Audi Q5 8R (2008-2017): known problems and buying guide

An average used SUV when serviced, but check the S tronic, petrol oil use and the timing chain first, and ask for recall proof on every car.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€488	€18,990	403	Diesel	CNH	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2015–2016
2.0 TDI, 190 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€519	€18,990	403	Diesel	CNH	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2014–2016
3.0 TDI, 258 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€585	€15,750	178	Diesel	CTB	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2013–2016
2.0 TDI, 177 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€520	€12,950	131	Diesel	CGL	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2012–2014
3.0 TDI, 245 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€577	€11,999	122	Diesel	CDU	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2012–2014
SQ5 TDI competition, 326 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€674	€18,999	96	Diesel	CVU	Automatic (8)	2015–2017
SQ5 TDI, 313 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€672	€15,950	94	Diesel	CVU	Automatic (8)	2013–2015
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual	€478	€13,900	57	Diesel	CSU	Manual (6)	2013–2016
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive	€497	€13,900	57	Diesel	CSU	Manual (6)	2013–2016
2.0 TDI, 163 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€518	€16,900	56	Diesel	CNH	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2014–2016
2.0 TFSI, 225 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€552	€13,700	55	Petrol	CNC	Automatic (8)	2012–2015

Years: built 2008 to 2017. Facelift in 2012. The facelift brought better piston rings and a better timing chain on the 2.0 TFSI.
Most common: S tronic gearbox faults, oil burnt by the 2.0 TFSI, and front hub bearings.
Reliability: 3/5, because the S tronic, petrol oil use and timing chain faults are costly. AUTO BILD's TÜV table also shows fewer defects than average at 10 to 11 years.
DIY: 2/5, because gearbox, chain and oil repairs need a workshop. The checks below need no tools unless marked.
Prefer: a facelift car with proof of piston and chain work. Avoid: an early 2.0 TFSI that burns oil with no repair proof, and any S tronic that jerks or shows fault codes.

2.0 TFSI EA888 gen 2 (CDN, CNC): oil use, timing chain stretch, ignition coils and variable oil pump faults are reported. Water pump and thermostat leaks are also reported. See the 2.0 TFSI guide for gen 3.
2.0 TDI EA189 (CGL, CJC, CSU): EGR, DPF and injector faults. See the 2.0 TDI guide.
2.0 TDI EA288 (CNH): coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults. See the 2.0 TDI EA288 guide.
3.0 TDI V6 (CCW, CDU, CTB, CVU, DEH): soot, EGR and DPF faults at high mileage. No guide exists for this engine.
S tronic DL501 7-speed dual clutch (0B5): jerking, clutch wear and mechatronic faults. Details below.
8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP): see the ZF 8HP guide for shift faults and leaks.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
S tronic gearbox faults	S tronic DL501 (7-speed dual clutch)	30,000-60,000 km	About 300,000 RUB (Russia, 2023, kolesa.ru)
Petrol timing chain stretch	2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN, CNC), mainly before the 2012 facelift	70,000-180,000 km	Mid four-figure EUR (KFZ Dietrich, year not stated)
Petrol oil consumption	2.0 TFSI gen 2 (CDN, CNC), mainly before the 2012 facelift	40,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price
V6 diesel soot, EGR and DPF	3.0 TDI V6	Mainly high mileage	No confirmed price
Brake booster from oil vapour	3.0 TDI V6, built March to December 2012	Not stated	No confirmed price
Panoramic roof water leaks	Panoramic roof, 2011 on	Not stated	No confirmed price
Front hub bearings and arms	All, hub bearings first	20,000-30,000 km before 2012, 70,000-90,000 km after	No confirmed price

Ask for the S tronic oil-change record, due every 50,000 to 60,000 km. On a test drive, jerks at low speed or a stall are a warning. A scanner can read fault codes P17BF and P189C; both point to a mechatronic fault. Needs a scanner.
Start the engine fully cold and listen for a metal rattle in the first seconds. A rattle means a stretched chain or a weak tensioner. A scanner can show the chain fault counter, and a count above 3 on cold starts is a warning. Needs a scanner.
Check the oil level on a cold engine and ask for the top-up history. Burning more than about 1 litre per 1,000 km is a warning. Ask for proof of the TPI 2 service action or a piston replacement.
Ask for DPF and EGR cleaning records. A car used only on short trips is at risk of a clogged filter and soot in the EGR.
Ask whether the brake booster recall was done on a 3.0 TDI built in 2012. Check the vacuum line for a check valve. A failed booster means no brake assist.
Look for water in the footwell and under the headliner, and check the roof drains. Water in the headliner can corrode the curtain airbag cylinder.
On a test drive, listen for a hum from the front wheels and feel for vague steering over bumps. A creaking front end can mean worn ball joints.
Check every recall by VIN before you buy. The UK recall list filters by model year, not by VIN.

Operational	€216
Workshop	€141
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€178
Total per month	€535
New-car depreciation (not included)	€108

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.