Models · Audi
Audi Q5 FY buying guide
The second Q5, on sale since 2017 with 2.0 TDI diesels and a 2.0 TFSI petrol, mostly with quattro and S tronic, and a Sportback body from 2021. The petrol scores well for reliability; the main checks are recall work and the diesel emissions hardware.
The versions
- 2.0 TDI four-cylinder diesel with AdBlue, badged 35 TDI and 40 TDI
- 2.0 TFSI petrol, badged 45 TFSI, with quattro and S tronic
- Later diesels and petrols use a mild-hybrid system
- 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic on four-cylinder cars
- SUV and, from 2021, Sportback bodies; the plug-in hybrids aren't covered here
What to check on a second-generation Q5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Braking system recalls
What to look for: Before you travel, give the chassis number to an Audi dealer and ask whether all recalls are done. On the drive, the brake pedal should feel firm with consistent travel.
Why it matters: Three braking recalls cover this Q5: a coating fault on brake pistons for some cars built 20 March to 24 May 2018, a master cylinder fault on some built 9 August to 6 November 2018, and a caliper housing fault causing extra pedal travel on some built in January 2020. All were dealer fixes.
Passenger airbag recall
What to look for: On a car built in mid-2017, ask the dealer specifically about the passenger airbag recall and look for paperwork showing the work.
Why it matters: Some cars built from 1 June to 31 July 2017 had a passenger airbag that could snag on the dashboard structure and not deploy correctly. The fix was a replacement dashboard, so a car with it done will have a dealer record.
Mild-hybrid starter-generator recall
What to look for: On a mild-hybrid car, ask the dealer whether the starter-generator recall applies and has been done. On the drive, the stop-start should restart the engine smoothly with no warnings.
Why it matters: Mild-hybrid Q5s built from 1 June 2017 to 31 March 2020 were recalled because moisture could get into the combined starter motor and alternator. Most have been done by now.
Also in the full guide
- Diesel particulate filter
- AdBlue system
- Cambelt on the 2.0 TDI
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the second-generation Q5
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.
Other generations
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.