Timing chains are standard on all Audi Q5 engines from the 2008 to 2021 model years. From 2008 to 2021, every Audi Q5 engine is interference.
In a combustion engine, the timing belt (or chain) maintains the correct synchronization between the various engine parts.
Serious engine damage may result if the belt or chain strains or breaks.
Timing chains are typically rated for the lifespan of the engine, while timing belts have a suggested replacement interval, however they do need to be inspected on occasion.
Understanding the timing system in your car or a potential purchase might help you save future costs and hassles.
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In This Article...
When should an Audi Q5’s timing chain be changed?
Older cars might have a timing chain, which is comparable to a motorbike chain and has a lifespan of about 60,000 miles. For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that.
Do Audis use a timing chain or belt?
So what distinguishes a timing chain from a timing belt? Both a timing chain and belt perform the same basic function. These mechanisms are created to maintain the relative position of the valves opening and closing to the position of the piston as the engine is running, regardless of whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, or BMW with an internal timing chain, or an Audi or Volkswagen with an external timing belt. When a valve is opened at the incorrect time, it may come into contact with the piston and cause a catastrophic engine failure.
The piston will raise (building compression) and the valves will open precisely, allowing air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust to depart in less than one thousandth of a second in an engine with perfectly timed ignition. When valves open or close prematurely or lately due to a timing issue, the piston will be driven into the valve, most frequently bending the valve and possibly punching a hole in the piston crown, rendering the engine worthless. These fixes could cost as little as $4,000 to $5,000 or, depending on the engine, much more.
An internal timing chain is used by brands including Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These chains are stronger and less prone to break on their own. The same outcome is more frequently experienced when other chain-holding components, including chain tensioners and chain guides, fail. Check engine lights and a rattling sound, which is typically heard while starting an engine, are early warning indicators of a breakdown.
Initially using timing chains, Audi and Volkswagen switched to an external timing belt in the 1980s, 1990s, and the majority of the 2000s (now returning to chain drive systems). The timing belt is simpler to inspect and replace than the timing chain. On most models, replacing a timing belt with all associated parts (including a water pump on most models) costs between $700 and $900, which is significantly less than doing the same for a timing chain. The external timing belt’s drawback is that, like all belts, it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. Timing belts should typically be changed every 80,000 miles, or every five years. Each time they are serviced or at least once a year, these should be visually inspected.
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Which Audi is experiencing timing chain issues?
The 3.2 and 3.6 liter Audi engines, as well as the 3.6 liter Volkswagen engines, all frequently experience timing chain problems after 60,000 or so miles. This covers the years 2008 through 2015. We offer a 2 Year Nationwide Warranty on Parts and Labor, which is twice as long as the new car dealer, and our crew has well over 100 years of combined experience working on vehicles just like yours!
Failure of the Audi Timing Chain It’s important to pay attention to timing chain problems or Check Engine lights. While the engine is operating, it may result in the intake or exhaust valves making contact with the piston. If this occurs, you will need to remove the cylinder head and replace the valves. Currently, you won’t
Additionally, the pistons, cylinder walls, and cylinder head would need to be inspected to make sure no additional harm was done.
How can you tell if this incident included your car? You may experience any of the following problems if this chain is worn out or fails. engine sounds when starting up, No start condition, fault codes P0016 (Crank/ Cam position sensor correlation), or P0328, as well as timing chain jumping (because of which you probably have major engine damage) (Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input).
Which automobiles are impacted? It’s hard to say for sure, but based on all of our expertise, we think that any Audi and VW have problems with their timing chains and tensioners. Never drive with the Check Engine light on; this is a serious warning sign. Have the vehicle inspected. We advise verifying to make sure because we can’t be completely certain.
How widespread is this? Although the frequency of this has yet to be determined, here are my opinions. You should unquestionably have your system tested because this problem is widespread. Why? Engines are far more expensive than a timing chain kit upgrade because driving while your tensioner is out of date is a pretty big gamble.
What should I budget for? Realistically, upgrading the tensioner will take more than half a day of shop time to do. However, completing this will guarantee that your car has the most recent update, which should stop any more problems.
What issues does the Audi Q5 have?
For many American families, compact SUVs and crossovers have replaced larger SUVs as their preferred vehicles. However, many automobile purchasers desire something else than the Ford Escapes, Toyota RAV4s, and Honda CR-Vs that dominate today’s driveways and parking spaces. Audi and other high-end automakers are happy to fill this requirement. The Q5, the brand’s initial entrance into this very competitive market, swiftly rose to the top spot in sales. So, if you’re searching for a used luxury SUV, it makes sense to give an Audi Q5 some thought. In light of this, let’s examine the Audi Q5 years to stay away from.
Essential Info on Audi Q5 Years To Avoid
This year-by-year examination includes information on owner-reported problems, manufacturer-authorized recalls, and technical service bulletin (TSB) reports. TSBs, also referred to as “hidden recalls, are manufacturer-generated repair guidelines without the same legal weight as a recall. A TSB-related issue might range from little things like upgrading maintenance procedures to handling serious mechanical issues. Due to the complexity of modern automobiles, it’s also not unusual for a carmaker to release dozens, if not hundreds, of TSBs for a single model year.
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Audi Q5 Generations
The Q5 has been made by Audi in two generations. The first was constructed between 2009 and 2017, and the second has been manufactured since 2018. The 20192022 model years will be skipped since there isn’t much available about these newest Q5s.
Audi Q5
The Q5’s first model year is 2009, and it’s generally a smart idea to steer clear of an entirely new vehicle’s first year. Despite the low number of complaints from consumers (just 32; see chart above), this may be because fewer than 14,000 Q5s were sold in the U.S. during the model’s first year. Audi, on the other hand, shipped close to 70,000 Q5s in 2018.
Problems with seatbelts and airbags are the most frequent owner complaints, followed by problems with the fuel system. It comes as no surprise that these problems are at the center of all six recalls. It’s challenging to identify a single, serious problem area with 606 TSBs for the fifth quarter of 2009. However, it is advisable to first look through the TSB reports for a potential cause and remedy if your 2009 Q5 is acting up.
Audi Q5
Reports continue to identify the same airbag, seatbelt, and fuel system issues as complaints rise along with sales volume for the 2010 Q5. Of course, these issues are addressed by the four recalls for this model year. For this model year, there are 759 more TSB reports. Thus, one of the years to steer clear of for the Audi Q5 is 2010.
Audi Q5
The 2011 Q5s are still subject to the same recalls that apply to older versions. At the same time, reports of engine issues including excessive oil use begin to surface. It is important to take note of the 895 TSBs and the 191 complaints, which are up by 60% for this model year. For the Audi Q5, 2011 is again another year to forego.
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Audi Q5
There have now been 206 complaints filed against the 2012 Audi Q5. Additionally, we observe problems like engine failure and sunroof failure (for which a recall was issued) that were previously experienced by owners of prior models. Additionally, the automaker issues 985 technical service bulletins. 2012 is the Audi Q5 year to steer clear of.
Audi Q5
The 2013 Audi Q5 has less than 100 complaints, although some owners have reported electrical and steering issues. These are more recent faults that weren’t noticeable in prior Q5s. 1309 TSBs have been issued, which is the most for any Q5 year. The 2013 BMW X5 has 363 TSBs in contrast. Corrections for the cooling and electrical systems are among the recalls for this model year. If you’re considering a 2013 Audi Q5, proceed with care.
Audi Q5
Consumer Reports assigns a Q5 a “good reliability rating” for the first time. When looking for a secondhand car, though, don’t rely exclusively on this review. Has the car undergone a mechanic’s inspection? Nevertheless, there are still 111 documented complaints about typical issues such excessive oil usage.
Audi Q5
The Q5 makes a turn for the 2015 model year. Consumer Reports rates the SUV as having “fair reliability” and notes that complaints and TSBs (867) are on the decline. At the same time, reports of typical issues have decreased as well, including steering and oil use. If you’re looking for a secondhand Q5, a 2015 is less of a worry.
Audi Q5
As the trend of decreased complaints and TSBs (672) continues, a 2016 Q5 is a strong contender for a used Audi. The model year receives a decent grade from Consumer Reports, and individual complaints are generally dispersed among a range of problems. In other words, unlike previous years, there isn’t just one major issue.
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Audi Q5
Another excellent option for a pre-owned Audi is the final year of the first-generation Q5. The Q5 has received far fewer complaints than in its early years, and Consumer Reports has given it a “very good rating.” Comparatively speaking to past Q5 years, TSBs are small at 473. It’s usual for a car’s final model year to have numerous bugs ironed out by this time.
Audi Q5
Given that the 2018 Q5 is a completely new model, you should think carefully about whether purchasing a secondhand one makes sense. The 2018 model has a thumbs up (good rating) from Consumer Reports and has a low complaint frequency. The majority of complaints revolve on various electrical problems without any obvious difficulty sites. The manufacturer’s warranty can still be active on a used 2018 Q5. If so, make sure to look over the manufacturer’s service and maintenance records.
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