CarComplaints.com Notes: Consumer Reports said the 2012-14 Q5 ranks "very good" for reliability, and so far our numbers show it's hard to argue with that. Just know that you might have a tough time keeping the car straight on the highway.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
53,351 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Audi Q5 engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Audi Q5 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #13

Sep 212019

Q5

  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Oil consumption- I literally just got an oil change less than 90 days ago and I need more oil. This is a used vehicle purchase for us and has happen twice since we have owned the vehicle- less than a year! every so many miles I'm adding a quart of oil!

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #12

Jul 252019

Q5

  • 23,000 miles
That as a consumer purchasing a 2013 Audi Q5 with 23,000 miles should not come up with a 2,000 some dollar repair on a recalled problem that affects many other vehicles built by Audi. The timing belt tensioners are failing. Audi should recall all vehicles with bad tensioners. It can lead to catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds. And even death. There are multi complaints online.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #11

Jan 292019

Q5

  • 60,100 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q5. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently without warning. The vehicle was taken to Audi norwell (59 pond St, norwell, MA 02061, (781) 261-5000) where it was diagnosed that a new engine block was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,100.

- Hanover, MA, USA

problem #10

Nov 132018

Q5

  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

41 days after purchasing well cared for, used Q5, began experiencing rough ride over highway stretch, with intermittent epc light and constant check engine light. Engine also revved at stand still and vibrated. Unknowing of current class action lawsuit involving the timing chain, took the vehicle to a local mechanic. Mechanic indicated the timing chain had been stretched beyond safe use and the timing chain and tension adjuster needed to be replaced ($2600). Following those repairs, I was informed that due to the damaged timing chain, the cam shaft was also not functioning correctly which required replacement as well as the camshaft positioning sensor. (new cost - $4900) following those repairs, the issue still remains. Mechanic believes the issue is now oil pressure leaving the cam shaft due to a likely issue with the non-return valve leaving the camshaft bridge. This pressure prevents proper function of the variable valve timing, causing a vibration and rough ride. Mechanic offered to replace non-return valve (additional $3000) but can't be confident that it will alleviate the problem. Additional option was to replace engine beginning at $7000. Working with Audi service to schedule time to address previous recall issue (coolant pump) when they will take a look at the engine issue and explain options. Class action lawsuit opt-ins were due by 10/13/18, 11 days after I purchased the vehicle, 30 days before I began having issues.

- Westminster, CO, USA

problem #9

Jul 132018

Q5

  • 134,630 miles
Recently bought my 2013 Audi Q5 in may of 2017 and seven days ago I began to have an issue with my vehicle roughly vibrating and experiencing low acceleration. I was blocks away from my home, but having it be rush hour and dealing with the current issues of my car suddenly losing power I am lucky to have made it home. Since my car will no longer start and not having the funds to have it towed to my nearest Audi dealer ship, I paid to have a mechanic service come and inspect the vehicle. Upon having the mechanic inspect my vehicle, I got the unfortunate news of what was wrong with my car. It seemed to be having a known issue with the VW/ Audi 2.0 timing chain. So, I was looking at roughly $2,500 in repairs on a timing chain replacement for my perfectly maintained and well cared for Audi. With further investigation my mechanic notified me that not only my vehicle is suffering from the well know timing chain issue but because of that it also resulted in catastrophic engine failure. I am now looking at a bill of over $7,000 for a new engine on my fairly new Audi.

- Countryside, IL, USA

problem #8

Nov 142017

Q5 4-cyl

  • 27,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Audi Q5. While driving at an unknown speed, smoke was seen under the hood. The contact was not able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road due to heavy traffic on the interstate. The contact was able to exit the vehicle without injuries. The vehicle burst into flames, which were extinguished by the fire department. A police report was filed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot where it was deemed destroyed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V622000 (electrical system) and 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: [xxx]. the approximate failure mileage was 27,000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Albany, GA, USA

problem #7

Jan 222018

Q5

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle began starting roughly 1/4/2018. Took it to the Audi dealership, where they determined that the timing chain and tensioner have failed. Vehicle has 50,000 miles.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #6

Dec 052017

Q5

  • 111,000 miles
Engine timing chain and tensioner failure

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #5

Oct 212017

Q5

  • 56,000 miles
Auxiliary water pump caught on fire. Car was parked. Noticed smoke coming from under hood. Opened hood and found flames (very small). Was able to put it out without vehicle damage. Towed to dealer and am awaiting results from Audi

- Tukwila, WA, USA

problem #4

Jul 282017

Q5

  • 74,173 miles
At 74,000 miles, our vehicle quit running. The timing chain had slipped and needed to be replaces along with a timing chain tensioner, guide rails and 8 intake valves. Just prior to quitting, the motor was revving while at stop lights. Fortunately, no accident occurred. Our repair shop indicated this is a very common defect with the Audi Q5 2.0 motors and that safety of driving is at risk with this common defect.

- Suttons Bay, MI, USA

problem #3

Jul 112017

Q5

  • 56,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving 70 mph on interstate 68 the engine light went on followed by the epc light. The car lost some power and the car began to sputter. By reducing the car speed to 40 mph I was able to exit the highway and pull into a car repair facility in hagerstown, md. I has the car towed back to the Audi dealer in tysons corner, va. It was determined that one of the four fuel injectors had failed which caused it to remain in the open position. The fuel injector was replaced. The service facility could not explain what might have caused the fuel injector to fail. They did test the other three fuel injectors and indicated they were fine. My car has approximately 57,000 miles on it and I am interested in learning whether you are aware of other fuel injector failures in this or other Audi vehicles.

- Mclean, VA, USA

problem #2

Mar 012017

Q5

  • 80,000 miles
Arrived at work. Within 10 minutes of arriving a coworker alerted my husband that his car was smoking. My husband went out to the car and there was smoke billowing from under the hood. He quickly opened the back door, grabbed his work issued laptop and by then it had burst into flames. This happened in March 1, 2017. We found online Audi was to release news to owners of a recall involving the coolant pump becoming blocked with debris and causing smoldering and possible fire. Well, there was definitely fire. The car is totaled- burned to a crisp. Fire department and police responded. The fire was put out and no one and no other property was damaged. Praise god it didn't happen in our garage!

- Nevada City, CA, USA

problem #1

Jun 252013

Q5 6-cyl

  • 2,000 miles
Unexpected braking. I at once pulled off the road into a driveway and attempted to place the vehicle in park but was unable to shift out of drive. I eventually was able to stop the engine with the shifter still in drive. I contacted the dealership and roadside assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. After 3 days at the dealership, I was told that diagnostic tests did not reveal any problem and that the dealership was unable to recreate the problem. The vehicle has been returned to me and I am awaiting further communication from Audi and/or recurrence of the problem. This has been the second problem I have had with this vehicle. The first problem occurred on the way home after purchase.. while driving, the check engine warning light came on. I contacted the dealership and was asked to return the vehicle to the dealership. After undergoing diagnostic testing, it was determined that the air intake manifold needed to be replaced.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA

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