My pampered 2014 Q5 had only 59,000 miles on it and needed a tensioner and timing chain replaced at the Audi dealership for over $5100! Are you kidding me? I may have the record for the most expensive timing chain repair in the US. So much for German engineering and fixing a previous Q5 problem. This will be my first and last Audi I ever own.
Audi has been sued for this problem before, up to the 2012 model, and apparently has not fixed it on the new ones. When I asked Audi about doing something on the cost, they told me the car wasn't covered by the class action lawsuit so it wasn't their problem.
Initial symptom was a strong smell of gasoline, which never recurred, and was apparently unrelated.
Was told the stretched timing chain was a non warranty item by Audi dealer. I’ve owned over a dozen vehicles over 30 years and never heard of a stretched timing chain. Could obviously lead to catastrophic engine failure down the road. Had repaired at repair shop specializing in European autos.
At 64,683 miles the check engine light started coming on intermittently. Took it to local Audi dealer to check. I was told the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced!!! "cold start fuel performance fault caused by stretched timing chain -9.95 degrees" This year is outside of the law suit that forced Audi to repair the 2008-2012 timing belts, so they said I have to pay to fix. A failure of this magnitude at 64,683 miles is ridiculous!! Sounds to me like either Audi didn't fix the problem and the law suit needs to be reopened, or I am being fed a load of crap.
Another complaint about my Audi. Took it to the dealership for a loud noise coming from the rear axle area. Found out that the wheel bearings were out and needed to be replaced but was also told that the timing chain was stretched and also needed to be replaced. The estimate for this repair (just the timing chain) was just over $3K. No timing chain should fail at 67,000 miles, much less one on a supposed premium vehicle. Audi is kidding themselves thinking they are in the elite vehicle group.
My last two vehicles, Acura and Infiniti were elite vehicles and their dealerships treated their customers well regardless of whether or not you purchased the vehicle new from them. My Acura had a transmission issue at seven years old and 80,000 miles and I was the second owner yet Acura replaced the transmission under warranty, no questions asked and no money out of pocket. Shame on me for not buying another Acura or Japanese vehicle. I will never make that mistake again. Save yourself some aggravation but more than that, save yourself some money and don't buy an Audi. You will regret it as I am now. They are living in the past as I believe they made a quality vehicle at one time but they have cheapened up all their components now and they are a joke. DO NOT BUY AUDI.
- g scott,
Findlay, US
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Noticed through research that VW/Audi are well aware of a timing chain issue. They did not issue a recall but made it a limited time in 2018 for reimbursement. This is not cool. A timing belt should not run out with only 65,000 miles on a car. The repair is insane as well. Car value is $13,000 and its over $5,000 to fix.
Took car in to dealership to diagnose engine light. The dealer says the timing chain is bad and wants 4k to replace it. This car only has 75k miles on it. Needless to say did not pay for this - should this be covered?? Seems extreme for a car that is only driven maybe 50 miles a week if that and only has 75k miles on it. What are my options??
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My pampered 2014 Q5 had only 59,000 miles on it and needed a tensioner and timing chain replaced at the Audi dealership for over $5100! Are you kidding me? I may have the record for the most expensive timing chain repair in the US. So much for German engineering and fixing a previous Q5 problem. This will be my first and last Audi I ever own.
- q5-joe, Seattle, US