Audi Q5 2nd generation (2016–2024)
Generation-specific owner insights from 144+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2016–2024 Q5?
788
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2024
48
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2016-2024 Q5 generally describe it as a solid, comfortable, and reliable luxury compact SUV, with the 2.0T EA888 engine and DL382 transmission repeatedly called "tried and tested," "near-bulletproof," and Audi's "bread and butter" model.
17 problems reported (6 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentWater pump leaks/failure
- RecurrentPCV valve failure
- RecurrentTiming chain stretch requiring replacement
+ 14 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentOil consumption
- RecurrentElectronics and software glitches
Including MMI login/initialization problems and random system warnings.
- RecurrentSuspension components and consumables wearing out
- IsolatedSunroof creaking or rattling
- IsolatedTurbo failure at very high mileage
- IsolatedThrottle body failure causing limp mode
- IsolatedECM replacement not resolving limp mode
- IsolatedA/C evaporator failure with large repair quote
- IsolatedCatastrophic engine failure on a stock, well-maintained 2018 2.0 TFSI at 35,000 miles
- IsolatedTransmission control module and valve body failure
- IsolatedTurbo pressure sensor failure
- IsolatedBattery-related dashboard warning cascades
- IsolatedSOS light and connected features inoperative on a new 2024
- IsolatedOBD communication issue causing a smog failure
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 45 TFSI 2.0T with the DL382 transmission in Premium Plus or Prestige trim, with 2021 and later facelift cars (touchscreen MMI) and 2023 examples specifically described as solid. Owners repeatedly recommend Premium Plus or Prestige over base Premium for feature content.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX, BMW X3 and Porsche Macan.
Is a 2016–2024 Q5 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2016-2024 Q5 generally describe it as a solid, comfortable, and reliable luxury compact SUV, with the 2.0T EA888 engine and DL382 transmission repeatedly called "tried and tested," "near-bulletproof," and Audi's "bread and butter" model. Praise centers on comfort, acceleration, highway confidence, and the fact that most examples stay trouble-free through the first 80,000-100,000 miles with routine maintenance. Criticism focuses on rising maintenance and repair costs after roughly 100,000 miles, expensive dealer service, and specific recurring items such as water pumps, PCV valves, and electronics/software glitches. Early B9 years (2016-2018) draw more caution about oil consumption history and timing chain service, while later years (2021-2024) are described as having "worked out most of the earlier gen gremlins," though the newest 2024-2025 examples show a distinct cluster of electrical and software complaints.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Q5 as more fun to drive and more luxurious than mainstream Japanese rivals, with one owner arguing German cars "confidently cruise at 100mph" where a CR-V would feel strained. Against the RAV4 and CX-5, owners concede the Japanese options are cheaper to maintain and better value for younger or budget-constrained buyers, with several advising a first-car buyer to take the Mazda instead of an out-of-warranty Q5. The SQ5 is treated as the same platform with more power and a harsher ride, and the Macan is floated as a nicer-driving alternative under the same parent company. Against the Land Cruiser, owners argue the Q5 will not cost anywhere near the price gap to keep on the road, especially while under warranty.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 45 TFSI 2.0T over the plug-in hybrid variants, calling the standard 2.0 petrol "tried and tested." Premium Plus or Prestige trim is "highly recommended" over Premium for a proper luxury feel. The 2021 model year is singled out as a good used target because of the mid-generation facelift and touchscreen MMI, and 2023 is described as solid. Several owners suggest CPO cars with remaining warranty, and one advises avoiding the first model year of any new launch. For high-mileage shoppers, owners recommend prioritizing documented maintenance history over low mileage.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a comfortable, quick, luxury compact SUV and are willing to budget for maintenance, ideally with warranty coverage or a CPO car. Owners repeatedly warn that out-of-warranty examples near or above 100,000 miles get expensive fast, and that a 165,000-mile example is "end of life" in North America. Buyers are advised to have a pre-purchase inspection, verify service records, and specifically check the water pump, PCV valve, timing chain stretch, and transmission service history. Owners recommend oil changes at 5,000-8,000 miles rather than the longer factory interval, and note that DSG transmission fluid and filter service around 40,000-50,000 miles is important even though Audi's schedule is vague. Independent European shops are widely recommended over dealerships once out of warranty, and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is cited as protecting warranty coverage when servicing outside the dealer.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that this generation is best owned with warranty coverage, and several owners describe leasing or trading before major maintenance begins. Owners note that all US B9 Q5 non-SQ5 models use Quattro Ultra, which adds an AWD clutch fluid to service costs, and that Audi does not publish a proper DSG filter schedule. One owner reports a 2019 example reaching 197,000 miles with only consumables and another reaching 273,000 miles before the turbo failed, while others report needing a timing chain at 130,000 miles on a three-year-old car. Owners repeatedly stress that maintenance records matter more than mileage when buying used. Analysis based on approximately 144 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 34 | 4 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2023 | 43 | 5 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2022 | 45 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 251 | 8 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 37 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 52 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 207 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 42 | 5 | engine |
| 2016 | 77 | 5 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V080000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
2024 · enginecampaign 25V294000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 24V898000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Audi Q5 PHEV and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V080000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
2023 · enginecampaign 25V294000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
2022 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2022 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 24V898000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Audi Q5 PHEV and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
2022 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V080000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
19 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.