Two Generations, Two Different Ownership Experiences
| Generation | Years | Platform | Engine (US 2.0T) | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Gen | 2009–2017 | B8 / MLP | EA888 Gen 1 (2009–2012), Gen 2 (2013–2017) | Oil consumption, timing chain (early), DSG |
| Second Gen | 2018–present | MLB evo | EA888 Gen 3 | Software, minor sensor issues; far fewer engine concerns |
First-Gen Q5 (2009–2017)
The first-generation Q5 shares its drivetrain with the B8 Audi A4 — which means it inherits both the strengths and the known issues of that platform. The 2.0T TFSI engine from 2009 through approximately 2012 is the EA888 Generation 1 with the oil consumption problem. From 2013 onward, Audi updated to Gen 2 with revised piston rings.
Oil Consumption — Early First-Gen Q5
Q5s with the 2009–2012 2.0T can burn oil excessively through the same piston ring issue documented in the B8 A4. Symptoms are often invisible — no smoke, no fault codes — until the oil level drops low enough to trigger a warning. If you own or are buying a first-gen Q5 in this year range, an oil consumption test before purchase is not optional. The proper fix is piston ring replacement; full details in our TFSI oil consumption guide.
Timing Chain — Pre-2013 First-Gen
Same tensioner situation as the B8 A4: the plastic timing chain tensioner deteriorates and loses tension, causing cold-start chain rattle. Listen for a rattle or tapping sound from the top of the engine on cold startup that clears within 60–90 seconds. That's the tensioner. Address it before it causes chain jump and valve damage. Service window: inspect by 60,000 miles, replace as a package when wear is found.
DSG / S Tronic Service
quattro Q5s with the S tronic (DL501) dual-clutch transmission: fluid and filter service at 40,000-mile intervals. The DL501 is more robust than the smaller DQ250 used in FWD Audis, but it's not serviceable — the service is the only preventive maintenance available. Skip it and the mechatronic unit becomes the next conversation.
Carbon Buildup — All First-Gen 2.0T
Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 2.0T engines are direct injection, so carbon accumulates on intake valves. Walnut blasting at 60,000 miles is the right interval. Q5 engine access is slightly tighter than the A4's but the procedure is the same. See our carbon cleaning guide for details.
Suspension — Air vs. Conventional
Most US first-gen Q5s came with conventional coil springs. Some SQ5 trim levels and a few Q5 Quattro packages included Audi's adaptive damping system. Conventional suspension: multi-link rear wear around 80–100K miles, same as B8 A4. Air suspension variants: inspect air struts for leaks by 80K. Air suspension failure is audible (compressor running constantly, car sitting low overnight) and expensive to ignore.
Second-Gen Q5 (2018–Present)
The second-gen Q5 on the MLB evo platform with the EA888 Gen 3 engine is a substantially different ownership proposition. The Gen 3 2.0T resolved the piston ring issue, revised the tensioner, and improved direct injection carbon management. Second-gen Q5 owners through 80,000 miles report far fewer engine-related concerns than first-gen owners at the same mileage.
What the Second Gen Still Needs
The EA888 Gen 3 is still a direct injection engine, so carbon buildup on intake valves still happens — walnut blasting by 60,000 miles is still the right call. Oil spec matters more with the Gen 3: VW 508.00 / 0W-20 is the factory spec, and substituting a conventional 5W-40 causes faster carbon accumulation and voids the intent of the oil service interval. DSG service remains a 40,000-mile item. Brake fluid every 2 years.
MMI and Software (Second Gen)
The second-gen Q5 introduced Audi's MIB2 and later MIB3 infotainment. Software glitches — navigation freezes, Carplay disconnects, digital gauge cluster issues — are occasional but real. Most are addressable through software updates available via VCDS or dealer. They're annoying and not mechanically significant.
SQ5 Notes
First-gen SQ5 in the US used the 3.0T supercharged V6. Supercharger coupler deterioration applies — inspect by 80K miles. See the full coupler guide. Second-gen SQ5 uses the EA839 3.0T turbocharged V6 — a different engine without the coupler concern, and with its own early reliability data still accumulating.
Used Q5 Buying Checklist
- Year matters: 2013+ first-gen is preferable to 2009–2012 for engine reliability.
- Cold-start the car. Time any chain rattle. It should be gone in under 90 seconds on a healthy engine.
- Request oil consumption test on any 2009–2012 Q5 — add 1 quart, drive 1,000 miles, measure.
- Pull DSG service history. No record past 60K means it's overdue.
- Inspect air suspension if equipped — listen for compressor cycling at idle.
- Full inspection with VCDS-capable shop: covers module faults that generic OBD scanners miss.