements for the Fuel Pump’s Flange
To fix the defective fuel pump flanges, a recall was issued for them in December 2018. You may print out the recall notice or take it to your technician if you have doubts about whether or not yours have been updated. Since this is a recall, Audi should pay for the repairs, so contact your Audi dealer to make sure the problem has been fixed.
4. Start-Stop System
Audi Q5s have been the subject of many lawsuits and technical service bulletins (TSBs), which Audi has dismissed as unwarranted since the Start-Stop mechanism functions normally. A start-stop system that works will turn the engine off when the vehicle stops, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The technology has immense potential, but it is not without drawbacks, and some customers may not like it. If you feel uneasy with the system, Audi recommends turning it off. They have no idea how annoying it is to constantly disconnect it before starting the car.
Defects in the Start-Stop Circuitry:
- Reactivation takes time.
- Response to acceleration is delayed.
- 10+ engine starts per day
- Many conditions must be satisfied for it to work.
- The power-assisted steering and braking system unexpectedly cut off
- Danger of a Rollaway
Audi claims the system should accomplish all of these. To learn more about the Audi Start-Stop System and the different circumstances under which it is possible to turn off the engine, click here. Numerous complaints about it not functioning correctly are why it is included under “frequent engine issues.” However, not all consumers seem to know how Audi intended the system to work. Customers often report issues with the Start-Stop system, such as the engine not turning on or off when the system is supposed to or restarting for no apparent reason.
5. Issue with the Audi Q5’s daytime running lights
This isn’t an issue with the engine, although it often happens with the first-generation Q5 (pre-2010). Low-powered LED daytime running lights run continuously while the automobile is operating. Pedestrians and motorists will be able to recognize cars in any condition with the help of these. Any time of day or night when visibility is reduced might fall into this category.
The Koito Lighting control module, which informs the headlamps when to switch on and off, was flawed in the first production run of the Audi Q5. When they break, the DRLs won’t work, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be frustrated to have one set of DRLs that does work and another that doesn’t. The owner finds it aesthetically disappointing, yet it is functional.
Replacement Daytime Running Lights: The Koito Lighting control unit module is the most common cause of a DRL not working. Although the component may be pricey, this is a cheap problem to address. If you take the car in for repairs, the mechanic may try to remove the whole headlamp to pinpoint the issue. Depending on what has to be fixed or replaced, the price might range from $150 to $1,000. LED bulbs or the fuse may be at fault if the Lighting control unit is changed and the issue persists.
Reliability of the Audi Q5
Regarding dependability, the Q5 ranks around in the centre. While some Q5s (Gen2 EA888s) are notoriously unreliable, others are rock solid. There is a higher likelihood of breakdowns in Q5s manufactured between 2012 and 2014, so keep that in mind if you’re shopping for one of these years. However, with regular Audi-recommended maintenance, you may extend the life of your car beyond those first years and into the 150k–300k mile range.
Resources: https://www.audi.co.uk/uk/web/en/models/q5/q5.html
