Premium compact SUV popular with families and business users. The 2.0 TDI is the most reliable Q5 engine, not prone to the oil consumption issues affecting petrol 2.0 TFSI models. Best years are 2013-2017 post-facelift models. Main concerns are DPF clogging on short-trip use, S-tronic DSG gearbox mechatronics failures (less common on manual), AdBlue system components on Euro 6 cars, and the infamous panoramic sunroof rattle. The 2.0 TDI thrives on highway miles - avoid if you only do short city trips. Timing chain not belt, but tensioner can fail 80,000-120,000 km if oil changes neglected.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€1,050 - €1,800/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€650-1,050
Risk buffer
€400-750
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
DPF blockage and regeneration issues€1,500 - €3,000
Diesel Particulate Filter clogs if driven gently or on short trips only · more· less
The DPF system works fine on cars doing regular long journeys, but clogs up quickly on short trips or stop-start driving. Owners report that switching from highway commuting to shorter journeys resulted in DPF warnings within 6 months, followed by limp mode and ultimately a failed filter. When DPF fails, the EGR valve and cooler often need replacing too. Parts cost €1,650, labor €825 (7+ hours). Total retail cost €2,470 before tax. Prevention: monthly highway run at 2,000+ rpm in dynamic mode. Use premium diesel and quality fuel additives.
S-tronic DSG mechatronics failure€2,000 - €8,200
7-speed DSG develops jerky shifts, stalling, and gear selection issues · more· less
The S-tronic gearbox commonly develops problems around 70,000 miles - jerky changes from 2nd to 1st, stalling when shifting to neutral, and severe jolts when accelerating from 5 mph. Mechatronic unit controls gear changes and is expensive: €2,000-2,500 for unit + labor at independent specialists, €6,700-8,200 at Audi dealers. PCB replacement is cheaper (€840 part + €750 labor = €2,330 total). Full gearbox replacement can reach €28,000. Manual gearbox models are significantly more reliable. Software updates temporarily improve feel but issues return within a few thousand miles.
AdBlue system component failures€500 - €4,000
Pump, injector, or NOX sensor failures prevent engine restart · more· less
Euro 6 models (2015+) have AdBlue/DEF systems prone to crystallization and pump failures. Common faults: AdBlue pump (€1,400-2,800), NOX sensor (€500), injector failures. Tank and pump come as complete unit only - cannot buy pump separately. Complete repair including glow plugs, tank, module, and pump: parts €3,000, total €4,000. If AdBlue runs out completely, engine will not restart. Some cases resolved with free ECU software reflash when identified as known software problem. Tank capacity 23 liters.
EGR valve and cooler failure€1,200 - €3,000
Carbon buildup causes valve sticking and reduced gas flow · more· less
Very common problem - garages report EGRs frequently clog with carbon buildup on these engines. The EGR valve and cooler must work correctly for DPF regeneration to occur at the correct time. Common failures include reduced gas flow from carbon/particulate buildup and valve sticking. Audi specialist quotes €1,500 for EGR cooler (half is labor), Audi dealer quotes €2,300-3,000 for EGR valve and cooler with associated parts. Independent specialists charge €1,600. Some owners successfully clean rather than replace using EGR cleaners and additives (€360 EGR delete with remap is illegal).
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,300 - €3,900
Tensioner loses pressure, causes cold start rattle typically 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The 2.0 TDI uses a timing chain (not belt). Tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed overnight. Results in distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs 80,000-120,000 km. Chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing when rattle exceeds a few seconds. Independent shop: €1,300-2,000 (€1,000 parts + 9 hours labor). Audi dealer: €3,000-3,900. Ignoring this can cause chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Regular oil changes with correct 507.00 spec oil help prevent premature wear.
Turbocharger actuator failure€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from carbon buildup, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
Wastegate actuator commonly fails, especially if driven gently or short trips only. Carbon buildup causes actuator to stick. Symptoms: EPC warning light, limp mode, reduced power. Fault code P334A - charge pressure actuator electrical malfunction. Audi dealers sell full turbo only (€1,000+), not actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist: €500-600. If turbo internals damaged, full replacement €1,200-2,500. Calibration critical - correct adjustment range is tiny 3.4-3.6mm. Prevention: regular spirited driving, premium fuel, keeping engine above 2,000 rpm occasionally.
Water pump and thermostat failure€600 - €1,900
Electric water pump fails typically 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 2.0 TDI uses an electric water pump integrated with thermostat housing. Common failures 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating. Electric pump can become blocked with debris or short-circuit from moisture. Parts €400-500 for integrated electric design, labor approximately 6 hours due to accessibility. Average total €1,320-1,625. Combined thermostat and water pump replacement at dealer: €1,900. Independent shops: €600-900. Replace thermostat simultaneously as labor is same. Multiple recalls exist for 2.0L Turbo FSI (petrol) coolant pumps, though TDI less affected.
Fuel injector seal failure€750 - €1,200
Injector seals fail commonly on diesel variants, requires specialist tooling · more· less
Injector seal failure fairly common on diesel variants. Symptoms: rough idling, misfiring, increased fuel consumption, difficulty starting, engine splutter and accelerator hesitation. Average failure around 80,000 miles. Injector replacement €845-1,130 per injector. €260 per injector parts cost, labor €800 for set. Injectors require specialist tooling for removal. Typical cost for 4 injectors easily runs into hundreds. Not a DIY job due to fire risk and complexity. If blocked rather than failed, fuel additives are cheaper solution. Following scheduled maintenance for fuel system cleaning prolongs injector life.
Panoramic sunroof rattle€100 - €800
Widespread issue with frame construction, rails, and mounting points · more· less
Previous generation Q5 notorious for creaky panoramic roof issues. So widespread that Technical Service Bulletins released (TSB 2022733/2). Problems rooted in whole construction - frame, mounting locations, and rails. Rattles when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. DIY fix: clean and lubricate rails with Krytox GPL-205 for seals, VW/Audi grease G060751A2 for tracks (€100 materials). Professional fix: dealer greasing mechanism €200-400, replacing rails with updated part 8R0877049B €400-600, full subframe replacement €800. Telltale sign: rattle disappears when roof tilted or open. Some owners required glass realignment and seal replacement.
Oil level sensor false warnings€100 - €450
G266 thermal sensor gives false low oil warnings, often wiring issue · more· less
Q5 often shows false low oil level warnings. Electronic sensor can fail or give false readings from contamination or wiring issues. Sensor incorrectly reports oil low even when full, leading to overfilling and engine damage. G266 sensor located bottom of oil pan. DIY fix: disconnect sensor, spray with electrical contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease, replace factory torx plug with hex head plug (€50-100 materials). Sometimes hood latch sensor causes issue - replacement €100-150. Professional sensor replacement €385-455. Sensor should last lifetime but exposed to harsh conditions. Can drive with bad sensor as it's not critical to basic engine function, but should replace soon.
Control arm bushing wear€400 - €2,300
Suspension bushings wear around 100,000 km, often permanently installed · more· less
Control arm bushings typically wear as vehicle approaches 100,000 miles. Aggressive driving or rough roads decrease lifespan. On many Q5 models, bushings permanently installed in control arms - entire arm must be replaced if bushings wear out. Bushing replacement only: €420-530 per axle (bushings €25-100 each, rest labor). Full control arm replacement: €2,035-2,340. Dealer quote for front lower control arm bushings both sides: €1,600. Independent shops cut cost in half. Often recommended to replace ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links simultaneously. Wheel alignment also needed after replacement.
Solid choice for high-mileage highway drivers, avoid for city-only use
The 2.0 TDI is the most reliable Q5 engine option and avoids the oil consumption issues plaguing 2.0 TFSI petrol models. The engine itself is robust - one owner reports over 202,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, diesel emissions systems (DPF, EGR, AdBlue) require regular highway use to function properly. DSG gearbox is the biggest concern - manual transmission models are significantly more reliable. Best years are 2013-2017 facelift models. Maintenance costs are premium-brand typical, but the car rewards careful ownership with good longevity.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at correct 10,000 km intervals with 507.00 spec oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear patterns. OEM sizes: 235/60R18, 235/55R19, or 255/45R20.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect panoramic sunroof drains.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to get DSG up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain noise
Start completely cold. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates timing chain tensioner wear. This is critical - can lead to catastrophic failure.
DPF regeneration history
Ask owner about driving pattern. Short trips only = DPF problems likely. Check for DPF warning lights or messages in service history.
DSG gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive 15+ minutes. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation at low speeds, clunking, or severe jolts when pulling away from 5 mph. These indicate mechatronics issues.
AdBlue system check (Euro 6 models 2015+)
Check for any AdBlue warning messages. Ask when AdBlue last refilled. Verify no crystallization around filler cap.
Panoramic sunroof rattle test
Drive over speed bumps and rough surfaces. Listen for rattles from roof. Check if rattle disappears when roof tilted.
EGR valve and turbo actuator
Check for any EPC warning lights during test drive. Listen for unusual turbo noises. Check service history for EGR or turbo work.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump, thermostat, or head gasket issues. Verify no coolant warning lights.
Oil level sensor verification
Manually verify oil level is correct. If dashboard shows low oil but dipstick shows full, sensor is faulty.
Inspect for oil leaks
Check engine bay and underneath for oil leaks, especially around oil pan, valve cover, and turbo area.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Electric coolant pump blockage/short-circuit (2013-2017 2.0L Turbo FSI)Verify completed
Panoramic sunroof rattle (TSB 2022733/2)Dealer fix available
3.0L TDI Generation 2.1 emissions modification recallExtended warranty if applicable
Contact Audi with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The Q5 has 1,813 TSBs across all model years. Check NHTSA website or Audi's official recall lookup tool at web.audiusa.com/recall/ for your specific vehicle.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km EU)Expired on all 2013-2017 models
All 2013-2017 Q5s are outside original factory warranty. Consider extended warranty from Audi or third-party provider, especially for DSG-equipped cars. Prepaid maintenance plans available at some Audi dealers for €1,500 per 4 years/40,000 miles.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.