IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

The launch year brought a refined, lighter Q5 with mild-hybrid technology. Early cars carry a known risk of 48V BSG failures and AdBlue system faults, making recall verification essential before purchase.

What changed for 2017

  • •Launch with 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI engines
  • •New MLB Evo platform
  • •48V mild-hybrid on selected models
  • •Virtual Cockpit and updated MMI

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !48V BSG failure at 20k–60k miles
  • !NOx sensor and AdBlue faults on diesels
  • !DPF regeneration problems on short trips
7
Known Issues
2
Serious
4
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Mild Hybrid BSG / Alternator Failure

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

The 48V belt-starter-generator can fail due to moisture ingress or transistor overheating, disabling start-stop and eventually draining both 48V and 12V batteries.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall) – £1,500
Warning Signs:

Electrical system malfunction warning, Start-stop inactive, Car refuses to start after standing

What to Inspect:
  • Check Audi recall database for 48V BSG campaign
  • Verify no electrical warnings on test drive
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

DL382 S tronic Gear Selection / Mechatronic Faults

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Control or clutch faults can interrupt gear selection. Identify the gearbox code first: this entry applies to the longitudinal DL382 family, not every automatic sold under the same model name.

Warning Signs:

Gearbox warning, Delayed engagement or missing gears

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive from cold and again when warm
  • Check gearbox-specific service invoices and obtain a diagnostic report
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

NOx Sensor / AdBlue Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

On diesel Q5s the SCR emissions system is fault-prone: NOx sensor or AdBlue pump failures trigger warning lights and, once the system counts down, a 'no engine restart' lockout that can leave the car unable to start after a journey.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,000
Warning Signs:

AdBlue system warning, Engine light

What to Inspect:
  • Check for recent emissions-system invoices
  • Scan for NOx, SCR and AdBlue fault codes on a test drive
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

DPF Regeneration Problems

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The diesel Q5 FY can suffer DPF blockages on short trips, triggering limp mode and expensive forced regenerations or replacement.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,500
Warning Signs:

DPF warning light, Limp mode, Reduced fuel economy

What to Inspect:
  • Ask about driving patterns and whether regular motorway journeys are made
  • Check for DPF-related fault codes
  • Verify EGR system is functioning
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Suspension Control Arm Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Front suspension bushes and control arms can wear prematurely, causing clunks and vague steering on UK roads.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£600
Warning Signs:

Clunks over bumps, Steering vagueness, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Drive on rough roads at low speed
  • Inspect bushes for play
  • Check MOT history for suspension advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

2.0 TFSI Water Pump / Thermostat Coolant Leak

ModerateCooling System

Loss of coolant around the pump and thermostat assembly needs investigation before it causes overheating. This record concerns the petrol engine; diesel cooling hardware differs.

Warning Signs:

Repeated coolant top-ups, Dried coolant residue or overheating

What to Inspect:
  • Check coolant level only when cold
  • Request a cooling-system pressure test and repair invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electrical and Infotainment Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

MMI screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts, and sensor faults are common on early cars, sometimes requiring software updates or module replacement.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£800
Warning Signs:

Frozen or rebooting MMI screen, Bluetooth disconnects, Parking sensor errors

What to Inspect:
  • Use navigation, media and phone together
  • Check software update history
  • Verify all sensors work
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2017 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

  • Check Audi recall database for 48V BSG campaign before viewing
  • Diesel buyers should verify AdBlue and NOx-sensor history
  • Test the MMI and Virtual Cockpit for software glitches
2018–2020
Check a 2017 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) by Registration