This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi Q5 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Audi Q5 have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 89,900 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Q5 | 6 |
| 2011 Q5 | 28 |
| 2013 Q5 (this page) | 25 |
| 2014 Q5 | 29 |
| 2015 Q5 | 35 |
| 2016 Q5 | 27 |
| 2017 Q5 | 15 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 25 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Audi Q5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Engine accounts for 27% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Audi Q5 shows three dominant engine problems across these 25 complaints.
Timing chain stretch is the most visible. Owners report loud startup noise, check engine lights for cam position limit, and violent vibration between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The chain stretches, throwing off cam timing; if it slips, valves contact pistons and the engine dies or requires full replacement. Repair runs $2,500–$2,600 for chain and tensioner, but catastrophic damage can push costs past $7,000–$14,000 for a new engine. One owner spent $10,400 on timing chain, camshaft, and sensor repairs after buying the car used—then found the underlying problem was a failed non-return valve, with no guarantee a further $3,000 repair would help.
Excessive oil consumption is the other dominant issue. Owners report adding 1 quart every 200–2,000 miles or even every 300 miles, sometimes within weeks of an oil change. Dealers blame worn pistons and rings; replacement costs $7,000. Many owners say dealers simply told them to keep topping off the oil rather than fix it. One owner with 125,000 miles said the dealer ran diagnostics but never performed repairs.
Coolant pump leaks are the third pattern. The pump or thermostat housing weeps coolant, forcing repeated visits. One vehicle caught fire from a blocked coolant pump debris. A 2018 recall (Campaign 18V229000) addressed this, but one owner reported paying $310 for an inspection after the repair still failed three years later, with costs for thermostat and pump replacement still on the owner.
Same Audi Q5 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain stretch and failure
Timing chain stretches beyond safe limits, causing loss of synchronization between crankshaft and camshaft. Owners report the chain needs replacement; in severe cases, stretched chain allows valve-to-piston contact, damaging cylinders and requiring engine replacement.
When: 74,000–89,900 miles reported; one case at 60,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise when starting engine; Check engine light (cam position limit code); Engine revving at stoplights or standstill; Rough ride and vibration; Loss of power and stalling; Violent vibration while driving
Codes mentioned: P0012 (cam position limit implied by owner reports)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and tensioner replacement ($2,500–$2,600); guide rails and intake valve replacement also performed in at least one case. Engine replacement ($7,000–$14,000) when damage is catastrophic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit filed (opt-in deadline mentioned 10/13/18). TSB or tensioner update referenced as attempted fix that did not prevent failures.
Excessive oil consumption (pistons and rings)
Engine consumes oil at abnormally high rates—owners report needing to add 1 quart every 200–2,000 miles or even every 300 miles. Owners and dealers attribute this to worn pistons and piston rings. One dealer recommended piston and ring replacement ($7,000).
When: 30,000 miles in one case; 92,000–125,000 miles in other cases; one owner noted issue starting 2 years after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light; Frequent oil-level warning messages; Engine hesitation during acceleration from standstill or uphill; Engine stalling and loss of power; Blown cylinder (confirmed by dealer in one case); Engine struggling and losing acceleration
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Piston and ring replacement ($7,000 estimated); cylinder replacement (all 4 cylinders recommended in one case). Owners report dealer advice to 'keep topping off the oil' rather than repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi covered repair charges on one vehicle while under warranty (35,000 miles). One owner referenced online case study (Atlantic Motor Car) regarding Audi oil-consumption correction. Recall noted in one complaint as only covering up to 2011 model year.
Coolant pump and thermostat leaks
Coolant pump and/or thermostat housing develop leaks, allowing coolant to escape. One case resulted in complete engine fire. Another owner reports repeated failure of the same component less than three years after prior repair.
When: One fire incident reported March 1, 2017; coolant leak reoccurrence within 3 years of prior repair in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Check coolant message on display; Dangerously low coolant level; Visible coolant leaking onto ground; Engine overheating; Smoke billowing from under hood; Engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant pump and thermostat housing replacement. One owner charged $310 for visual inspection only, with further repair cost implied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall issued (Campaign 18V229000 referenced) regarding coolant pump becoming blocked with debris causing smoldering and fire risk. Owner reports burden of repair cost on consumer despite recall.
Fuel injector failure
Fuel injector becomes stuck in open position, causing engine to lose power and sputter. Injector required replacement; cause unknown per dealer.
When: 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; EPC light; Loss of power while driving at highway speed; Engine sputtering
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, EPC light
Repairs/costs cited: Single fuel injector replacement performed; other three tested and found serviceable.
Camshaft and oil circulation issues (post-timing chain repair)
After timing chain replacement, vehicle continues to vibrate and run rough. Mechanic diagnosed that non-return valve in camshaft bridge is failing, preventing proper oil circulation and interfering with variable valve timing function.
When: 41 days after purchase of used vehicle (pre-existing damage)
Symptoms owners cite: Rough ride and vibration; Intermittent EPC light; Check engine light; Engine revving at standstill
Codes mentioned: EPC light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft and camshaft positioning sensor replacement ($4,900); non-return valve replacement proposed ($3,000 additional). Full engine replacement ($7,000+) offered as alternative.
Engine compression loss
Engine loses compression in one or more cylinders, causing drivability loss and requiring compression testing to diagnose. Owners allege early failure for vehicle mileage.
When: 105,000–115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking on highway; Struggling engine with loss of acceleration; Engine stalling; No compression detected in cylinder (compression test failure)
Codes mentioned: Compression test failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; cost approximately $14,000. Dealer offered no explanation and stated 'we've seen it happen.'
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Upon reaching approximately 75,000 miles, I began noticing a louder than normal noise when starting the engine. The noise continued, and around 80,000 miles, I began receiving a check engine light for cam position limit. I did a lot of research and diagnostics to find that the timing chain had stretched, causing the noise and check engine lights. I had the faulty timing chain replaced, luckily…
41 days after purchasing well cared for, used q5, began experiencing rough ride over highway stretch, with intermittent epc light and constant check engine light. Engine also revved at stand still and vibrated. Unknowing of current class action lawsuit involving the timing chain, took the vehicle to a local mechanic. Mechanic indicated the timing chain had been stretched beyond safe use and…
Engine timing chain and tensioner failure
Car is consuming a lot of oil. Just had an oil change 3 weeks ago and I just had to put a quart of oil in my car. This is the second time this has happened in 4 months
My concern is that this car barely had 115,000 miles on it and I'm now dealing with a major oil consumption where I"m at the dealership almost once a month. My concern, is that I'm on the open highway and the car tells me to immediately park the car because the oil is too low, right after getting it topped off weeks before. This was a hazard for me be alone on the road. I notice other complaints…
The engine pistons are defective and consume an excessive amount of oil. This has been confirmed through the manufacturer's own prescribed testing of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle is not drivable due to the safety risks include sudden engine breakdown while driving.
Audio q5 2013 Audi 2.0 tfsi engine high oil consumption. There is a design flaw with the engine that causes high oil consumption. As a result, engine oil leaks into the cylinders which cause the engine to stall, damage the engine and impede acceleration. I have added oil on 3 occasions this year - 2019. The first indication to add oil came back in 2015 - 2 years after buying the car brand new and…
this car should be included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000. Having the same issues as owners of other Audi Q5 have reported. while driving the Pull over and Check coolant message appears each time in vehicle. Coolant was leaking. The coolant is leaking onto the ground while refilling the reservoir but not coming from the reservoir.
The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she had been adding a quart of oil to the vehicle every 200 miles driven. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 engine problem on the 2013 Audi Q5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 74,173 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 89,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,173; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2013/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.