2017 Audi Sq5 problems

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The Audi Q5 is a series of compact luxury crossover SUVs produced by the German luxury car manufacturer Audi from 2008. The original first-generation (Typ 8R) model was the third member of the B8 family to be released after the Audi A5 and fourth-generation A4, all being based on the Audi MLB platform. The second generation Q5 (Typ 80A) debuted in 2016 and shares the Audi MLB Evo platform with the corresponding B9 versions of the A4 and A5.

First generation (Typ 8R; 2008)

Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept (2007)

A concept vehicle for the then upcoming Q5, this was a 2-door convertible with a 3.0 TDI engine rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) torque, quattro permanent four wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, Copper Sunset body, LED headlights, 21-inch wheels with 265/35R21 tyres, seats with White Stone leather upholstery, MMI, 505W Bang & Olufsen sound system and internet radio, CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, electric ride height adjustment (40 mm), 380/356 mm front/rear ceramic brake discs with 6-piston monobloc aluminium front, and floating rear callipers, Audi Drive Select. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Initial version

Q5 (2008)

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, and later at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Early models include the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (170PS), 3.0 TDI quattro.

Initial vehicle models for US, Canada & Brazil include the 3.2 FSI.

The Q5 commenced shipments in October 2008 for Europe, and in the first quarter of 2009 for North America.

The US model went on sale in March 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle. Early models include 3.2 FSI quattro and the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) was added in 2011 model year.

Indian models went on sale in June 2009, and were initially built by Audi's Ingolstadt facility, but are now being built at its Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India plant. Launch models include 3.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI (211 PS).

Middle East models went on sale in 2009 Q2. Launch models include 2.0 TFSI (211 PS), 3.2 FSI.

Japanese models include 2.0 TFSI quattro (211 PS), 3.2 FSI quattro.

2017 Audi Sq5

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Common 2017 Audi Sq5 problems

The 2017 Audi Q5 has been reported to have various common problems by its owners. One of the most prevalent issues is with the engine, with 14 NHTSA complaints.

Another problem area is the brakes, with three NHTSA complaints.

The Q5's passenger airbag is another problematic area, with some examples made between 1 June and 31 July 2017 having an issue where the bag might not deploy correctly in a collision due to snagging on structures inside the dashboard. This issue requires the replacement of the entire dashboard at an Audi dealership.

The front seats of some Q5s built between 29 June and 6 July 2020 may have an issue with the backrest adjuster, which requires inspection and possible replacement of the backrest if necessary.

Mild-hybrid equipped Q5 models made between 1 June 2017 and 31 March 2020 may have moisture getting into the combined starter motor and alternator, which can be resolved through a recall carried out by an Audi dealer.

Despite these issues, the 2017 Audi Q5 has been found to be a reliable car overall, with the petrol-engined model finishing eighth out of 24 cars in the large SUV category in the What Car? Reliability Survey, and the diesel-engined car finishing in 21st place out of 24.

2017 Audi Sq5 engine

Is SQ5 expensive to maintain?

Audi SQ5 Maintenance

Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi SQ5 will amount to $3,388 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.

What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?

What are common Audi Q5 problems?

  1. Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
  2. Defective timing chains. ...
  3. Start-stop system issues. ...
  4. Sunroof concerns. ...
  5. Leaky fuel pump flanges.

What is the problem with the Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI?

Problems? Well, some Q5 3.0 TDIs weren't trouble-free, pre-2012 models in particular suffering from excessive oil consumption (a litre every 1,500 miles), leaky fuel pumps, problems with the start-stop system, timing chain and tensioner failure and in one case at least complete transmission blow-up.

Is Audi SQ5 fuel efficient?

The 2024 Audi Q5 MPG is powerful and fuel-efficient on the highway, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 29 MPG (Highway)1 with its 40 TFSI powertrain. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI produces an EPA-estimated 28 MPG (Highway),2 and the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e has a plug-in hybrid powertrain for optimized fuel economy.

How reliable is the Audi Q5 2017?

How Reliable Is the 2017 Audi Q5? The 2017 Audi Q5 has a predicted reliability rating of two out of five from J.D. Power. This is the lowest possible rating (a score of three is average).

What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?

What are common Audi Q5 problems?

  1. Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
  2. Defective timing chains. ...
  3. Start-stop system issues. ...
  4. Sunroof concerns. ...
  5. Leaky fuel pump flanges.

What is the problem with the Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI?

Problems? Well, some Q5 3.0 TDIs weren't trouble-free, pre-2012 models in particular suffering from excessive oil consumption (a litre every 1,500 miles), leaky fuel pumps, problems with the start-stop system, timing chain and tensioner failure and in one case at least complete transmission blow-up.

Is Audi SQ5 fuel efficient?

The 2024 Audi Q5 MPG is powerful and fuel-efficient on the highway, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 29 MPG (Highway)1 with its 40 TFSI powertrain. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI produces an EPA-estimated 28 MPG (Highway),2 and the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e has a plug-in hybrid powertrain for optimized fuel economy.

2017 Audi Sq5 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Sq5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Steering problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Audi Sq5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2017 Audi Sq5 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Audi Sq5.

2021-09-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-09-29
  • VIN: WA1CCAFP5HA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Audi SQ5. The contact stated there was excessive heat coming from the engine. Additionally, there was moisture on the water pump. A message stating “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
2021-04-18

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-04-12
  • VIN: WA1CCAFP4HA
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE STEERING SYSTEM FROZE DURING OPERATION. SENSORS INDICATED CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN STORM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WHICH ALLOWED WATER INTO STEERING RACK MODULE. THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH AUDI SQ5 BASED ON MY RESEARCH AFTER INCIDENT. MY CONCERN THIS SYSTEM FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF FAILURE OCCURRED DURING HIGH SPEEDS AND HIGH TRAFFIC. ALSO, THE CAR HAD ITS REGULAR MAINTENANCE A FEW WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT.
2019-11-13

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-13
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WA1CCAFP1HA
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2017 AUDI SQ5. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONCRETE HOLDING THE STREET LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
2017-08-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-02
  • VIN: WA1C4AFY9J2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 (NA) AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO HIS RESIDENCE BY THE DEALER (BEVERLY HILLS AUDI IN BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA) AND WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. ON AUGUST 2, 2017, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PROGRAM THE CELLULAR PHONE AND THE OTHER FEATURES THAT THE NEW VEHICLE OFFERED. THE CONTACT PRESSED A BUTTON THAT CHANGED THE DRIVING MODE AND A PARKING BRAKE ERROR MESSAGE ILLUMINATED, ASKING THE DRIVER TO CONTACT AUDI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT AUDI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (BEVERLY HILLS AUDI) AND WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AROUND THE BLOCK TO SEE IF THE MESSAGE ERASED ITSELF AND, IF SO, NOT TO CALL BACK AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER (SANTA MONICA AUDI IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 171182952. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37.
2016-11-03

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-10-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WA1CCAFP8HA
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: DRIVERS VIEW IS LARGELY OBSTRUCTED (YOU COULD LOSE SIGHT OF A CROWD OF PEOPLE) BY THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DANGER TO ALL PEDESATRIANS CROSSING IN FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE THAT IS TURNING LEFT. AND ALSO AFFECTS THE VIEW ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I UNFORTUNATELY EXPERIENCED A LOW SPEED CRASH DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.

Negative 2017 Audi Sq5 car reviews

  1. Dorthy Smith 2024-03-21

    That's a very nice car! However, if you're planning on driving it a lot, be prepared to change the tires every 15-18KIm. I'm currently at 42k and have already had to change the tires twice. I'm eagerly waiting for the SQ7!

  2. Oran Runte 2024-03-14

    If you're interested, I have some experience with Audi ownership that might be helpful. I've owned a 2002 Audi S8 (which unfortunately had a massive engine failure despite an excellent service history), a 2014 Q5 TDI (which I affectionately refer to as the 'Expensive Vibrator'), and a 2008 S5 Coupe (which has been reliable so far, but I'll be parting with it soon). So, I'm not coming at this review from a place of inexperience. Now, let's get to the point - I'm currently dealing with a Lemon Law situation in Florida. I was disappointed with the delivery of the car, as the interior felt cheaply made. The standard seating is not great, and there are constant buzzers and alarms going off. The car is marketed as a Sport Utility Vehicle, but the utility aspect is a bit of a joke. The doors lock when you don't want them to, and there are various alarms and warnings that seem to go off for no reason. These are all minor annoyances, though. The real trouble started on a long road trip, shortly after the 5,000 mile service. About 300 miles into the trip, the add oil light came on. I pulled off at a service station, but couldn't find the oil dip stick. When I called the dealer (Reeves of Tampa, who I've dealt with before and have always had a good experience with), I was informed that they don't use dip sticks anymore. Long story short, I ended up having to add about 1/3 of a quart of oil every 500 miles. When I got home, I brought the car in and they had it for about a week. They said it was fixed, but within 110 miles, the light came on again. They had it for another two weeks (bringing the total to 15 days, which is the Lemon Law limit), but the light came on yet again. The whole point of this car is for my commute from Tampa, FL to outside New Orleans, LA. I can't afford to be late because I'm constantly checking to see if I need to add oil. So, I started the Lemon Law process. Audi had 10 days to respond, but it took them 14 days. I took the car back to Reeves for one final repair attempt. They're allowed 10 days, but it took them 15 days. They told me it was fixed, but the lights are on again.The Better Business Bureau, which is the organization one must go through, stated today that Audi considers the car fixed. However, I just took it to the dealer again today to have them manually check the oil before my next road trip. I am disappointed with Audi Engineering (which seems to be run by accounting these days) and their customer support. I have never received a courtesy call from Audi where they sincerely apologize for my situation. Instead, they just ignore the timelines set forth by the State of Florida. Now, whether that is due to arrogance, incompetence or being understaffed (due to more accountant management), I cannot say, but it is not very impressive whatever the case is. I requested that this be resolved by 23 December as I have to travel for business again, but that request was not acknowledged. Perhaps Audi should revise their slogan from Volkswagen has agreed to give me what I had been requesting for over a year, and they have also agreed to pay my attorney's fees. However, due to the way I was treated during this process, I have decided to part ways with Volkswagen and the local dealership, Reeves Audi of Tampa. I have been a loyal customer of theirs for 15 years with Porsche and Audi, but unfortunately, the poor treatment I received has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have reported their unfair and deceptive business practices to the Federal Trade Commission and the Florida Attorney General's office. I recently received an email from Edmunds to update my review, but I have nothing more to add or edit. Thank you for your understanding.

Positive 2017 Audi Sq5 car reviews

  1. Wilber Leuschke 2025-08-01

    It's great to hear that you still have your SQ5 after almost 5 years and 108k miles! It sounds like it's been a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for you. I understand that it's time for some preventative maintenance, like replacing the PVC valve and overhauling the supercharger. It's unfortunate that German vehicles can sometimes have overcomplicated parts, but I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. It's understandable that you don't trust the dealership to do a good job, especially after your experience with the battery replacement. It's always frustrating when simple tasks aren't done correctly. It's good to hear that you're considering an electric or electric hybrid vehicle for your next vehicle. It's important to keep up with maintenance, and it sounds like you have a few items that need attention, like the motor mounts and positive ventilation control valve. Replacing the transmission mounts and front & rear torsion bars might also be a good idea to restore the tightness in the chassis and suspension. Overall, it sounds like you're taking good care of your SQ5 and making informed decisions about your future vehicle. Keep up the good work!The vehicle still appeals to me for its acceleration and handling. I added 12mm spacers with upsizing tires to 265 40R21, which filled out the wheel well very well and looked flush with the outside of the fender. The 265 size tires were a great choice as the “odd size” made them cheaper and I did not have to replace my factory rims. Although the interior looks a little dated compared to later models, it is still acceptable. I really enjoy the power the supercharger provides, so I am not ready to trade in this vehicle yet! It's been six months and over 20,000 miles on the vehicle, on freeways and heavy traffic of Houston. Amazingly, the SQ5 has held up very well to my assertive driving. Its quality still impresses me. Even my wife now has admiration and respect for its acceleration, handling, and quality. Things I still like about the SQ5 are its power, acceleration, handling, and overall quality. Its suspension reacts with impressive suppleness on some of the most wretched concrete pavement around Houston, even with 40 profile tires. This vehicle really deserves wider tires. I was toying with either a staggered look in the rear tires from 255s to 285s, or 295s, or 265s all around with either 10mm or 15mm wheel spacers to more fill out the wheel wells. The transmission has been lately snapping into 2nd gear (I think) with a jolt. Not all the time though, that's why the dealership says they couldn't replicate the problem. Thank God for the 50K miles warranty, or another 4 months for me! The sound system is great with Bang & Olufsen! I am averaging between 21 to 25 mpg through Houston traffic. Things I am not so crazy about are the two-step fan control. Now I just leave the temperature on auto and it works well. The humongous blind spots of the curbs created by side view mirrors shy me to make wider turns. The mirrors need to be lower and smaller. The 2019 models look changed, hopefully improved. The narrowness of the front seats is appalling.I can't believe the engineers at Audi ergo messed up such a great car. Unless you have a Michael Jackson's butt, the seats will dig into your torso. However, I'm willing to put up with them because I really enjoy driving this vehicle! I recently bought it at 15,300 miles and have already driven over 4000 miles in about 6 weeks, mainly for urban commuting. The SQ5 has outshined my previous makes and models in almost every aspect, from interior quality to performance, agility, steering precision, and nimbleness in maneuvering. I truly enjoy the new found, near instant acceleration, which is very useful in overtaking slow-pokes on Houston freeways and ingressing from ramps to freeways. The braking is also quite impressive with its massive front rotors and pads. The interior fit and finish oozes quality and attention to detail, from knurled knobs to beautifully contoured dash and center console, and a smooth metal and leather round gearshift knob. All controls are quite logical. Although the front seats are beautifully made, they are narrow for the North American body type. I am just over 200lbs, but wish the seats were a bit wider for drives longer than an hour. The view out the front, sides, and up is great, except for the massive blind spots from the two side view mirrors. Not exactly 'Mickey Mouse ears' mirrors, they still block your view of the curb you are turning into. Be very careful not to hit the curb with those awesome 21' wheels. I truly enjoy driving the SQ5 every chance I get. It sure feels like a refreshing change from the Merc and the BMW, which seem to have become so mainstream with the soccer moms.The styling, lines, and curves are mild and understated, which is a refreshing change from the crazy and faddish Japanese exterior designs that have been popular lately. I hope that the SQ5 will not only perform well but also prove to be durable.

  2. Sidney Jakubowski 2025-06-03

    Punch the gas and hold on! This baby will fly. Unfortunately, flying takes lots of fuel. On the plus side, I can cruise at 80 at 2,000 rpm. I absolutely love the trim and tech features. By the way, does anyone really use the paddles?

  3. Kenton Feil 2025-04-16

    This Audi SQ5 is truly an amazing car! It may have less acceleration than my previous BMW 335i sport line, but everything else is extremely comparable. The handling is tight on curvy NC mountain roads, and it crushes light to light performance on the straight roads of Florida. It also has a limo-like feel for date nights with my wife, and of course, the Quattro safety is unbeatable. I cannot say enough great things about it. Even my wife, who is a hard sell on my sports car addiction, loves it and uses it as her daily driver, passing by our corvettes, BMW M4, and even a Hummer that she calls 'too slow' (and it is). We have had several Audis in the past, including an A6 4.2 and an S4 Cabrio, but this is by far our best Audi yet!

  4. Mohammed Miller 2025-03-01

    Call me old-fashioned, but I absolutely love the era of Audi vehicles with the click-wheel interface. Everything just seems to be placed in just the right spot for my hands, without having to remember where everything is. At 105,000 miles, I have never had a major service issue (knock on wood) and I plan to keep this car until it's dead!

  5. Angus Dooley 2025-02-23

    I had a 2011 Audi convertible which I loved, but I needed a little more room. After one test drive in the SQ5, I couldn't stop thinking about it until I bought it. I have the prestige model with the silver inlay dash accents. The SUV, inside and out, is a real beauty. The engine is so smooth and fast, it's amazing. I've only had it for a month, but I can't wait to drive it every day.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2017 Audi Sq5 problems:

SQ5 Common Faults, issues, qualms? - AudiWorld Forums
SQ5 Common Faults, issues, qualms? - AudiWorld Forums
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mki-8r-discussion-129/sq5-common-faults-issues-qualms-3032419/

Jan 12, 2022 ... SQ5 Common Faults, issues, qualms? · Water pump and thermostat issues. · PCV under the supercharger. · Noisy timing chain tensioners on cold ...

2017 Audi Q5 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy ...
2017 Audi Q5 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/audi/q5/2017

Jun 6, 2023 ... The 2017 Audi Q5 lasts around 200,000 miles with some fuel pump and brake wear issues reported. At $28,700 to $38,100, it's a decent value for a ...

2016 SQ5 common problems? Carbon blast, maintenance ...
2016 SQ5 common problems? Carbon blast, maintenance ...
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mki-8r-discussion-129/2016-sq5-common-problems-carbon-blast-maintenance-nightmare-etc-2988398/

Feb 21, 2020 ... 5 Q5/SQ5 is very dependable. The only areas that seem to fail prematurely depending on year are the water pump/t-stat/oil separator. Also some ...

2017 Audi SQ5 - Is anyone else having issues with high fuel and oil ...
2017 Audi SQ5 - Is anyone else having issues with high fuel and oil ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/zial1a/2017_audi_sq5_is_anyone_else_having_issues_with/

Dec 11, 2022 ... Audis are notorious for guzzling oil, whether its the twin-turbo or naturally aspirated 4.2L V8, or either of the supercharged or turbocharged ...

2017 Audi SQ5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2017 Audi SQ5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/audi/sq5/2017/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2017 Audi SQ5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Audi Sq5

audi sq5 2018 photo
Sq5 2018
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20

5

18

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audi sq5 2019 photo
Sq5 2019
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13

5

17

  • 5
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audi sq5 2020 photo
Sq5 2020
Audi

5

4

27

  • 5
  • 4
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  • 1
audi sq5 2021 photo
Sq5 2021
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5

5

24

  • 5
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audi sq5 2022 photo
Sq5 2022
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0

2

30

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  • 1
audi sq5 2023 photo
Sq5 2023
Audi

0

0

28

  • 5
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  • 1

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