This bulletin provides infomraiton when there is a Gearbox warning light; DTC P060B00 stored in the Transmission Control Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Audi Q5 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Audi Q5 have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 63,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Q5 | 7 |
| 2011 Q5 (this page) | 12 |
| 2013 Q5 | 5 |
| 2014 Q5 | 5 |
| 2015 Q5 | 4 |
1fire
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Audi Q5 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 12.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information when there are harsh shifts on the 0BK gearbox.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of serious powertrain problems. Timing chains are stretching and jumping, causing bent valves, engine shutdown, and no-start conditions—repair bills hit nearly $10,000 when the chain fails. Audi has denied warranty coverage in at least one documented case, and owners report this is widespread enough that independent mechanics have posted protection guides online.
Transmission issues dominate complaints. Multiple owners hit the "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION" error and lose gear engagement while driving—one stalled across live traffic. The same owners describe harsh downshifts that jerk the car forward after stopping, especially in parking lots, and Audi has applied a TSB update and even replaced the mechatronic unit in one case only for the problem to return. Audi then told the owner this jerking is a "characteristic" of the vehicle.
Oil consumption is rampant. Owners burning through a half tank of oil between 10,000-mile service intervals, requiring top-offs every few thousand miles. Dealers change gaskets and run Audi's consumption tests, which owners say barely pass or officially pass while burning continues.
One owner lost their Q5 to a fire while parked with no prior warning signs; insurance ruled out arson and suspected an electrical fault.
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain stretch and jump
Timing chain stretches and jumps timing, causing loss of compression and engine no-start. Valves bend as a result. Engine dies while driving or stalls on acceleration.
When: Variable mileage; one owner at unspecified mileage after normal operation; another owner reports this as a known recurring issue in the model
Symptoms owners cite: Clank and clicking sound while driving; Loss of power; Engine will not start; Engine cranks without compression; Engine sputtering and dying at stop light; Front end shaking before shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cited: cylinder head replacement, timing chain replacement, related parts; parts $4,800 labor $4,835 total $9,635. Audi refused warranty coverage in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit reported in New Jersey for this issue. Owner noted mechanics have websites discussing preventative chain protection measures.
Transmission harsh downshift and jerking
Transmission downshifts harshly, especially 4-3, 3-2, and 2-1 transitions, causing the car to jerk forward after stopping. Occurs in both automatic and manual/Sportronic modes. Worst at low speeds below 10 mph and during parking.
When: Ongoing throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh downshift especially 4->3, 3->2, 2->1; Car jerks forward after stop; Jerking when slowing below 10 mph; Reverse gear slow to engage or not engaging
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: TSB-37-13-83 software update applied; mechatronic unit replaced; issue returned. Dealer states harsh downshift is a 'characteristic' of the vehicle, not a defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB-37-13-83 software update applied in one case. Audi of America states this is a vehicle characteristic and cannot be addressed. Multiple similar complaints reported on Audiworld forums.
Transmission failure - gears won't engage
Transmission fails to shift and engage gears while driving, leaving car stranded. Error message 'GEARBOX MALFUNCTION; YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING (LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY)' appears. Reverse gear lost or slow to engage in some cases.
When: While taking left turns across traffic; occurs repeatedly
Symptoms owners cite: Gears will not engage; Car stalls and stops in traffic; Error message: 'GEARBOX MALFUNCTION; YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING (LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY)'; Message displays almost continuously, worst in morning; Reverse gear lost or delayed engagement; Car stalls on highway entry
Codes mentioned: GEARBOX MALFUNCTION
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported Audi quoted $10,000 to repair, approximately 2x the car's trade-in or wholesale value. Repeated restarts and shift attempts eventually engage gears temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi denies recalls for this problem despite owner reporting recalls exist in other countries. Owner states Audi treats complaint as isolated.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns oil at a rate significantly higher than normal. Oil level drops to half capacity or below between service intervals, requiring top-offs every few thousand miles.
When: One owner from 12k to 21k miles; another from purchase at 20k miles onward; another at 7k miles after service
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between services; Requires oil top-off at 12k, 15k, 19k miles; half capacity at 21k; Oil level half full at 7k miles after 10k-mile service
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: dealer changed gaskets claiming it would fix issue, but did not. Audi conducted oil consumption tests (Phase 1 and 2) which owners report 'barely passed' or reported as passing despite ongoing consumption.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi mandates 10,000-mile oil change intervals but owners exceed safe oil levels before that interval.
Undetermined electrical fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked with no prior warning signs. Insurance investigation ruled out arson and indicated an electrical issue as probable cause.
When: After normal operation and dealer service in February and March 2014; fire occurred in April 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle engulfed in fire while parked; No prior dashboard warnings or smoke smell; No performance issues before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss. Insurance company noted electrical issue as probable cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurance research found no known recalls or manufacturer defects. Dealer expressed shock at incident.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Oil leaks badly from rear main seal and timing cover.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Audi Q5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Audi Q5?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Audi/Q5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.