Popular German premium SUV with strong Quattro all-wheel drive and spacious interior. The EA288 2.0 TDI engine is improved over earlier versions but still faces EGR and DPF clogging issues, especially on short journeys. DSG dual-clutch transmission (7-speed S-tronic) can develop mechatronics faults costing €2,000-4,500. Diesel models rank significantly lower in reliability than petrol versions. Notable recalls for brake master cylinder (2018-2019) and passenger airbag detection system. Service every 15,000 km. Timing belt replacement at 120,000 km costs €500-1,400.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure€800 - €2,500
Diesel particulate filter blocks on short trips, requires forced regen or replacement · more· less
The DPF system clogs if the car is mainly used for short journeys or stop-start driving. Active regeneration occurs when filter soot loading exceeds 45% or every 750-1,000 km. If DPF won't regenerate, expect limp mode and warning lights. Professional DPF cleaning costs €550-900, while replacement can reach €1,500-2,500. The DPF will not regenerate if the engine management light is on, EGR valve is faulty, or fuel tank has less than 20 litres. Many owners find forced regeneration or EGR cleaning resolves the issue temporarily, but on high-mileage city-driven cars, DPF failure is almost inevitable.
EGR valve and cooler clogging€800 - €3,000
Exhaust gas recirculation system blocks with carbon, causes emergency mode · more· less
The EGR system on EA288 engines frequently clogs from carbon buildup. Symptoms include reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and emergency/limp mode. Dealers quote €1,400-3,000 for EGR valve and cooler replacement. Independent specialists charge €800-1,600. Some owners successfully use EGR cleaners (Wynn's, Archoil products) for around €60 every 2 years as preventive maintenance. When EGR is blocked, the DPF is usually blocked too. Cleaning can restore function temporarily, but high-mileage vehicles often need replacement.
The 7-speed DSG wet-clutch transmission can develop mechatronics faults, particularly with the valve body and clutch packs. Symptoms include jerking on take-off, inability to select gears, clunking during shifts, and jolting when coming to a stop (2nd to 1st gear). Software issues cause 70% of DSG problems. Mechatronics unit replacement costs €2,000-2,500. If clutches are worn, total repair reaches €4,000-4,500. Some Q5s affected by recall - VW extended warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles in USA. Regular DSG fluid changes (every 60,000 km despite Audi's "lifetime" claim) significantly extend transmission life.
AdBlue system failure (NOx sensor, pump)€1,200 - €4,000
SCR emissions system components fail, prevents engine starting after countdown · more· less
The AdBlue system reduces NOx emissions but experiences various malfunctions. Common failures: NOx sensors (€350-500 each, two sensors), AdBlue pump (€900-1,200), tank control unit (€300-600). Low-quality or contaminated AdBlue fluid blocks injectors. When system fails, you'll get "No restart in 1,000 km" warning. Total system repair at dealer: €1,500-2,500 typically, up to €4,000 in severe cases involving tank, pump, ECU and sensors. Some cases resolved by ECU software reflash (free under warranty). AdBlue pumps typically last 5 years/80,000 km.
Turbocharger failure€2,250 - €3,700
Turbo shows wear between 80,000-120,000 km, electric wastegate actuator fails · more· less
Turbocharger typically lasts 100,000-125,000 km but can fail earlier. Common cause: electric wastegate actuator failure (excessive pivot bearing play or seizure). Entire turbo requires replacement as pivot bearing is not serviceable. Some 2019 Q5s had turbo failures as early as 50,000 km. Dealer replacement: €3,000-3,700. Independent shop: €2,250-2,800. Aftermarket turbo: €1,500-2,000. Failed turbo must be addressed immediately - metal particles can destroy engine or catalytic converter. Regular oil changes with quality oil (15W-40 or recommended spec) extend turbo life significantly.
The EA288 engine has improved timing chain design but issues persist. Tensioner release valve weakens, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. Result: distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than few seconds, chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets all need replacing. Dealer cost: €2,500-3,900. Independent: €1,500-2,000. VW aware of issue, offered limited-time reimbursement in 2018. Dealers perform camshaft tension test: values -6 to +6 degrees indicate when replacement needed, recommended by -4 degrees. Ignoring can cause chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact.
Fuel injector failure€750 - €3,200
Injectors become coked from 60,000 km, cause rough idle and poor starting · more· less
Diesel injectors can coke up from as little as 60,000 km causing uneven idling and poor startability. Failed injector results in misfires, hesitation under load, and check engine light. Average lifespan: 80,000-130,000 km depending on fuel quality and driving pattern. Single injector replacement: €900-1,200 at dealer, €750-900 at independent shop. Parts alone: €260-350 per injector. Intake manifold must be removed for access, adding significant labor (6-8 hours). Some dealers quote €3,200 for single injector job. Extended warranty may cover injectors - check with Audi. Using quality diesel and fuel system cleaners helps prevent premature coking.
Water pump and thermostat failure€1,300 - €2,800
Electric water pump fails 70,000-100,000 km, integrated with thermostat · more· less
The EA288 uses electric water pump integrated with thermostat housing. Common failure point: 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating. Part costs €400-600 due to integrated electric design. Labor: 3-6 hours (€300-900) due to poor accessibility. Total dealer cost: €1,300-1,900. Independent: €900-1,400. If water pump fails while driving, it can damage timing belt and potentially destroy engine. Recommended to replace thermostat whenever water pump is replaced. Combined job at dealer: €1,900-2,800. OEM pump and thermostat parts: €450-500.
MMI infotainment freezing and rebooting€0 - €4,500
MMI screen freezes, shuts down randomly - software or module failure · more· less
Both petrol and diesel Q5 owners report frequent MMI infotainment freezing and connectivity problems. System shuts down unexpectedly (screen goes black), reboots itself multiple times per trip. Quick fix: press and hold volume knob for 10 seconds to soft reset. For persistent issues: check for TSB software updates (often free), inspect CAN bus wiring connections behind dashboard, remove/replace MMI fuse #4 in boot. If 5F module (MMI head unit) fails, dealer replacement: €4,000-4,500. Independent: €2,500-3,500. Many cases resolved by free software reflash. Loose wiring more common than actual module failure.
Panoramic sunroof rattle and leaks€200 - €1,500
Sunroof rattles on bumpy roads, track assembly causes creaking · more· less
Widespread panoramic sunroof rattle issue affecting Q5/Q7 models. TSB released (2022733/2) for greasing mechanism. Rattles occur on uneven roads, disappear when roof tilted/open. Common causes: dried rubber seals, sunroof track assembly wear, misthreaded screws on runners. DIY fixes: apply Krytox GPL-205 to rubber seals, VW/Audi grease G060751A2 to tracks, adjust T25 torx screws attaching glass to frame. Dealer sunroof service: €200-300 (lubrication only, noise often returns within months). New rails with updated part number: €400-700. Complete sunroof replacement (under warranty): €1,200-1,500. Some dealers claim creaking not covered under warranty.
Excessive oil consumption€0 - €200
Engine consumes up to 1L per 2,000-4,000 km, Audi claims this is normal · more· less
High oil consumption reported by Q5 40 TDI owners, particularly with 0W-20 low-viscosity oil. Audi service manual states consumption up to 1L per 2,000 km is "within specification." Most owners experience 1L per 4,000-6,000 km after running-in period. Primary cause: piston ring design allowing oil to enter combustion chamber. Oil consumption is high initially (first 10,000 km) during running-in. After 30,000 km service, some dealers recommend switching to higher viscosity (5W-30) which reduces consumption. Monitor oil level regularly (every 1,000 km). Running engine dry damages turbo and can destroy engine. Cost: oil top-ups €50-200/year depending on consumption rate.
Diesel Q5 ranks significantly lower in reliability than petrol
In What Car? reliability surveys, petrol Q5 ranked 8th out of 24 large SUVs with 95.6% score, while diesel Q5 ranked 21st with only 87.1%. Diesel versions more costly to repair - many owners paid over €1,500 for single repairs. Most common complaints: brakes, electrics, interior trim. Main diesel-specific concerns are DPF/EGR clogging on short journeys and DSG transmission issues. Regular long motorway drives help keep emissions system healthy.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 15,000 km intervals, DSG fluid changes every 60,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Common sizes: 235/55R19, 255/45R20. Premium tires: €150-250 each.
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. Q5 has aluminum body panels (bonnet, tailgate).
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. DPF regeneration requires extended driving.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for DPF warning lights and forced regeneration messages
Test drive for 20+ minutes at varied speeds. DPF clogging most common on city-driven cars. Ask owner about regeneration frequency.
DSG transmission operation (if equipped)
Feel for jerking on take-off, hesitation, clunking when stopping. Drive for 15+ minutes to get gearbox warm - faults only appear when hot.
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold (overnight). Listen for rattle/rattling in first 30 seconds. Rattle lasting more than 5 seconds indicates worn tensioner.
Check AdBlue level and warning messages
Verify AdBlue tank has fluid, no "No restart in X km" warnings. Check for AdBlue system fault codes with diagnostic scanner.
Test MMI infotainment system thoroughly
Use system for 15+ minutes. Check for freezing, random reboots, connectivity issues with smartphone.
Panoramic sunroof operation and noise
Open/close sunroof fully. Drive on rough road and listen for rattles. Check rubber seals for dryness/cracking.
Verify brake master cylinder recall completed (2018-2019)
For 2018-2019 models, check with Audi using VIN. Safety recall 47O9. Critical safety issue.
Check oil level and consumption history
Ask owner about oil top-up frequency. Check dipstick for oil level. Request oil consumption data from service records.
Inspect EGR valve and intake manifold
If possible, check for carbon buildup. Ask about EGR cleaning or replacement history. Common issue on high-mileage cars.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake master cylinder casting too short (2018-2019)Safety recall 47O9 - verify completed
Contact Audi dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The brake master cylinder recall (2018-2019) is critical for safety. PODS recall affects 12,645 vehicles - passenger airbag may not deploy correctly.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 2017-2020 Q5s
DSG extended warranty (varies by market)5-10 years/150,000 km - check with dealer
Audi extended warranty available€800-1,500/year depending on coverage
All 2017-2020 Q5s are outside original factory warranty. Extended warranty recommended for diesel models due to EGR/DPF/DSG risk. Check if DSG extended warranty applies in your market - VW/Audi extended to 10 years/100,000 miles in USA due to widespread complaints.
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.