What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2009–2017) Q5?

Q5 owners have made 93 complaints about the 2009–2017 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 36th out of 39 Audi generations in overall reliability, with real engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Q5 Generations

Common 2009-2017 Audi Q5 Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Q5 owners have to deal with.

  1. Busted Timing Chains

    Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

    Continue reading article "Busted Timing Chains" View of engine timing chain

  2. Excessive Oil Consumption

    It's normal for cars with six-figure odometer readings to burn a little oil. But recently a few automakers have been building specific engines that require a topping off of the oil reservoir in between changes. Audi tries to tell you this i…

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Overhead view of engine timing chain, valves, and pistons

  3. Fuel Pump Flange Leaking

    It’s been quite a journey figuring out how to stop Audi's Continental fuel pump flanges from leaking, but it appears the automaker is finally offering a solution after years of interim repairs.

    Continue reading article "Fuel Pump Flange Leaking" test

  4. Cheating Diesel Emissions

    Audi was caught cheating on its diesel emissions with defeat devices. Twice. It started with the widespread dieselgate story for 2.0L 4-cylinder engines and was followed with a lesser known cheat for vehicles with the ZF 8-speed transmiss…

    Continue reading article "Cheating Diesel Emissions" Cloud of emissions from a tail pipe

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2009–2017) Q5 Key Numbers

  1. 9 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 93 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 36th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 1st Generation Q5 Owners

  • Settlement

    Coffeng, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America,  Inc.

    3:17-cv-01825-JD

    1. Settlement

      A VW water pump class action settlement has been reached for these Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with 2-liter EA888 TSI or TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder multi-valve engines with codes CCTA, CAEB, CAED and CBFA.

    2. Case Filed

      The VW water pump class action was filed over the primary engine water pump driven off one of the balance shafts, not the electric auxiliary water pump. According to the lawsuit, the pump consists of the thermoplastic water pump module that includes the water pump, thermostat and integrated sensors.

    Settlement
    Filing deadline is April 29, 2020.
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2013 Audi A3
    • 2009-2014 Audi A4
    • 2009-2014 Audi A5
    • 2011-2014 Audi Q5
    • 2012-2014 Audi A6
    • 2009-2014 Audi TT
    Location
    California

Recent 1st Generation (2009–2017) Q5 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. There’s an important deadline coming up for Audi owners who previously paid for repairs to their timing chain system or damaged engine from a timing chain failure, and want the automaker to pick up the tab.

    A recently approved settlement benefits thousands of owners by providing them with an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” for any future repairs, plus conditional reimbursements for any previous repairs.…

    keep reading article "Upcoming Deadline for Timing Chain Reimbursements"

  2. A couple years ago the 2007-2012 Q7 and 2009-2012 Q5 were recalled to fix leaking fuel pump flanges.

    At the time, there weren't enough replacement flanges to go around. In a let's-see-if-this-works move Audi slapped some butyl tape around the existing flanges to prevent future leaks. It didn't.

    Turns out if the flange has already been exposed to outside contaminates, covering it in tape will only prolong the inevitable leak. About 6,000 vehicles are being recalled again, hopefully this time for a more permanent repair.…

    keep reading article "Previous Q5 and Q7 Fuel Pump Repair Being Recalled"

  3. When Volkswagen agreed to a multi-district settlement for selling polluting engines marketed as clean diesel,

    it did so knowing it’d have to pay billions of dollars to customers that owned or leased an affected vehicle when the news about the scandal broke.

    Some owners that had sold their affected vehicles before the news came out tried to file for compensation in court, but didn't get very far. That may be about to change due to an interesting court decision in California.…

    keep reading article "Judge's Decision May Open to the Door to New Diesel-Scandal Claims"

  5. Audi coolant pumps have been recalled (twice!) but their replacements aren’t ready yet.

    So what’s an owner who can’t drive their car supposed to do? Wait, apparently.

    A new lawsuit wants Audi to at least pony up for free loaner vehicles. Heck, I’m guessing some owners would even take an actual pony. Anything to get to work without starting a fire!…

    keep reading article "Audi Owners Are Tired of Waiting for their Replacement Coolant Pumps"

What Q5 Owners Say About This Generation

Audi Thinks Excessive Oil Consumption is Fine

Car suddenly stopped while driving. A lot of lights on the dashboard came on. there was smoke and a burning smell inside the car. Car had to be manually pushed to the side of the road ... After inspection, I was told the engine is damaged on the inside and [had] to be replaced at my cost!

2014 Q5 Owner in WA

Audi Thinks Excessive Oil Consumption is Fine

We've had the car since it was new and I've have personally maintained the car. Started noticing that it was using about 3 quarts between oil changes. Scheduled service but they said that's not bad when I mentioned 3 quarts between oil changes.

2012 Q5 Owner in KS