2011 Audi Q5 Consumer Reviews
Review Summary
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I've just about every iteration of SUV one can imagine dating back to an '88 Isuzu Trooper, Jeep Grand Cherokee, MB ML430 and a MB G500. Circumstances required me to give up my loved Porsche Cayman S. Initially , i was all set to go for a Range Rover Evoque or maybe a Ford Edge. The Cayenne was more than I wanted to spend and didn't get decent mpgs. Being a car nut I did lots of research and found the Audi Q5 to fit the bill for my needs... all-weather, dog, grand kids, luxury, handling, performance and with the 2.0L Turbo, decent mpgs. It hasn't let me down. I got the Premium Plus package with 19" wheels. In day-to-day driving, I regularly get 23 mpg. On one 2,000 mile road trip, we average 27.5 mpg @ 68 mph average. With Quattro all wheel drive, a/c going, this is outstanding to me. I've experienced no problems whatsoever. The only thing I may be missing is the adaptive suspension, but this isn't a sports car. The quality is second to none and its proven very comfortable. My golf clubs and cart fit in the back with all seats up. I'd recommend this SUV to anyone who's in the market.
VS
Critical Review
Before my Q5 reached 15k miles, my water pump failed, front brakes need to be replaced, wipers are toast (live in LA and vehicle is garaged), and my back seat constantly rattles. We were just about to head out of town and drive through the desert before the water pump failed on us. Because Audi failed to manage its supply chain and was not prepared to issue a normal recall on the water pumps, they waited for them to fail first and fix them as they came in. Had this failed 250 miles later, we would have been stranded in the middle of the desert in the middle of the night. Our trip was cancelled and Audi washed our car for our inconvenience. Gee...thanks! Next, I have taken the Q5 in twice now for that back seat rattle. However, Pacific Audi pretends they are unaware of such issue. Just do a search on "Q5 and back seat rattle" and you will see all the problems everyone is experiencing. Both times Pacific Audi has told me that they cannot hear the rattle but they have no problem begging me to give them perfect scores for their review. How about fixing the problem and earning your perfect score! Yet when I drive it off the lot, I immediately hear it. I have managed to get by with the constant and annoying noise by turning up my music over it. I guess I will now have to try the duct tape method others have come up with because they did not want to deal with Audi service. Sorry, but spending this kind of money on a vehicle with all these failures before the first 15k miles is ridiculous. I am so tired of being nickle and dimed by Audi (even more so when they are not honoring warranty repairs) and plan to dump my A4 and Q5. I do love the interior designs, but now feel it is simply lipstick on a pig. When I first got the Q5, I absolutely loved it and thought that I would be driving Audi's for the rest of my life. Now, I want to drive them off a cliff and never step foot in another Audi dealership.
2011 Q5 Reviews
Showing 8 of 163 reviews.
Luxury interior with carefully thought out comfort, features & safety
Oversized Sport mirrors create blind spot for short drivers to see cars stopped on left side when making left hand turns
Audi provides extra hatch back room to carry bulky items as back seats bend forward increasing cargo space with automatic opening & closing of hatchback using key fob features. Luxury leather interior with seats that provide lumbar heat & protrusion, wood paneling features on doors & dash, excellent, clear sound system for radio & CD player & multi speaker placement front & rear, clear bluetooth hands free phone connection with directory/frequent number recall, radio station hands free selection, front & rear wiper wash with 3 speeds & auto pilot steering all off steering column; car mechanics function check read at finger tips on center console, navigation screen, fog lights front & rear to illuminate left to right horizontal road vision span with or without high beams, excellent balanced braking ability using ceramic brakes vs. squeeking metal pads, roomy 3 person comfortable back seat with ample head room for passengers to enter/exit & utilize individual back seat passenger controls; panoramic screened skylight, tinted windows all around, cargo privacy cover, smooth ride over most terrain & excellent in ice & snow on 18" tire base. Dashboard sensor functions alert to tire pressure or engine attention & reminders for when regular maintenance schedules are due. Uses premium gas but gets average 143 miles on a 1/2 tank. Quiet engine, no interior rattles, shuts out exterior noise when the solid door closes. Can engage/turn off alarm system from 20 ft away using key fob ignition feature. Can initiate alarm sound from outside of car using key fob feature if operator is in safety distress. Dependable German engineering review of Audi Q5 SUV, from a former 20 year 911 Porsche owner. This Audi Q5 checks all the boxes!
Exceptionally Reliable, Overbuilt, and Underrated SUV
Maintenance matters – Skipping service can lead to expensive repairs • Fuel economy is average – Quattro AWD trades efficiency
I’ve owned my 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro for years, and it has proven to be one of the most solid and capable vehicles I’ve ever had. This platform is seriously underrated. With proper maintenance, the drivetrain is extremely durable, the Quattro system is confidence-inspiring in all weather, and the chassis still feels tight and composed even by modern standards. Unlike many neglected examples, this vehicle has been meticulously maintained with preventative service done ahead of schedule. Common weak points have been addressed, not ignored, which makes a huge difference in long-term reliability. The engine runs strong and smooth, oil consumption issues are not present, and the transmission shifts flawlessly. Interior quality is still excellent — Audi materials hold up far better than most competitors from this era. Ride quality strikes a great balance between comfort and handling, and the vehicle feels far more planted and refined than typical midsize SUVs. Market values don’t reflect how capable, safe, and long-lasting these Q5s really are when properly cared for. This is not a disposable vehicle — it’s a premium SUV built to last well beyond 200k miles when maintained correctly. Anyone shopping one of these should prioritize condition and service history over book value
Nice looking car
Expensive to maintain and not reliable
Not a bad car, just not a reliable one. Expensive repairs and service was always difficult. I would not recommend an Audi.
Nice feel interior and fun to drive
Expensive repairs
Bought this car from original owner. Car had 172,000 miles upon purchase but thought it would last a few more years WRONG! This model has problems burning oil and Audi site says it's normal. Car developed several oil leaks and would be too expensive to repair. My mechanic says these types cars are not made to last past 150K or so. My advice is STAY AWAY!!!!
Had zero issues replaced brakes tires oil on schedule Love the car. The drive and quality 180k miles
The best vehicle I’ve ever owned. I’ve owned wrangler, Land Rover sports, jaguar, jeep Cherokee, chevy ss, ford bronco, mercury cougar (now I’m telling my age) my q5 beats them all; Reliable, great gas mileage, low maintenance, great comfort ride on the highway and style. The greatest mention: I’ve had brakes replaced only once (front and back). With the others I had brake replacements every other year.
My 2010 3.2 liter white is the best car I’ve ever owned. Looks like a new car. Bought a A6 All Road last year. Great car but just can’t bring myself to sell the Q5.
expensive to repair parts
expensive to fix, takes premium gas (about 17 gallons)
I bought this 1 year used, and for the most party for about 7 years it had no issues at all, just brought them in for recalls that never gave me problems where the dealership took good care of me. Only after year 7, things had to be repaired like the CV boot, coolant hose. Smooth ride, nice roomy trunk, some people say the backseat is roomy. Drawback is that parts are very expensive to fix and sometimes even your local specialized mechanic can't do it so you have to take it to the dealer, which is even more expensive.
