Premium mid-size SUV with quattro all-weather grip
The Audi Q5 competes with the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC in the UK's premium mid-size SUV segment. Second-generation models (2017+) are available from under £25,000 for superb low-mileage examples with 2.0 TFSI petrol or 2.0 TDI diesel, both with quattro AWD. A well-maintained Q5 can comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+. The gen-3 EA888 petrol engine from 2018 onwards is the safest powertrain choice.
We track 9 known issues across the Audi Q5 range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Audi Q5? Enter the reg to see which of our 9 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
8R (2008–2017) — Petrol options included the 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, with 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 3.0 V6 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 9 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Oil pump chain failure and DPF issues (£3,000–£5,000 to address).
FY (2017–2024) — Petrol options included the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, with 2.0 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Front coil spring fracture (£200–£350 to address).
The balance shaft oil pump chain on EA189/EA288 diesel engines can fail catastrophically without warning, causing complete loss of oil pressure and engine seizure. This chain drives the oil pump from the crankshaft and its failure leaves the engine with no lubrication. The issue affects 2.0 TDI engines across the VAG range and is most common on urban-driven vehicles where DPF regeneration cycles stress the engine. When combined with DPF clogging on urban-driven cars, repair costs can exceed £4,000.
Complete oil pump chain failure destroys the engine within minutes, requiring a full engine replacement costing £8,000-£12,000. Even partial failure contaminates the oil system with metal debris. DPF blockage requires professional cleaning (£500-£800) or replacement (£2,000-£3,000). The car should not be driven if oil pressure warnings appear.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
MOT data shows Q5 models fail spring inspections at 42.9 times the national fleet average, with 3.0L petrol variants worst affected at low mileage (20,000-40,000 miles). Front coil springs fracture due to corrosion and fatigue, particularly where the spring mounting points collect road salt and debris. The Q5's weight and suspension geometry place higher loads on the springs than equivalent saloon cars. Fractured springs can cause sudden loss of vehicle control and tyre damage.
A completely fractured spring can cause immediate loss of vehicle control, particularly under braking or cornering. The broken spring may damage the tyre, brake lines, or other suspension components. The car should not be driven if spring fracture is suspected. Spring replacement costs £200-£400 per side including labour.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The EA888 2.0 TFSI engine suffers from defective piston ring design that causes excessive oil consumption (up to 1 litre per 1,000 miles) combined with timing chain tensioner failure. Pre-2013 engines are worst affected due to earlier piston ring specifications and chain tensioner design. The timing chain stretch can cause the engine to jump timing, resulting in valve damage. This is the same fundamental issue affecting A4, A5, and other VAG models with the EA888 engine.
Excessive oil consumption leads to engine damage if not monitored closely. Timing chain failure can cause the engine to jump timing, destroying valves and requiring cylinder head work costing £3,000-£5,000. Complete timing chain and tensioner replacement with updated parts costs £1,500-£2,500 at a specialist.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
The 3.0 V6 TDI engine has its timing chain located at the rear of the engine block, making replacement an engine-out procedure costing £3,000-£4,000. The chain tensioner and guides wear over time, causing timing chain rattle and eventual stretch. This is combined with EGR valve clogging that reduces power and triggers fault codes. Unlike four-cylinder engines where timing chain work can be done with the engine in situ, the V6 requires complete engine removal for access.
Timing chain failure can cause valve damage requiring cylinder head work in addition to the timing chain replacement. The engine-out procedure for timing chain work costs £3,000-£4,000 at specialists. EGR valve replacement adds £500-£800. Combined repair costs can reach £4,000-£5,000.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The 3.0 V6 TDI biturbo engines use two smaller turbochargers instead of one large unit. Both turbochargers can fail independently, typically due to oil feed problems, carbon buildup, or bearing wear. Early symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke, and turbocharger whining noises. The twin-turbo setup means higher repair costs as both units often require attention around the same time due to similar operating conditions.
Individual turbocharger failure results in significant power loss and potential engine damage from oil starvation or contamination. Replacement of both turbochargers costs £2,500-£3,500 including labour. Continued driving with failed turbo seals can contaminate the intake system and damage the engine.
During a test drive, check for hesitation, lack of power or unusual whining from the turbo area. Watch for blue or white smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. Check the oil condition and service history — turbos rely on clean oil.
For the full breakdown of all 9 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Audi Q5 common problems page.
Based on 526k real DVSA MOT tests, the Audi Q5 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is coil springs broken at 21x the fleet average, followed by reversing lamp lens defective (12x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Audi Q5 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing chain inspection (£200–£300), s-tronic transmission service (£300–£450).
See the full Audi Q5 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Audi Q5 has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2019 is the top pick overall, with the refined Mk2 and gen-3 EA888 petrol engine addressing earlier timing chain concerns. 2018+ 2.0 TFSI petrols are the safest choice. For Mk1 buyers, 2014-2016 models avoid the worst timing chain and oil consumption issues of 2011-2012 cars, but verify the chain tensioner has been replaced.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Audi Q5, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 9 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 9 known Audi Q5 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.