Audi Q5: Excessive Oil Use & Other Common Faults

The Audi Q5, a compact luxury SUV that first graced our roads in 2009, is celebrated for its sleek aesthetics, sophisticated interior, and a broad array of configurations. It's a vehicle that often embodies refinement and performance. However, like any complex piece of engineering, the Q5 isn't entirely without its challenges. Owners have, over the years, reported a series of recurring issues. This comprehensive guide delves into the most common problems associated with the Audi Q5, with a particular focus on the concerning issue of excessive oil consumption, providing you with the knowledge to understand, diagnose, and address these potential pitfalls.

Excessive Oil Consumption: A Thirsty Engine

One of the most frequently voiced concerns among Audi Q5 owners is the vehicle's propensity for burning oil at an alarming rate. This issue was particularly widespread across various 2010 – 2017 Audi models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, leading to significant owner frustration and even a lawsuit against Audi.

The Root Cause: Piston Defects

The core of this problem lies with a piston defect. In simple terms, the combustion chamber is not adequately sealed off from the engine parts that require constant lubrication. This faulty seal allows an abnormal amount of oil to enter the combustion chamber, where it is then burnt off, leading to the rapid depletion of your engine oil levels.

Consequences and Owner Experiences

Beyond the inconvenience of constantly topping up oil, this insufficient lubrication can lead to fragments of the piston rings circulating through the engine, potentially causing further internal damage. In severe cases, owners have reported a sudden loss of engine power. The issue was most prevalent in 2014 and 2015 Q5s, but models from 2010 through to 2017 were also affected.

Many owners have shared their experiences online, highlighting the severity:

• “Oil consumption is getting worse and worse. Currently, I am adding approximately a litre of oil every 3 days in between regular oil changes. This is a real issue. I just spent £4,000 on a tune-up at a foreign car body shop but they could not repair the oil issue. This is now a known issue with Audis.”
• “All of a sudden around 75,000 miles oil consumption is extreme. We have to add approximately a litre of oil every 3 weeks or ~700 miles. Dealer is asking for an oil consumption test which costs £400 to determine the issue. There was a lawsuit for the same issue against Audi, 126,000 were affected.”

The Solution: Addressing the Seal

If your Q5 is consuming oil excessively, the most common remedy involves replacing the piston rings and potentially the pistons themselves, along with the connecting rod bearings. Piston rings are crucial components that create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall, preventing pressurised combustion gases from entering the oil sump and regulating oil consumption by stopping too much oil from entering the combustion chamber to be burnt.

Your first step should be to take your Audi to an authorised dealer. They will typically perform a two-part oil consumption test to accurately diagnose the problem. It's worth noting that some Audi engines do naturally consume a certain amount of oil, which is considered normal. However, this test will definitively show if the consumption is excessive and requires intervention.

Airbag Problems: A Critical Safety Concern

According to various owner feedback platforms, airbag issues have been among the most commonly reported problems for the Audi Q5. Over the years, numerous complaints have arisen, with many falling under the scope of the infamous Takata recall.

The Takata Recall and Its Impact

In 2018, Audi initiated a significant recall affecting a large number of Q5s from the 2009 – 2012 model years. This recall addressed a critical defect where the driver's side frontal airbag inflator could explode upon deployment due to excessive internal pressure. This was part of the broader Takata airbag recall, which impacted tens of millions of vehicles globally and was linked to serious injuries and fatalities.

A frustrating aspect for some owners was the unreasonable waiting times for repairs due to a shortage of replacement parts.

What to Do if Affected

Whether you're considering purchasing a used Q5 or already own one, it is paramount to check the vehicle's VIN using Audi's official recall lookup tool on their website or the NHTSA website. Given that there have been multiple airbag recalls for the Q5, a thorough check is always advisable. Due to the highly technical and safety-critical nature of this problem, repairs should always be carried out by a dealership, and these services should be provided free of charge. Attempting to tamper with your Q5’s airbags could also void your warranty.

Leaking Sunroof: More Than Just a Nuisance

A leaking sunroof is another common issue that particularly affected 2011 – 2017 Q5 models. While it might initially seem like a minor inconvenience, this problem had serious safety implications, primarily due to its impact on the airbag system.

Defective Drainage and Airbag Corrosion

The root of the problem was a poorly designed sunroof drainage system that allowed water to saturate the foam surrounding the side airbag inflator canister. This persistent moisture led to corrosion of the canister, weakening its structural integrity. In the event of a side airbag deployment, the corroded inflator could fracture and propel fragments into the cabin, posing a severe safety risk.

One owner recounted, “Front left door pillar is becoming soaked from an apparent water leak possibly coming from the panoramic sunroof or windscreen. Regardless it has to be running into the pillar airbag and has to be a safety concern.” Some owners also reported water damage leading to the failure of their sunroof motor.

Recall and Repair

The prevalence of this issue prompted Audi to recall a significant number of 2011 – 2017 Q5s. Again, a VIN check on Audi’s recall page or the NHTSA website is essential to see if your vehicle is affected. Owners were advised against using the second-row seating until this recall repair had been performed. As this is a recall, the dealership should handle the repair, which typically involves inspecting and potentially replacing the airbag canister and rectifying the defective drain hose connected to the sunroof.

Timing Chain Failure: A Costly Engine Foe

Timing chain failure was a notable problem for Q5 models manufactured between 2009 and 2013, mirroring a widespread issue seen across numerous Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.

Engine Synchronisation and Critical Damage

The timing chain, located within the engine, plays a vital role in synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring the engine's valves open and close at the correct times. It's constructed of metal links, similar to a bicycle chain, allowing it to engage with various gears and wheels. The most severe consequence of timing chain failure is that if it slips, it can cause catastrophic engine damage that often renders the engine beyond repair, frequently resulting in exorbitant repair bills, sometimes exceeding £5,000.

This problem typically manifests between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, with common symptoms including a rattling sound upon engine start-up or whilst idling, the illumination of the check engine light, and an engine misfire.

Legal Resolution and Solutions

The Audi/VW timing chain controversy eventually led to legal action, culminating in a settlement agreed upon in June 2018 for a range of affected vehicles. As part of this settlement, 2011-2012 Q5 vehicles received an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” to cover future repairs or replacements of the timing chains and tensioners. If you have already paid for repairs or a replacement of the timing chain system or the engine, you might be eligible for reimbursement.

Leaking Fuel: A Flawed Fuel Pump Flange

Owners of certain 2013 – 2017 Q5 models have also encountered issues with fuel leakage. This problem stemmed from a fuel pump flange that was susceptible to cracking, leading to fuel escaping.

The Role of the Fuel Pump Flange

A fuel pump flange acts as a protective collar or rim, securing the fuel pump in place and, crucially, sealing off its connections to prevent fuel leaks, particularly when driving over uneven terrain. In response to this defect, Audi issued a recall in 2017.

Recall Action and Repair

If your vehicle was affected by this recall, Audi or your dealer should have notified you, and the repair should be carried out free of charge. The solution involves replacing the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. If no cracks are found, a protective film is typically applied to the flanges as a preventative measure.

Power Steering Failure: A Sudden Loss of Control

Reports from numerous Q5 owners indicate experiences with power steering failure, predominantly affecting models from 2015 – 2021.

Warning Signs and Conditions

This issue is often heralded by a warning message on the digital display, stating: “Steering: Malfunction! Please stop the vehicle”. Some owners have reported this failure occurring at high speeds, and there seems to be a correlation with very cold weather conditions.

One owner described their ordeal: “I drove my car early in the morning to go to church. When I came back to the car to go home, there was a very loud alarm and a warning ‘steering defective – unsafe to drive’. I turned the car off and tried to restart it and the same loud alarm and warning occurred. I waited 5 minutes and tried again and got the same result. I got the car towed to my nearby Audi dealer. I did some research and saw that this steering issue is a real problem with Audi Q5.”

Diagnosis and Resolution

There's considerable discussion surrounding this problem, and Audi is reportedly aware of it. The issue has often been attributed to a faulty steering rack, with replacements being a costly affair, typically around £2,000. However, in some instances, a simpler software update has been sufficient to resolve the problem. If your car is still under warranty, Audi should cover the repair and may provide a loaner vehicle while yours is being fixed.

Audi Q5 Model Years With the Most Problems

To gain a clearer understanding of which Audi Q5 model years have been most problematic, we can analyse data based on the number of reported problems relative to sales figures. The Car Complaints PPMY (problems reported per thousand vehicles per Year) index provides a fair comparison, accounting for newer cars having fewer complaints simply because they have been on the road for a shorter period.

Based on this index, the most problematic years are:

• 2021 – 0.76 PPMY
• 2011 – 0.72 PPMY
• 2012 – 0.51 PPMY

And the least problematic years are:

• 2020 – 0.14 PPMY
• 2016 – 0.16 PPMY
• 2019 – 0.17 PPMY

Audi Q5 Pros and Cons

For those considering an Audi Q5, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial:

Pros

• Slick styling
• Plenty of tech goodies
• Wide range of configurations to pick from
• Well-rounded SUV

Cons

• Not as spacious or cargo-friendly as some competitors
• Basic warranty coverage
• Not always the most engaging to drive

Audi Q5 Reliability Compared to Similar Cars

Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, based on the newest three model years, place the Audi Q5 near the top of its segment with a relatively good score of 64/100.

Audi Q5 Used Value

The resale value of an Audi Q5 varies depending on the model year and trim level. According to Car Edge, an Audi Q5 is projected to depreciate by 39% after five years, retaining an estimated five-year resale value of approximately £26,000.

What Do Owners Like and Dislike About the Audi Q5?

Based on feedback from sites like Kelley Blue Book, here’s a summary of what real-life owners appreciate and find fault with in the Audi Q5:

Likes

• Interior Styling
• Fun to drive
• Great response
• Sporty Design
• Handling

Owner Reviews:

• “We got this new car about a month ago. So far, great SUV. Very good handling, great interior/exterior. Good response. It’s came with premium plus and black package”
• “I love love love this car. There really isn’t one thing I don’t like about my car. It is very comfortable, smooth driving, very quiet, handles my fast driving and it is beautiful (great sound system too).”
• “Great SUV with many bells and whistles. Smooth ride with nice looks. Lots of technology that for an older person like myself can be difficult to use. However, Audi supplies online many tutorials which are a huge help.”

Dislikes

• Messy technology
• Safety issues
• Bad engine quality
• Backseat space

How Reliable Are Audi Cars?

According to a recent report from Consumer Reports, Audi ranks 15th out of 28 car manufacturers in terms of reliability, with a score of 47/100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for an Audi Q5 to consume a lot of oil?

While some Audi engines, including certain Q5 models, are known to consume a small amount of oil between service intervals, excessive consumption is not normal. The 2010-2017 Q5 models with 2.0L turbo engines were particularly prone to excessive oil burning due to a piston defect. If you find yourself topping up oil frequently, it's advisable to have a dealership perform an oil consumption test.

How can I check if my Audi Q5 has an open recall?

You can check for any outstanding recalls on your Audi Q5 by visiting the official Audi website and using their recall lookup tool, which typically requires your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Although the provided information mentions the NHTSA website (a US agency), Audi's own recall checker should be your primary resource in the UK.

What are the most serious problems reported with the Audi Q5?

Beyond excessive oil consumption, other serious issues reported with the Audi Q5 include airbag problems (related to the Takata recall), leaking sunroofs that can affect airbag integrity, and timing chain failures which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Fuel leaks and power steering failures have also been significant concerns.

What should I do if my Q5's power steering fails?

If your Audi Q5 displays a "Steering: Malfunction!" warning or you experience a sudden loss of power steering, you should stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. As this can be a dangerous issue, it's best to have the vehicle towed to an authorised Audi dealership for diagnosis and repair. The problem might be a faulty steering rack or require a software update.

Are older Q5 models less reliable than newer ones?

Based on the PPMY (problems per thousand vehicles per year) index, some of the earlier Q5 models, particularly 2011 and 2012, show a higher rate of reported problems. While newer models generally tend to be more refined, specific years like 2021 also show a relatively high PPMY. It's crucial to research the specific model year you are interested in for common issues and recall history.

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