We owned this vehicle from day one. It was perfectly maintained. We had to replace the water pump costing $1,200 when the vehicle had around 40,000 miles. There has since been a recall on this and we have yet to see one dollar of reimbursement in 3 years. In the meantime, the car now has only 54,000 miles on it, and in March, the check engine light came on one day and then went off, then the very next day the car completely died in a parking lot. We had it towed to the nearest Audi dealership, and they said the timing chain basically shredded the engine and it would cost us $8500 to repair the engine.
I researched the problem and found that there was a class action lawsuit against Audi/VW for using bad timing chains in the 2012/Audi Q5 and they were covering the cost of repairs for 10 yrs/100,000. We fell way within the limits of both, so I contacted the dealer with this information and they said that our VIN was not one of the ones included in the class action lawsuit. I told them obviously it needs to be added. I then went directly to Audi and my “customer advocate†Kaitlyn N. had me send her all the service information and records and assured me she would advocate in our behalf. A couple of days later she called and basically said there is nothing they are willing to do to help us. They didn’t even offer a lame excuse!!!! So I now have a perfect looking and maintained Audi Q5 with brand new tires and a brand new water pump, with 54,000 miles on it, still sitting at the dealership because I have to pay to tow it to the junkyard. The fact that Audi is okay with this type of reputation is despicable!!!
Unbelievable. My car is not covered under the Audi class auction. I can't understand why if we all have the same problem. The total engine rebuild estimate was 4500.
Check engine light has come on and off since purchasing the care in October 2020. We have it repaired for what the diagnosis was, but the last time while driving the car just stopped on the street. We were able to restart and make it home. The car had very low acceleration and power. Check engine light was flashing which it had never done.
All of a sudden, my Q5 sputtered and when we went to take it to the repair shop, it wouldn't start. I have zero pressure on all valves. Repair shop suggested to try to talk with local Audi dealership to get this repaired. Any suggestions?
Update from Sep 13, 2021: Due to class action suit against Audi on the timing chain issue, Audi fixed the broken timing chain. They have a scale of how much they will cover but my car had low miles and within the 10 years, so most of it was covered.
It is amazing to me that with the known problem with the timing chain tensioner that Audi has not executed a recall. Furthermore if an Audi dealership is reselling these vehicles then they should at least inspect this part, or at least disclose that there is a known problem.
- Paul N.,
Palo Alto, CA, US
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I purchased this Audi at 30,000 miles. Took very well care of it and about a month ago my car wouldn't start. I was told my Audi my timing chain skipped due to the tensioner being bad. I thought it was insane that my care would have this issue considering I took well care of it and it's a 2012 with only 63,000 miles. I got in contact with a lawyer who was working with people that had issues with their VW or Audi that somewhat fell under the class action lawsuit. Long story short because my number on the tensioner didn't match the defective number, there was nothing the lawyer could do. I'm beyond pissed that I'm having to come out of pocket $4,000 on something that I COULD NOT CONTROL. I wish Audi was more helpful about this situation and realize there clearly is a defect on my vehicle.
Catastrophic Engine Failure caused by jumped timing chain caused by defective timing chair tensioner. I purchased my vehicle on 12/03/2015 with 45,483 miles. I maintained my vehicle at independent mechanics due to the dismal service at the only dealership in town and its poor online reviews. I frequently added oil to the engine when prompted by the car.
On January 10, 2016, I left the gym and started my car. It took longer than normal to turn over, and the check engine light was illuminated. The next day, I took the car to AutoZone who pulled the P001600 DTC Code (Crank Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor Correlation). I took the car to my local mechanic, who also pulled the P001600 in addition to the P02900 DTC (turbo under boost). That mechanic also heard noise from engine timing cover area and coolant seepage/leak at the water pump area. They recommended the car be towed to a specialist, which was done.
He pulled the P001600 (237) DTC code and a P0562 low voltage code. At this time, I contacted Audi of America and notified them of the issue. I was made aware of the Timing Chain Class Action lawsuit regarding the defective tensioner, but informed that my VIN wasn't covered. At their recommendation, the car was towed to an Audi dealership. All service records, oil receipts, etc were provided to Audi. Audi "declined assistance", leaving me with an undriveable car, a $750 bill from the mechanic, $55 tow bill, $150 (and growing) rental car charge, and an estimate of over $8k to re-build the engine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
We owned this vehicle from day one. It was perfectly maintained. We had to replace the water pump costing $1,200 when the vehicle had around 40,000 miles. There has since been a recall on this and we have yet to see one dollar of reimbursement in 3 years. In the meantime, the car now has only 54,000 miles on it, and in March, the check engine light came on one day and then went off, then the very next day the car completely died in a parking lot. We had it towed to the nearest Audi dealership, and they said the timing chain basically shredded the engine and it would cost us $8500 to repair the engine.
I researched the problem and found that there was a class action lawsuit against Audi/VW for using bad timing chains in the 2012/Audi Q5 and they were covering the cost of repairs for 10 yrs/100,000. We fell way within the limits of both, so I contacted the dealer with this information and they said that our VIN was not one of the ones included in the class action lawsuit. I told them obviously it needs to be added. I then went directly to Audi and my “customer advocate†Kaitlyn N. had me send her all the service information and records and assured me she would advocate in our behalf. A couple of days later she called and basically said there is nothing they are willing to do to help us. They didn’t even offer a lame excuse!!!! So I now have a perfect looking and maintained Audi Q5 with brand new tires and a brand new water pump, with 54,000 miles on it, still sitting at the dealership because I have to pay to tow it to the junkyard. The fact that Audi is okay with this type of reputation is despicable!!!
- Lauren R., Johnson City, US