Audi Q5 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Are you considering getting an Audi Q5 as your next car?

Audi is an impressive automaker, so getting one is a good choice.

The Audi Q5 has had some fantastic, terrible, and other years that fall somewhere in the middle, just like every other vehicle on the road.

It’s critical to understand which models fall into each category before purchasing.

This article lists the top and worst models.

Any models not mentioned fit in the center, so if you’re interested in one, learn more about them.

Are you an Audi Fan? Maybe you like this article: reliable Audi cars

VIDEO: Audi Q5 Review

Audi Q5 Best and Worst Years

The finest years for the Audi Q5 are, according to Motor and Wheels, 2009, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. CoPilot advises staying away from the 2009 model year and the first year of a brand-new car. The worst years for the Audi Q5, according to WVdot.com, are 2014, 2012, 2013, 2011, and 2018. According to Four Wheel Trends, the 2014 model has steering and oil consumption difficulties. According to Car Proper, the Audi Q5’s most significant years are the V6-powered variants from 2009 to 2012.

Learn more about these topics Audi Q7 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!) and Audi Q8 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Which Years of the Audi Q5 Are the Most Reliable?

The years with the fewest complaints, the best ratings, and the best reviews are those we consider to be the most reliable.

The model years we identified as fitting this category, along with a few other qualities consumers adore, are shown below.

2009 Audi Q5

One of the better older models and an excellent choice for individuals on a budget is the 2009 Audi Q5.

This sportier variant of the Q7 was a favorite among drivers, who complimented the electronics, performance, comfort, spaciousness, and design.

Although it had average fuel efficiency, it was superior to several other cars.

Consumers rated it 4.7 on Edmunds.com, 4.4 out of 5 stars on Kelly Blue Book, and the NHTSA gave it a 5-Star Crash Rating.

It received an 8.4 out of 10 from U.S. News, which placed it third among 2009 Luxury Small SUVs.

Additionally, compared to every model year before 2017, it receives fewer complaints on Vehicle Complaints.

2017 Audi Q5

Audi sought to address many of the problems that plagued earlier models after a few trying years.

The 2017 Q5’s makeover increased interior room and comfort and its ability to tow more weight.

Several owners complimented its improved safety measures and superior steering and handling.

On Edmunds.com and Cars.com, respectively, customers rated it 4.3 and 4.8 out of 5 stars.

It received an 82/100 rating from J.D. Power for quality and dependability.

Even if the 2017 Q5 isn’t the newest model year, it’s still a viable option, especially if your budget is limited.

2019 Audi Q5

The 2019 Q5 is proof that Audi continues to get better.

Some fantastic new features are included with it, like a power liftgate, standard AWD, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and more.

Owners gushed about the comfort, the entertainment system, and the dashboard, which were quite excellent for the time.

On Edmunds.com and Cars.com, these owners gave it ratings of 4.4 and 4.7, respectively.

It was placed #4 in the Best Small Premium SUC of 2019 lineup by J.D. Power, who gave it a quality and reliability score of 76 out of 100.

In both the Used Luxury Compact SUVs $25K and Up and 2019 Luxury Compact SUVs categories, U.S. News awarded it 8.5 out of 10 and placed it third.

All of these details and the lack of complaints on Car Complaints make us think it’s a top option.

2020 Audi Q5

Despite not quite matching 2019, the 2020 Q5 was still one of the more vital years.

Although the interior comfort and design frequently leave an impression, some people gripe about the lack of cargo capacity.

Owners and experts report more than the anticipated 24 mpg, and obtaining higher gas mileage are always good.

They adore the fact that the engine can produce up to 367 horsepower, that AWD is standard, that the infotainment system is outstanding, and that the ride is incredibly comfortable.

Because of these excellent characteristics, it scored 4.0 out of 5 stars on Edmunds.com and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Cars.com.

It received a 72 out of 100 from J.D. Power, while U.S. News gave it an overall score of 8.0 and ranked it second among 2020 Luxury Small SUVs.

2021 Audi Q5

Comprehensive ratings for the 2021 Q5 might take a little longer, but thus far, it is in line with the 2020 model.

There are only a few upgrades except for the larger touch screen, Sportback body, and new exterior design.

Owners do appreciate the vehicle’s comfort, headroom, and quiet ride.

It received 8.2 out of 10 points from U.S. News and 7.5 from Edmunds experts.

J.D. Power rated it 71 out of 100, and owners on Cars.com gave it 4.6 out of 5 stars.

There is only one report concerning an electrical issue on CarComplaints.

Overall, it is an excellent car, but you should hold off on buying it until after reading more reviews.

What Years of the Audi Q5 Should You Avoid?

Occasionally, a car is not up to snuff, regardless of the maker.

The Q5 is no exception, and a few of its models are ones you ought to think about avoiding. However, there is much more to learn about the issues with the Audi Q5.

While determining whether a model should be placed in the “avoid” category, we consider the number of complaints received about each model, the nature, and the seriousness of those problems.

2011 Audi Q5

Even while the 2011 Audi Q5 received generally positive reviews from owners, the statistics and complaints tend to contradict them.

You can tell from the reviews and concerns that many of these require a complete engine replacement owing to high oil use.

Many owners say they need oil about every three weeks.

So, you can either regularly spend money on oil or make a significant lump sum investment in a new engine.

In addition, complaints have been made about timing chain problems, engine flaws, and premature brake wear.

You should leave the 2011 Q5 on the car lot unless you have money to burn.

2012 Audi Q5

Only 2014 exceeded the 2012 Q5 in terms of complaints.

Regrettably, most of the problems are the same ones that plagued 2011; the only difference is that there are many more reports this year.

The 2012 Q5’s excessive oil consumption is the most frequently reported issue, and the solution is still an engine that has been changed or rebuilt.

According to some accounts, owners may need to add up to two quarts of oil each time they fill the tank.

Sunroofs that have broken and screaming brakes have also been reported as problems.

This is a model year that should be avoided.

2013 Audi Q5

Although there were fewer complaints in the 2013 Q5 than in 2012 and 2014, they are still somewhat repetitive.

The timing chain belt is still a problem, as is excessive oil consumption.

In one instance, while the driver was driving out into traffic, the 2013 Q5 reportedly abruptly quit.

This is unsafe and different from what you would anticipate from a vehicle of this type.

In a nutshell, it falls into the “avoid” category very nicely.

2014 Audi Q5

The 2014 Audi Q5 has received the most general complaints of any Q5, sufficient to raise suspicions.

We find it more difficult to overlook when considering that most of these complaints were about engine issues.

The same engine issues are also included in this list. The biggest one is that the engine frequently dies while driving, and replacing the entire engine is the “repair.”

Also, there are transmission troubles, several claims of excessive oil use, and timing belt chain problems.

This makes us believe that the 2014 Q5 should be avoided entirely.

What Common Issues Affect the Audi Q5 Models?

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Please don’t assume that all Audi Q5 models will have the same problems because not all do.

The following, however, are some of the most typical problems we have discovered during our research.

• A lot of oil usage
• inadequate running lights
• a timing chain problem
• fuel pump flanges with leaks
• motor failure
• broken sunroof

How Safe is an Audi Q5

The IIHS and NHTSA have given the Audi Q5 exceptional safety ratings, with the former designating it as a Top Safety Pick.

In addition, the 2022 Q5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars awarded in each category. These findings support the Audi Q5’s reputation as a safe vehicle.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new.

It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Audi Q5 FAQ’s

Which Audi Q5 model is the best?

With the 2022 Q5’s performance in crash tests, the 2023 model ought to be just as reliable. The highest possible grade, IIHS Top Safety Pick+, was awarded to the 2022 Q5. Likewise, it received the highest possible overall safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA. In 2023, the Q5 will come standard with adaptive cruise control.

Is the Audi Q5 an enduring vehicle?

As compared to the typical new automobile, we anticipate the 2023 Q5 to be approximately averagely reliable. Based on information from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, this prediction.

What year is ideal for the Audi SQ5?

For the SQ5, the 2018 and 2020 model years are very appealing and offer a fair price.

Which SUV is superior, the BMW X5 or the Audi Q5?

Although the X5 is bigger and more expensive, it outperforms the Q5 in terms of power and passenger and cargo space. But by a narrower margin than you might anticipate, the Audi outperforms the X5 in terms of fuel efficiency and has more restrained aesthetics.

What Audi model has the best reliability?

Audi A3. The third-generation Audi A3 served as the perfect compact hatchback (or small sedan) on the new and used car markets for seven years. This high-end hatchback has cutting-edge technology, a stylish interior, powerful engines, and an amazingly well-balanced chassis. It’s also the most dependable Audi you can purchase.