IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2017–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 2017–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

5
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2017–2020 period has 3 more issues than the Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) average across all year periods.

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.

Most affected: 45 TFSI, 50 TDI, 55 TFSI

Estimated cost: £0 (recall) – £1,500Affects: 2017–2020Often appears around: 20k-60k miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check Audi recall database for 48V BSG campaign
  • ✓Verify no electrical warnings on test drive

NOx Sensor / AdBlue Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Modern diesel emissions hardware can bring warning lights and countdowns.

Most affected: 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI

Estimated cost: £250–£1,000Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: 45k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •AdBlue system warning
  • •Engine light

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for recent emissions-system invoices

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.

Most affected: 35 TDI, 40 TDI

Estimated cost: £250–£1,500Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: 40k-80k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •DPF warning light
  • •Limp mode
  • •Reduced fuel economy

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask about driving patterns and whether regular motorway journeys are made
  • ✓Check for DPF-related fault codes
  • ✓Verify EGR system is functioning

Suspension Control Arm Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

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

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £200–£600Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: 40k-80k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Clunks over bumps
  • •Steering vagueness
  • •Uneven tyre wear

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive on rough roads at low speed
  • ✓Inspect bushes for play
  • ✓Check MOT history for suspension advisories

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £0–£800Affects: 2017–2022Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Use navigation, media and phone together
  • ✓Check software update history
  • ✓Verify all sensors work

Buying Tips for the 2017 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

  • ✓Diesel buyers should check AdBlue and NOx-sensor history
  • ✓Verify MMI and virtual cockpit behave properly
  • ✓S tronic should be smooth
2021–2022 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

Browse 2017–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2017–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) vehicles.

View 2017–2020 Directory

Other Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) Year Periods

2017–20202021–20222023–2024

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