Audi Q5 8R — Reliability
Reliability Summary
Best engine
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) — 84/100
BUY
Worst engine
EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) — 38/100
AVOID
Average reliability
61/100
Engine Comparison
| Engine | Reliability Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
|
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI)
2.0L TSI/TFSI I4 (EA888 Gen 3) |
84/100 | BUY |
|
EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI)
1.8/2.0L Turbo I4 (early EA888) |
38/100 | AVOID |
Engines in this model
BUY
84
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI)
2.0L TSI/TFSI I4 (EA888 Gen 3)
The third-generation 2.0 TSI/TFSI (about 2012-2020): Golf 7 GTI and R, Audi A3/S3 8V, A4/A5 B9, TT 8...
View details →
AVOID
38
EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI)
1.8/2.0L Turbo I4 (early EA888)
First- and second-generation EA888 (1.8 and 2.0 TFSI/TSI, about 2007-2015): Golf 6 GTI, Passat B7, O...
View details →Known Issues Across All Engines
| Issue | Engine | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak | EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) | high |
| PCV valve diaphragm tear (valve cover) | EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) | minor |
| Intake valve carbon build-up (reduced, not eliminated) | EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) | minor |
| Timing-chain tensioner failure — chain can jump and wreck the engine | EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) | critical |
| Excessive oil consumption — narrow oil-control rings (built 2008 to mid-2011) | EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) | critical |
| Plastic thermostat / coolant-pump housing leaks | EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) | moderate |
| Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection) | EA888 Gen 1/2 (1.8/2.0 TFSI/TSI) | moderate |
FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 reliable?
The Audi Q5 has 2 engine options with reliability scores ranging from 38/100 (AVOID) to 84/100 (BUY). Average reliability: 61/100.
Which Audi Q5 engine is most reliable?
The EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI/TFSI) is the most reliable engine in the Audi Q5, scoring 84/100 (BUY).
What problems does the Audi Q5 have?
Across all engine variants, the Audi Q5 has 7 known issues. The most common are related to Water pump and thermostat housing coolant leak, PCV valve diaphragm tear (valve cover), Intake valve carbon build-up (reduced, not eliminated).