How Reliable Is the Audi Q5?

Throughout the Q5’s history, certain model years have experienced more challenges than others. Below are Audi Q5 models worth avoiding:

• 2009: In its debut year, the Q5 sold very few models compared to the numbers it posts now. However, the German luxury brand had several kinks to work out, from airbag and seat concerns to fuel system issues and six recalls that haunt the Q5 for several subsequent variants. 
• 2012: A whopping 985 Technical Service Bulletins were released for the Audi Q5 this year, in addition to six recalls. Issues included sunroof and engine failure, squealing brakes, airbags concerns, and fuel system kinks. 
• 2013: Though not as infamous as the 2014 Audi Q5, the previous year’s model brought it all to a crescendo with issues affecting the fuel system, cooling system, timing chain, electrical system, engine, oil, and steering. 
• 2014: Excessive oil consumption finally caught up with the Q5 this year, when a lack of oil could lead to drastic engine failure and potentially cause the need for replacement. Issues from 2013 continued as well.
  
  

The consensus among owners seems to be that anything past 2015 is a bar above the earlier generations. While a certain learning or development curve is expected of most nameplates, it seems Audi struggled to resolve many of the issues plaguing the first few variants. 

Common Audi Q5 problems can either be isolated to the particular model or the brand as a whole. For example, there might be separate model concerns between the Audi A3 versus the A5, but Audi sedans also have several issues in common. Here are common problems among Audi Q5 models. 

1. Excessive oil consumption 

Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. This issue means checking the oil routinely to ensure it’s not low, even right after oil changes. A lack of oil within the engine can lead to catastrophic failure.

2. Defective timing chains

Audi Q5 models from 2011 and 2012 often see premature failure of their timing chains. Experts speculate the early failings occur due to the timing chain tensioner introducing slack. Timing chains typically have longer lifespans than timing belts, but it’s worth inspecting the timing chains and tensioners in these Q5s to ensure they’re up to spec. 

3. Start-stop system issues

Q5 models from 2017 to 2020 experienced issues with the start-stop system that cuts power at idle but reboots the engine once you begin accelerating. Owners saw a delay in throttle response and a loss of brakes and power steering. While you may be able to disable or bypass this fuel-efficient system, Audi still has a few gremlins to work out. 

4. Sunroof concerns

Several Audi Q5 models suffer from leaking or shattered sunroofs. While the potential always exists for sunroof damage, sunroofs that shatter can become a hazard, especially at speed. Leaking sunroofs can be more of a nuisance, especially in inclement weather and through the automatic car wash. 

5. Leaky fuel pump flanges

The fuel pump flanges on specific Audi Q5 models can develop hairline cracks that lead to minute fuel leakage. Any fuel leaks are cause for concern, but when the fuel hits internal components that may or may not retain heat, it can spark a flame. 

According to RepairPal, the Audi Q5 incurs an average of $928 in annual repair costs. That’s over $120 more than the standard luxury average annual repair costs and nearly $300 more than all vehicles on average. In addition, Kelley Blue Book totals the five-year cost to own for the 2024 Q5 at $67,208. However, that’s roughly $2,000 less than the 2023 model. 

Researching if Audis are reliable can help you put the Q5 in context of the brand. Then, take a deep dive into the reliability of the Audi Q5 to put it all into perspective. Consider the Q5 through the lenses of its safety ratings, dependability, fuel efficiency, average repair costs, and cost of ownership. 

1. Safety ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2024 Audi Q5 with a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating. The model currently has no investigations, recalls, or complaints. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the German SUV high marks. The 2023 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ ranking and performed “Good” in all tests except the “Side: updated test.” 

2. Dependability

J.D. Power’s dependability ratings shed light on the Audi Q5’s longevity. The model does well, scoring 76 out of 100 overall and in the 70s across the board:

• Quality and reliability: 75
• Driving experience: 77
• Resale: 75
• Dealership experience: 77

However, the Q5 nameplate doesn’t rank among the top best compact premium SUVs for 2024. To Audi’s defense, the segment is fiercely competitive, and the Q5 may be upstaged by flashier, more expensive, and technologically advanced models, even within its own stable. 

3. Fuel efficiency

One of the best ways to verify fuel efficiency ratings is by referencing FuelEconomy.gov. The 2024 Audi Q5Quattro (Audi lingo for all-wheel drive) returns 23 city and 29 highway MPG for a combined 26 MPG. However, the S line Quattro and Sportback S line Quattro share slightly lower fuel economies at 22 city and 28 highway MPG (24 combined MPG). Compare that to the 2023 BMW X3 xDrive30i, which posts 21 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined MPG. 

4. Average repair costs

Average repair costs from RepairPal can give you an inside look at how much basic maintenance and repairs will cost you for the Audi Q5. The midsize SUV receives a three out of five rating from RepairPal, which ranks it 11 out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs. On top of $928 in average annual repair costs, the Audi Q5 visits the shop 1.2 times a year, compared to the 0.6 times average for luxury brands and 0.4 for all vehicles. However, there’s only a 9% chance of severe repairs, compared to 11% for the luxury segment and 12% for all vehicles. 

5. Cost of ownership

Numbers calculated through Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own show an interesting dynamic between the 2023 and 2024 models. The 2023 costs $69,783 to own for five years, while the newest variant only costs $67,208. For comparison, the 2023 BMW X3, one of the Q5’s biggest competitors, costs $72,201 to own for five years.

The Audi Q5 S line is a seasoned and stylish nameplate that’s likely to continue to set the bar for years to come. Audi Q5s are typically reliable if you care for them and abide by the recommended maintenance intervals. Audis can be resilient when weathering daily life, as the quality interior materials clean up well even after heavy use. Despite expensive repair costs, Audi Q5 models offer numerous standard features among more prestigious luxury brands.