How a Bad Timing Chain Can DESTROY Your 2.0L Turbo Audi

2015 Audi Q5 Timing Chain Issues

Known for having timing chain issues, this 2015 Audi Q5 was on the brink of catastrophic engine problems prior to this repair.

Used cars can be a major headache, as many of us are well aware, constantly needing pricey maintenance and repairs once they reach a certain point in life. This has become increasingly true in recent years, as new vehicles continue to get more and more complex and employ more electronics and fancy wizardry designed to extract both performance and efficiency while meeting emissions standards. In the case of the 2015 Audi Q5 that that recently rolled into the shop of YouTuber David Long – or the Car Wizard, as he’s otherwise known – he managed to find a major issue that could have resulted in a total engine failure before that actually occurred.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter Audi/VW engine present in this 2015 Audi Q5 certainly has its fair share of known issues, as Long discusses in this video. In this case, timing chain problems have reared their ugly head, which was diagnosed by a long cranking time, as well as the fact that the crossover ran rough once it did start. This is a common problem that Long deals with all the time, so it wasn’t difficult for him to figure out what was wrong with this customer’s Q5, at least.

2015 Audi Q5 Timing Chain Issues

Long also found that the fuel rail pressure was too high, which is yet another symptom of stretched timing chains. When it gets to a certain. point, it causes issues with the high pressure fuel pump since it’s ran off the camshaft at the back of the engine. In this particular case, the timing chains have stretched so badly that engine damage was very likely to occur soon, so the owner obviously brought it in just in the knick of time.

Luckily, this problem isn’t horrifically expensive to fix, with Long noting that it costs around $2,000 to rectify – however, rebuilding or replacing the engine is obviously a far pricier proposition. The good news is, a new timing chain kit will last an easy 100k miles, as Long notes, so if you have an Audi equipped with this engine and you’re experiencing problems starting and a rough idle, it’s probably best to get it done as soon as possible.

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Consumer Reports: Audi Q5 Next to Last Regarding Reliability

Audi Q5 40 TDI

Luxury marques like Audi deliver in many ways, but as this thread contends, reliability isn’t always one of them.

When enthusiasts talk about cars, the discussion generally centers on things like styling, performance, and technology. Because things like, say, fuel economy and reliability just aren’t as fun. This is exactly why you don’t see folks bench racing about which new vehicles are cheaper to insure. It’s just not sexy.

That said, AudiWorld member Strictly was quite surprised to see that Consumer Reports ranked the Audi Q5 near the very bottom for reliability in the compact luxury SUV class. So they started this thread to see what folks here thought. Overall, it’s a pretty fun read — and I think Bxr1200 hit the nail right on the head with this comment:

Don’t get me wrong. Not bashing the brand. I love my wife’s SQ5. Really enjoyed the Q5 as well before the engine ate itself. It’s the best driving, most comfortable, best performing SUV I’ve owned. But, it’s going to break. It’s too complex not to. For people who enjoy driving for driving’s sake they’re great vehicles.

From a practical, money conscious standpoint the Q5/SQ5 is not the best choice. Muted exterior (which I like), smallish interior within class, costly to maintain, terrible resale value…but a pleasure to drive. The report isn’t wrong, depending on perspective. People purchasing these just have to know what they’re getting into.

This is exactly the right perspective, and Consumer Reports isn’t alone here. For example, in the 2022 J.D. Power vehicle dependability survey, Audi also ranked toward the bottom, just one place above Jaguar. After reading that list, I was actually shocked to see that Acura was just one slot above Alfa Romeo, which has historically been synonymous with unreliable vehicles. I was not shocked to see that Land Rover was dead last, because that’s been the case for as long as I can remember — though it hasn’t stopped the company from making money hand over fist.

One of my favorite comments on the thread came from member Harplayr. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I was unable to track down the review they reference here. But I’m going to call this “too good to fact-check,” as it genuinely made me laugh:

I gave up on CR years ago when they blasted my 1989 Mazda Miata for having a small trunk. Personally, I don’t expect a performance luxury or enthusiast car to be as problem-free as a Honda, KIA, etc. That’s why I opted for the extended warranty as a form of insurance. To-date though initial quality has been good on my 22 Q5, so only time will tell.  

Seriously, anyone who would bash something as perfect as the Miata for having a tiny trunk deserves our sympathy. That kind of brain problem can’t be easy to live with, and I pity them. But as Wires points out, one of the factors which really gets people is not just that things will break, but the eye-searing cost of repairs:

Part of the pain is the Audi parts list for some of these “parts that shouldn’t be failing” is ridiculously high. The rear spring cushion mounts are $110 CAD but I’ve seen them for $19 USD from other Audi dealers. It’s a bit involved repair and then requires an alignment. If you fail to do it, your spring breaks. 

Now, as  Bxr1200 said, I don’t think any of this discussion should be taken as bashing the brand. There are loads of factors that make luxury marques more appealing, and it’s always going to cost more to fix an expensive car than a cheap one. But what has your experience been like? Has your Audi been flakey? Or solid as a rock? Head over to the thread to chime in — just try not to complain about the size of a sports car’s trunk…

Image Source: Audi

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All-Electric Audi eQ5 Coming by End of Decade, Along With Changes for ICE Q5

2021 Audi Q5

As Audi moves toward a total electric transformation, we have new details on the Audi eQ5, as well as when the existing ICE models may disappear.

Change is inevitable, as they say, and that applies to not only our personal lives, but the automotive world as well. Even as new models are introduced, their replacements are being planned in what is a perpetual product cycle of sorts. On the Audi side of the equation, there’s a lot of change coming over the next few years in terms of its lineup as the luxury brand prepares to go all-electric by the early 2030s, and will stop developing new ICE models by the end of 2026 as it launches EVs such as the new Audi eQ5.

There are still a lot of unknowns in terms of when specific Audi models will be discontinued and when new ones will be introduced, but AutoForecast Solutions recently released a future product roadmap that gives us a glimpse at a couple of them, at least. That list starts with the Q5, which has been around since 2009 and entered its second generation back in 2018. Production of the current model is slated to end on 4/30/2024 at the San Jose Chiapa, Mexico plant, while next-gen production will reportedly follow and run through 9/28/2029.

Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e in Navarra BlueQ5 Sportback, it’s a fairly new product after having debuted in 2021, capitalizing on the surging “coupe” SUV/crossover trend with its sloping rear roofline. Production of the current-gen Q5 Sportback is slated to run through 6/28/2024, while the next-gen model enters production on 7/1/2024 and is scheduled to run through 6/28/2030, giving ICE fans a few more years to purchase this particular combination.

Finally, we have the Audi eQ5, which seems as if it’s a version of the new Q5 e-tron being sold in China – an all-electric variant of the popular crossover. Given the fact that it’s slated to enter production on 10/1/2029 and continue through 9/28/2035, this makes a lot of sense, as it fits perfectly within Audi’s all-electric transition timeline. It’s unclear if the brand will be ditching its e-tron nameplate for the simpler “e” nomenclature, but that’s what it’s being called for now.

Audi Q5 PHEV

As for the rest of the Audi lineup, well, that remains a bit of a mystery. The brand’s parent company, Volkswagen, is one of the more aggressive at the moment when it comes to transitioning to electrification, but it also seems as if it’s leaving itself bit of an out over the next few years in the event that technology doesn’t progress the way most expect it to.

Photos: Audi

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Audi Announces 2023 Model Year Updates For the US

2023 Model

The German automaker will be expanding its EV lineup later this year. Audi is now updating its US product portfolio for the 2023 model year.

The Ingolstadt brand is introducing the 2023 model year for the United States. Audi’s 2023 MY lineup will get a slew of minor and major updates across the company’s portfolio. Every single Audi model now gets additional standard and optional equipment. These include the entry-level Audi A3 and Q3 variants and the top-of-the-line A8 and Q8 offerings.

Audi will also be expanding its EV portfolio later this year. The automaker will add the Audi Q4 e-tron Q4 Sportback e-tron to its lineup. For now, the 40 and 45 variants of the 2023 Audi A4 get LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs. One will also find a Bang and Olufsen sound system in the Premium Plus trim of the nameplate, and the convenience package for the entire A4 range now gets the adaptive cruise control feature.

Audi is also updating the appearance options for the 2023 A4, including new wheels. In addition to a wide range of equipment, the Premium variant of Audi A6 and S7 now get adaptive cruise control as standard. As part of the Executive package, Audi now offers the 2023 RS7 with a remote park assist feature and a black Dinamica headliner.

Audi Announces 2023 Model Year Updates For the US

For its 2023 model year, the adaptive cruise control feature is standard across all Q5 and SQ5 variants.

November last year, the 2022 Audi A8 facelift made its world debut. As a result of this, the 2023 update now gets only minor updates across the range. Audi A8 customers opting for the German automaker’s Comfort Plus package will now get HD matrix design LED headlights. Audi will now offer the high-octane S8 version with a Valcona leather interior.

SUVs and crossovers are the best-selling body types in the market right now. Nevertheless, Audi did not refrain from updating its range for the 2023 model year. The automaker’s Q3 nameplate now gets a wireless phone charging pad and LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard across the lineup.

The company also offers an optional appearance package for the 40 and 45 variants of the Q3, which gets new wheel options. Perhaps one of the most significant changes for the 2023 model year is a new entry-level engine option for the Audi Q7. The SUV now gets a 2-liter four-cylinder motor which churns out 261 HP of maximum power.

Lastly, Audi’s flagship Q8 and SQ8 models also get HD matrix design LED headlights and headlight washers as standard for the 2023 model year.

Image source: Audi

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2021 Audi SQ5 Review: Sports Car in Luxury SUV Clothing

2021 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 jams the power and handling dynamics of the S5 and S4 into the taller Q5 platform. It’s a total blast, but is it worth $72,000?

Today we’re taking a look at the 2021 Audi SQ5, a muscular mid-sized SUV with a turbocharged V6 engine, snappy handling, sports car seating, and a sumptuous interior.

It ain’t what you call cheap, staring over $50,000 and as-tested at around $72 grand, but it may be one of the best all-around family vehicles on the market for enthusiasts who know that life’s too short to drive boring. (#NoMinivans)

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Is the SQ5 right for you? Read on!

Q5 vs SQ5

2021 Audi Q5

2021 Audi Q5. Photograph (c) Audi USA.

Let’s back up and first define the Q5 series as a whole. Recently refreshed, the mid-sized luxury Q5 is available with two engine options, three trim levels (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige), and two body styles (SUV and Sportback). The entry-level engine is a 16-valve turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder making 261 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque. This configuration’s good for a 5.7-second 0-60 run. Or you can opt for the Hybrid system, which boosts the 2.0L up to 362-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This drops 0-60 runs down to 5-seconds, but it’s the heaviest of the bunch.

Audi SQ5

Chrome reduction for the win!

Stepping up the ladder, we have the sporty SQ5.

Under the SQ5’s hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0L V6 pumping out 349 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque. Yes, it’s the same engine found in the S4 and S5. And yes, it’s less powerful than the Hybrid Q5… BUT, the SQ5, at 4,288 lbs, weighs 331 fewer pounds than the Hybrid. Which gives the SQ5 a straight-line advantage and an Audi-quoted 4.7-second 0-60 time. (For reference, in my testing, the best I could manage was 5.4 seconds, so your experience may vary.)

There are other variances we could discuss, but the quick version is that the Q5 is more luxury and comfort where the SQ5 adds performance driving dynamics and sportier visuals to the equation.

As Tested

SQ5 headlight

The Audi eye SEES ALL!

Audi loaned us a 2021 Audi SQ5 Prestige for review and provided one tank of premium fuel. SQ5 pricing starts at $52,900 — a $10,000 premium over the base Q5 — but our loaner included the following options:

  • District Green Metallic paint for $595
  • Prestige Package for $9,800
  • S sport package for $3,000
  • Dynamic steering for $1,150
  • Black optic package for $600 PLUS the $1,000 for the black optic wheels
  • Fine Napa leather seats for $1,000
  • Carbon Atlas inlays for $500
  • Rear side airbags for $350

Toss in destination and delivery and our MSRP hits $71,790.

Audi SQ5 side

Red brake calipers = fast! (It’s the law.)

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SQ5 Visual Aesthetics

Audi SQ5 front grille

Lookin’ mean and green out front.

In and of itself, the SQ5 remains relatively faithful to its Q5 cousins, visually. It’s a chunky little SUV that’s been smoothed and carved away from the days of boxes on wheels. In short, it’s fine.

But add the optional Black optic package and larger wheels and suddenly the SQ5 stands out a little more from the pack. More muscular. More menacing. It’s not loud, mind you. But reducing the shiny bits draws eyes more to the SUV’s hips and curves and shiny red brake calipers.

Audi SQ5 rear

Four of these things are not real…

The other standout feature on our loaner is the paint. District Green Metallic is a bit of a chameleon. At night and under a cloudy sky, it looks a bit like an aftermarket wrap. Some type of military-style green that’s not quite shiny and not quite flat. (Think a green version of Nardo Grey.) But when the sun shines, District Green Metallic reveals its true nature — a gold metallic flake that shines and shimmers.

It’s a bit love-it-or-hate-it in photos. But in person, it’s a big win. At least for me.

District Green Metallic

Lose yourself inside the flakes of district green metallic.

In terms of negatives, I’m not a fan of the fake quad-tip exhaust tips — as in they are connected to no part of the exhaust — even though they look sporty.

Overall the SQ5 is a bit of a sleeper, aesthetically. But as configured, it’s a sharp SUV that looks terrific, even if it blends in with almost every other Audi product.

SQ5 Performance & Handling

Audi SQ5 wheels with red brakes

Where the rubber meets the road. Literally.

In a world where sports cars routinely run to 60 in under four or three seconds, the SQ5 ain’t gonna win you any bragging rights. Still, its power-to-weight ratio delivers a relatively thrilling experience. Especially for an SUV.

Mash the pedal to the ground and the SQ5 leaps forward. Turbocharged torque hits hard and races you up to illegal speeds with only a touch of torque steer. Toss the SQ5 into a corner and it’s wonderfully balanced in its lowest air suspension modes. Speaking of which, the SQ5’s suspension is terrific — both tight and sporty in the corners, but able to mask all but the harshest bumps. And, if you’re looking to do some light off-roading, you can raise up the SQ5, which only adds to the sensation of driving on a pillow.

SQ5

Forget what Audi you’re driving? No problem. Just look out back.

As I said earlier, the SQ5 drives very much like a sports car but sacrifices none of the comforts. And with this power level, it’s a vehicle where you can enjoy its abilities at a full ten-tenths. Which of course encourages you to find its limits.

Overall, it’s a joy to drive, but there are two downsides.

As with most turbocharged engines, this 3.0L V6 dies out a little early in the revs, which makes the SQ5 feel quick off the line when the torque hits, but slower at highway speeds. Further, the SQ5’s transmission isn’t the quickest to downshift. Which, when coupled with the engine’s turbo lag, can feel like two back-to-back power-kicks at some speeds.

P Zero tires

Cursed be these inferior summer tires! (<– Opinion based on personal experience.)

The other thing I’d like to see is Audi dumping the Pirelli summer tires on this particular package. Taking the SQ5 around a tight corkscrew freeway onramp, I found the squealing edge of the Pirellis’ grip, something I never feel when driving Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires at similar speeds.

Overall, though, the SQ5 is a total blast. And equally at home commuting as it is playing in the twisties.

SQ5 Interior

SQ5 interior

Is your leather from Napa or Sonoma? And what’s the vintage?

I’d venture to say that, after its all-wheel-drive systems, Audi might be best known for its quality interiors. And the SQ5 is no different. The optional fine Napa leather seating wraps around perfectly bolstered heated sport buckets. Rear seating includes just enough leg and headroom for taller passengers, although not as much as a similarly sized EV crossover like the Mustang Mach E. Touch surfaces and materials aren’t the fanciest Audi offers, but they’re very good overall.

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In the tech department, Audi’s gauges and infotainment touchcreens are sharp, clear, and snappy to operate. And the upgraded Prestige stereo system sounds quite good as well. But I don’t love the way Audi organizes the system’s menu systems and it would be nice to see wireless Apple CarPlay at this price point. I was also a bit surprised to see cooled front seats missing from a $72,000 vehicle. But they are available as part of a $600 package that also includes window shades.

center console

Shift this, man!

Lastly, the vehicle’s center console layout is a bit odd to my tastes. There are several small cubbies that would work well for a phone, but don’t quite fit them. And trying to use the cup holders with the phone charger and the armrest is a bit of a challenge. Minor quibbles, of course.

Overall, Audi’s interiors are generally excellent, and few nitpicks aside, this one’s no different.

Who Should Buy an Audi SQ5

Audi Sq5

Fun and sporty, but is it large enough for your lifestyle?

Is the Audi SQ5 right for your lifestyle? That depends, of course. If you’re into sports cars, the SQ5 isn’t going to blow you away. This isn’t a full RS model, after all. Nor is the SQ5 for anyone who needs a larger SUV for families with more than four people or lots of cargo.

Instead, the SQ5 finds a happy middle ground. Perfect for smaller families. An amazingly comfortable commuter. And all the fun-factor of the S4 and S5 with a little extra cargo room in terms of overall value. The 3.0L turbo V6 provides a lot of torque and smiles per gallon with an adjustable, tight suspension customizable to your tastes and needs. Picking up the kids. Running to the Home Depot. Roaring through the canyons.

You name it and the Audi SQ5 is a total blast.

But if you prefer extra capacity to sportiness, check out the Q7, which also offers this 3.0L turbo V6 along with three-row seating. Cheers!

Photos: Michael S. Palmer