What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation Q5?

The Worst 2018-2020 Q5 Problems

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…

Start-Stop Defects

There are multiple problems with Audi's start-stop technology that outweigh the modest fuel efficiency gains. Owners complain that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times and cause the accelerat The …

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

2018 Q5 heated seats do not work 1 (100%)
2018 Q5 gas pedal clicks 1 (100%)
2018 Q5 bad odor 1 (100%)
2018 Q5 pre-sense system failure 1 (100%)
2018 Q5 excessive oil consumption 1 (100%)

Worst Topics

Electrical 3 (100%)
Interior 1 (33%)
Fuel System 1 (33%)
HVAC 1 (33%)
Engine 1 (33%)

Worst Years

2018 7 (100%)
2019 0 (0%)
2020 0 (0%)

Timeline of 2nd Generation Q5 News

Start-stop technology shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop in order to save on fuel consumption and emissions. That's a good thing. But it also disables the power steering and brakes way too early. And it is a little slow to re-engage those systems when the vehicle starts moving again. That's a really bad thing.
Posted on
July 13, 2020
Tagged
#lawsuit
Source
carcomplaints.com
There appears to be a settlement on the horizon for Audi owners who have either had or are concerned about timing chain damage. According to the terms, reimbursement amounts will be determined based on the age of the vehicle, how many miles are on the odometer and if the timing chain tensioner, timing chain or engine was replaced.
Posted on
May 18, 2018
Tagged
#lawsuit
Source
carcomplaints.com

By the Numbers

3 model years
Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.
7 complaints
Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.
24th in reliability
Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.