Audi · Known Issues

2011 Audi Q5 Problems: 8 Known Issues

2011 model year · 3,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2011 Audi Q5 has 8 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure ($1,800-$4,000 repair), 2011-2017 Q5 2.0T Coolant Leak at Pump or Thermostat - TSB 2061604/5, 2011-2023 Q5 Panoramic-Sunroof Water Entry - Recall 69P1 / TSB 2075969/2 and 2011-2012 Q5 Timing Chain/Tensioner Diagnosis - Warranty Key U35. The most commonly reported issue is EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure with 2,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi Q5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2011 Audi Q5 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, 2011-2017 Q5 2.0T Coolant Leak at Pump or Thermostat - TSB 2061604/5, 2011-2023 Q5 Panoramic-Sunroof Water Entry - Recall 69P1 / TSB 2075969/2. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi Q5 reliable?

The 2011 Audi Q5 has 8 known issues documented across 3,400+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and 2011-2017 Q5 2.0T Coolant Leak at Pump or Thermostat - TSB 2061604/5 and 2011-2023 Q5 Panoramic-Sunroof Water Entry - Recall 69P1 / TSB 2075969/2 and 2011-2012 Q5 Timing Chain/Tensioner Diagnosis - Warranty Key U35. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi Q5 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi Q5 issues range from $400 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, typically costs $1,800-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure?

The Q5 2.0T uses the EA888 engine with the well-documented timing chain tensioner weakness. The 8R Q5 (2009-2017) is particularly affected as the heavier SUV puts more load on the engine. The tensioner loses pressure overnight, allowing chain slack on cold starts that progressive… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2017 Audi Q5 2011-2017 Q5 2.0T Coolant Leak at Pump or Thermostat - TSB 2061604/5?

Audi TSB 2061604/5 applies to 2011-2017 Q5 2.0TFSI vehicles when the coolant-temperature warning is on or clear coolant marks are visible under the front of the vehicle or engine compartment, the leak can be reproduced, and its source is localized to the coolant pump or coolant t… Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2023 Audi Q5 2011-2023 Q5 Panoramic-Sunroof Water Entry - Recall 69P1 / TSB 2075969/2?

Certain 2011-2017 Q5 vehicles with a panoramic sunroof are covered by Safety Recall 69P1 when VIN-eligible. Audi warned that an impaired drainage system can let water saturate foam around a side head-curtain-airbag canister, causing corrosion and possible canister fracture. Separ… Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Audi Q5 2011-2012 Q5 Timing Chain/Tensioner Diagnosis - Warranty Key U35?

Audi documented a timing-chain and timing-chain-tensioner limited warranty extension for certain 2011-2012 Q5 vehicles with the 2.0L EA888 engine, but only when the VIN carried Warranty Key U35 in ElsaPro. The bulletin recognized failed chains or tensioners and consequential engi… Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 Thermostat Housing Leak and Coolant Loss?

The 2.0T thermostat housing in the 8R Q5 is made of plastic and develops cracks and seal failures due to thermal cycling. Located at the front of the engine, the housing leaks coolant that can drip onto the serpentine belt and accessory drive. The leak starts small and gradually… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2012 Audi Q5 2011-2012 Q5 2.0T Hesitation or Harsh-Shift Service - TSB 2032812/9?

Audi TSB 2032812/9 applies to 2011-2012 Q5 vehicles with the 2.0L engine and 0BK 8-speed Tiptronic when the driver reports hesitation, harsh downshifts while braking or harsh 1-2 upshifts. Audi identifies TCM J217 and ECM J623 calibration as the technical background, while early-… Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2025 Audi Q5 2009-2025 Q5 Gasoline-Quality Deposit Diagnosis - TSB 2014753/13?

Audi states that contaminated gasoline or gasoline with insufficient deposit-control additives can contribute to deposits on intake valves, the intake manifold, fuel injectors and combustion chambers. Possible results include rough running after cold start, extended cranking, hes… Severity: medium.

What is the 2011 Audi Q5 2011 Q5 2.0T CAEB Oil-Consumption Procedure - TSB 2027731/7?

Audi TSB 2027731/7 provides a complaint-driven service procedure for the 2011 Q5 with the CAEB 2.0L TFSI engine. It addresses crankcase-pressure conditions, specifies a current pressure-regulating valve when required, a front crankshaft seal and bolt, Q5-specific ECM software and… Severity: medium.

All 8 Known Issues

2009-2017 Audi Q5: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure#

2011-2017 Audi Q5: 2011-2017 Q5 2.0T Coolant Leak at Pump or Thermostat - TSB 2061604/5#

2011-2012 Audi Q5: 2011-2012 Q5 Timing Chain/Tensioner Diagnosis - Warranty Key U35#

2011 Audi Q5: 2011 Q5 2.0T CAEB Oil-Consumption Procedure - TSB 2027731/7#

2011-2023 Audi Q5: 2011-2023 Q5 Panoramic-Sunroof Water Entry - Recall 69P1 / TSB 2075969/2#

2009-2017 Audi Q5: Thermostat Housing Leak and Coolant Loss#

2011-2012 Audi Q5: 2011-2012 Q5 2.0T Hesitation or Harsh-Shift Service - TSB 2032812/9#

2009-2025 Audi Q5: 2009-2025 Q5 Gasoline-Quality Deposit Diagnosis - TSB 2014753/13#

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