Used Audi Q5 2017-present reliability
Category: Large SUV
Superb to drive and relatively cheap to run, the Audi Q5 is one of the best large SUVs you can buy.
What should I look for in a used Audi Q5 4x4?
Check for bodywork scuffs from car parking in urban areas, and for kerb damage to the alloy wheels. Also check that all seats operate as they should, and the tailgate works correctly.
Other than that, the Q5 is too new for it to have accumulated any data on various problem areas. The old model was known to suffer with some automatic gearbox failures, and oil consumption on the petrol-engined cars could be high.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi Q5 4x4?
Wheel arch liner
The wheel arch liner of cars built up to the 16 October 2019 could come loose and will require additional fixings to be installed by a technician at an Audi dealer.
Brake master cylinder
An issue with the brake master cylinder fitted to some Q5s made between 9 August and 6 November 2018 could compromise safety. Find out if your car is affected by speaking with an Audi dealer because a new master cylinder will need to be fitted to sort the problem.
Increased brake pedal travel
A faulty part in the braking system of some Q5s manufactured between 1 and 30 January 2020 could lead to increased brake pedal travel over what it should be normally. Speak to an Audi dealer for further information, because a new caliper housing will need to be fitted to prevent this problem from occurring.
Brake pistons
A fault with the protective coating on brake pistons of Q5s constructed between 20 March and 24 May 2018 could impact the operation of the brakes and lead to increased braking distances. Find out if your car is affected by speaking with an Audi dealer for further information.
Passenger airbag
The passenger airbag in some examples made between 1 June and 31 July 2017 might not deploy correctly in a collision because the bag itself snags on structures inside the dashboard. To fix this issue, the whole dashboard will need to be replaced at an Audi dealership.
Faulty backrest adjuster
The front seats of some Q5s built between 29 June and 6 July 2020 could have an issue with the backrest adjuster. Find out from your local dealer if your car is affected by this because it'll need to be inspected and have the backrest replaced if necessary.
Mild hybrid starter motor and alternator
Moisture has been found to get into the combined starter motor and alternator of mild-hybrid equipped Q5 models made between 1 June 2017 and 31 March 2020. Your Audi dealer will be able to find out if your car is one of those affected by this and schedule to have this recall carried out.
Is a used Audi Q5 4x4 reliable?
According to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the Q5 is a reliable car, more so than the slightly troublesome model it replaced.
The petrol-engined model finished eighth out of 24 cars in the large SUV category, with a good overall score of 95.6%, above the equivalent BMW X3 and X5, but below the Volvo XC60, while the diesel-engined car finished in 21st place ot of 24. Check out the full list here.
Audi as a brand finished in 26th place out of 32 manufacturers, above Jaguar and Vauxhall but below most of its major rivals. Check out the full list of manufacturers here.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
