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Audi Q2 GA buying guide

Audi's smallest SUV, on sale since late 2016, with three- and four-cylinder TFSI petrol engines, 1.6 and 2.0 TDI diesels, and quattro on the more powerful versions. The known faults are few and most of them can be checked at the viewing.

The versions

  • 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder petrol, 116PS, front-wheel drive
  • 1.4 TFSI COD petrol, 150PS, replaced by the 1.5 TFSI (35 TFSI), also 150PS, both able to shut down two cylinders on light load
  • 2.0 TFSI petrol, 190PS, with quattro and S tronic
  • 1.6 TDI diesel, 116PS, and 2.0 TDI diesel, 150PS or 190PS, with quattro available on the 2.0
  • 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
  • The SQ2 uses a 300PS 2.0 TFSI with quattro and S tronic

What to check on a Audi Q2

3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.

  1. Hesitation from cold on the 1.5 TFSI

    What to look for: On a 35 TFSI, ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive. In the first few minutes of driving, pull away gently and drive slowly. Note any jerking, bunny-hopping or hesitation, especially in the manual. Ask whether a dealer has applied a software update for it.

    Why it matters: The 1.5 TFSI is known for a low-speed hesitation during warm-up, often called kangarooing. Volkswagen Group released an engine software update for it across its brands in 2020, Audi included. A car that drives smoothly from cold, or has the update on record, is the one to look for.

  2. S tronic behaviour at low speed

    What to look for: On an automatic, do plenty of slow driving: pulling away gently, creeping in traffic, reversing and a hill start. Take-up should be smooth and prompt. Note any judder, a delay before drive engages, jerky changes between the low gears, or a gearbox warning.

    Why it matters: Low-speed jerks and delayed engagement are the usual complaints on the 7-speed S tronic. A software update and an oil service fix some cars; persistent judder points at the clutch pack or the mechatronic unit that controls the gearbox.

  3. The parking brake recall

    What to look for: Before you travel, give the registration or chassis number to an Audi dealer and ask whether all recalls are done. On a manual car built in 2017 or the first half of 2018, ask specifically about the electronic parking brake.

    Why it matters: Q2s built between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2018 were recalled because the electronic parking brake could release when the clutch pedal was released, a rollaway risk. The fix is a software update. Other recalls cover rear hub carriers on cars built in August 2017 and a fuse carrier power connector on cars built from October 2020 to May 2023.

Also in the full guide

  • The cambelt
  • Diesel particulate filter
  • Haldex coupling service on quattro cars
  • The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing

The full guide to the Audi Q2

The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.

£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.

Get the Audi Q2 guideSee a full guide free

General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.