IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY)

We've identified 7 known issues that can affect the 2018–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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 Team

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

Modern diesel emissions hardware can bring warning lights and countdowns.

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

AdBlue system warning, Engine light

What to Inspect:
  • Check for recent emissions-system invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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 Team

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 Team

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 Team

Buying Tips for 2018–2020 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
20172021
Check a 2018–2020 Audi Q5 Mk2 (FY) by Registration