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Audi Q5 misfire problems

15 of the 1,359 owner complaints about the Audi Q5 describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
15
worst model year
2011
typical mileage
75,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    3
  • 2011
    4
  • 2010
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

On July 23, 2026, my 2023 Audi Q5 suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway, with no prior symptoms before the incident. The vehicle began stuttering, entered limp mode, displayed multiple drive-system malfunction warnings, and developed a loud knocking sound from the engine area. The loss of power created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or operate normally in traffic. I pulled over as soon as it was safe, shut the vehicle off, and had it towed. The vehicle had approximately 74,945 miles at the time of the incident. An independent auto repair shop performed a diagnostic inspection and documented fault codes P030300 for a cylinder 3 misfire, P130A00 indicating cylinder 3 fuel injection had been disabled to protect the catalytic converter, and P013B00 involving the rear oxygen sensor. The technician reported severe connecting-rod knock from inside the engine block and found a large amount of metallic debris in the engine oil. The shop concluded that the engine had suffered catastrophic internal failure and required replacement. The symptoms and findings closely resemble the connecting-rod failure condition described in Audi recall 13i5 / the federal safety agency recall 22V753, although Audi advised that my VIN is not currently included. The vehicle is now at an authorized Audi dealership for further diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of power and internal engine failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven and could have resulted in a crash. I request that the federal safety agency review whether my vehicle experienced the same or a substantially similar connecting-rod failure as the 2023 vehicles covered by recall 22V753, despite my VIN not currently being included.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · NC

Vehicle purchased new off the showroom floor with 22 miles, driven locally only and garage kept. At 270 miles, upon starting the vehicle the engine was shaking and idling rough exactly like a misfiring cylinder would. The check engine light immediately turned on and started flashing and the engined bogged down and stopped. The dealership towed it to their shop and witness the rough idle themselves. When diagnosing the fault, it was confirmed 3 cylinders were misfiring due to "catalytic converter sensor" that triggered the engine to misfire for "protection reasons". The dealership checked the distributor and spark plug wires with no issues found, ultimately they reset the code which immediately returned the engine to proper function and idling. They drove it for 60 miles confirming proper function. Their "theory" is possible bad gas could have been put in the engine prior to the dealership buying the vehicle?? We told the dealership that we have not even put gas in the vehicle ourselves yet thus no fault on us for this postulated issue.

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a progressive engine defect. Beginning as early as 2019 (approximately 84,000 miles), I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption and related engine concerns to authorized Audi dealerships. These complaints continued over several years. At no point was I informed that these symptoms could be associated with a known defect pattern or progressive engine failure. The condition has now escalated to a severe engine malfunction. The vehicle began exhibiting engine misfires, flashing check engine light, EPC warning, and unstable operation. The dealership confirmed misfire fault codes and oil contamination affecting the ignition system. Engine replacement was initially recommended. Excessive oil consumption leading to internal contamination and misfires presents a significant safety hazard. Loss of engine power or sudden failure while driving can create dangerous conditions, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. Despite the long history of reported symptoms, Audi of America has declined to provide assistance, citing only warranty status and failing to address the defect progression. The vehicle has now been inoperable at an Audi dealership for approximately 60 days (nearly two months), with no resolution. This situation raises concerns regarding a safety-related defect, failure to disclose a known issue, and a potential broader pattern affecting similar vehicles equipped with this engine. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential defect investigation. The dealer provided diagnostic findings with Failure Codes via a temporary link that is no longer accessible. I am requesting a copy of the full report and will upload this (once received), along with other documentation.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

The car floods with excess fuel after idling for a short period of time resulting in multiple misfires and violent vibration. The car will not restart and will need to be towed. In traffic jams, the car can fail stranding motorists and creating a very unsafe situation. The problem has been verified by the dealership. Apparently, it is a known issue with the new Audi Q5 and they do not have a viable solution. They said to put the car in neutral and rev the engine to try and burn excess fuel. However, once the misfires start, it’s probably too late. I have pictures of the warning lights and the service reports. The car is 2 weeks old and has been back to the shop twice ( towed once) for a total of 5 days.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine · SC

• Excessive oil consumption • Engine knocking • Illumination of the check engine light, possibly for cylinder misfire • Engine stalling- • the pistons unexpectedly fail, drivers may also experience a sudden loss of engine power while operating their vehicles. This can pose a safety risk as it may become difficult for drivers to brake, accelerate or control the steering wheel. Drivers are believed to have experienced problems with the pistons well before they should, with some seeing engine failure before the 75,000- mile mark. Audi Vehicles Burning Too Much Oil A number of Audi drivers have posted complaints online that their Q5 vehicles are burning more oil than they should, an issue attorneys suspect could be related to a defect in the pistons. A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]: My Audi Q5 2012, like all suffers from excessive mass oil consumption. A Dealer did the oil consumption test and said the piston and rings need to be replaced. I ve Already spent over $1K on crankshaft repairs etc. Will AoA to pay for new piston and rings? Its a $6K repair that I am unwilling to pay because it should not be going through this crap for such an expensive car.” This "benefit" likely won't me customers due to the age of the vehicles and they don’t seem to care. Not to mention owners will still be stuck with paying a percentage for repairs. I bought a 2012 Audi Q5 in in 2015…For the first 20,000 miles of owning this car, it was my dream car and was all I had hoped for. Then, the check engine and oil light game started. At first, adding oil meant that it would it go another 1500-2000 miles without issue. Then, around 75k, it went to 500 to 750 miles. Once it hit 95k, it dropped to every 400 to 600 miles that it needed oil. I am at 118k and desperately want to dump this lemon. Unfortunately, I have payments on this garbage car. I've spoken with a local mechanic about it and he says the fix is replacing the engine.

Filed May 14, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NE

On May 3, 2024, while driving to work, the vehicle acutely started to make a loud clicking noise in the engine compartment. I parked the vehicle and looked for a warning light indicator on the dashboard to determine the problem, but no indicator light emerged. I then called Audi Omaha and spoke with the Service Manager who kindly arranged to have my vehicle picked up and a loaner dropped off. I did ask at that time whether it was safe to have somebody drive my vehicle to Audi given the severity of the noise and I was told that since there was not a warning light on the dashboard, it would be ok. I later discovered that my vehicle stalled on the way to Audi Omaha and required a tow. On May 6, 2024, I received a report of the problem and the estimate for repairs. It was explained that the head of a spark plug had broken off into the engine causing the piston to make contact with the valve in cylinder 3 resulting in engine damage which was beyond repair. Additionally, a second spark plug had been misfiring for several days. The estimate to replace the engine: $9,282.03. To my surprise, the multi-point vehicle inspection report I received on the same day reported that everything (aside from rear brake pad wear) passed inspection – including the engine and spark plugs! On May 7, 2024, I called Audi Omaha to express my concern that an entire engine would need replaced on a 6-year old luxury vehicle with only 60,000 miles and spark plugs that were replaced at 40,000 miles prior to my purchase of the vehicle. Even more concerning is that no warning light indictor ever displayed on the dashboard (despite being informed that the vehicles computer system had detected changes in the engine compartment 2-days prior to this event). Because of these glaring safety concerns, this issue was escalated to the Audi central region division who declined to provide assistance despite the faulty spark plug and the malfunction of the warning indicator light.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Engine · PA

Cylinder #3 lost compression, down to 30 psi from 170 psi, causing the car to lose power and run extremely rough or not run on occasion. This is a safety hazard, especially risky for highway driving. There were no warning messages, car just start running very rough or wouldn't start. Such loss of compression has been reported by an Audi service manager who says Cylinder #3 is known to have this issue, but there is no recall for it yet. The problems began in May 2021. The car was drinking/consuming oil frequently and occasionally running rough. It was taken to multiple mechanics to identify the issue. Fixes included changing spark plugs, coils, and the PCV valve to provide temporary solutions at best. 5/24/21 increased consumption of oil began 9/9/22 rough idle, spark plugs replaced 10/14/22 rough idle and burning oil, taken to a service shop, replaced the PCV valve 7/12/23 rough idle again, spark plugs replaced again under warranty 2/14/24 - rough shake again, spark plugs replaced again and dead cylinder #3 confirmed

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Engine · NJ

Too many engine issues/misfire/oil leaks on coils, air intake issues- hard to find the issue, engine burns/consumes way too much oil. Had gasket cover, PCV valve replaced, all coils replaced on 2 occasions due to oil leakage, spark plugs replaced, fuel pump replaced, intake valve replaced, water pump replaced, mass airflow sensor replaced, electric throttle body module replaced and I’m still experiencing misfires etc.

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the information that was submitted was only for 2.0 TFSI Engine's with the Engine code of CBFA & CCTA. The engine in your vehicle is a 3.2 FSI with the Engine code CALB. So this warranty extension would not be applicable to your vehicle.” Our Audi dealership diagnosed our car with the same fuel injector issue listed by Audi in this warranty extension as well as stating that this is a very common issue with our make, model and year. Our Audi is a 2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared. Their letter does not stand to prove that a faulty fuel injector was not placed in our car that was built in 2011, the same year that they installed faulty fuel injectors in their 2.0 TFSI engines. Audi dealership diagnosed our car as suffering from misfire conditions that in turn cause the malfunction indicator lamp to appear. The dealership indicates that this is a common issue with Audis during our production year. This is the same issue that Audi listed in their warranty extension letter to consumers with 2.0 TFSI engines. Our car meets all the requirements in Audi’s warranty extension letter (2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared) except that our car is a 3.2 FSI vs 2.0 TFSI. Audi is not able show that they did not install a faulty fuel injector into our car. Fuel injector problems in cars with mileage under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years of age is very uncommon. This plus Audi’s history of installing faulty fuel injectors into cars built in our year lead us to believe that Audi also installed a faulty fuel injector into our car.

Filed Jan 21, 2021 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NY

Engine misfire due to timing chain tensioning system fail.

Related recalls

EngineReported May 7, 2025 · 89,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
Risk
The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.

Recall number 25V294000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported October 7, 2022 · 76,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 and Audi's customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

Recall number 22V753000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported April 11, 2018 · 342,867 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Risk
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

Recall number 18V229000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported January 3, 2017 · 342,867 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Risk
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Recall number 17V002000 · Recall details

Questions about the Audi Q5 misfire

Which Audi Q5 years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (4 complaints), 2012 (3 complaints) and 2010 (2 complaints).

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