2.0T vs 3.0T Reliability

[Sampaxton]

Hello, I am looking at Q5's for my girlfriend and I would like some input in terms of reliability. If it were me, I would go with the 3.0T (Looking to buy the B8.5 S4 in the coming months) as would most people here in the posts on this topic. For my girlfriend, she could care less about performance. She is really only concerned with the creature comforts and the reliability. I have found a couple other threads comparing the engines, but they more focus on performance and tuning. I would appreciate any comment on a comparison of maintenance, reliability, and longevity between the two engine options.

[RoofRails]

Hello, I am looking at Q5's for my girlfriend and I would like some input in terms of reliability. If it were me, I would go with the 3.0T (Looking to buy the B8.5 S4 in the coming months) as would most people here in the posts on this topic. For my girlfriend, she could care less about performance. She is really only concerned with the creature comforts and the reliability. I have found a couple other threads comparing the engines, but they more focus on performance and tuning. I would appreciate any comment on a comparison of maintenance, reliability, and longevity between the two engine options.

The 3.0TFSI is far more reliable then a 2.0T. Since your not in it for power try to find a 3.0TFSI Q5 that is detuned to 272hp. They have some issues like any other engine but nothing that will cause a catastrophic engine failure.

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[MSq5]

There are many threads here on comparisons of stock 2.0T and 3.0T engines.

Those with the 2.0T engine will come along. In the interim, my view is that the 2.0T has a design flaw that causes oil consumption. Audi has never meaningfully addressed it. Turbochargers are maintenance items like brake pads and tires. They just wear out. The engine is adequate, but the weight of the Q5 does tax it. It has to work.

The 3.0T is generally reliable but does have a maintenance issue with PCV and thermostat replacement as early as 50,000 miles, certainly by 100,000. Earlier engines had some timing tensioner guide issues, but I believe revisions resolved that. The supercharger is quite reliable. The larger displacement and greater torque means that the engine is happy with the weight of the car and never feels like it is working hard.

I'd pick the 3.0T over the 2.0T, even if I were not interested in the power difference.

[Discipulus]

I just came from a B8 A4 with the same 2.0T as the Q5.

Check the A4 forums and look around for reliability as there are a ton more users on that forum with the same motor. Most of us here have the 3.0T.

I can confirm the reliability of the 2.0T was frustrating at best if addressed in advance, and devistating if not. I had the pistons and rings replaced under warranty to fix oil consumption issues. I also had to replace the timing chain and tensioner and guide rails myself due to a known failure point on those. It seemed 2.0 motors were blowing up left and right due to timing chain tensioner failures.

I'd avoid the 2.0T from the B8 and B8.5 generation entirely. Some claim many issues were resolved by B8.5 but if I remember many users still were having the same or similar oil burning and timing chain problems.

The 3.0T has been pretty reliable. I'm over 100k miles now and no issues so far other than the PCV. Eventually the catalytic converters will fail, even at stock power levels, but nothing in the engine itself is known to be weak.

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[S4'ed]

Don't even consider a 2.0T.....

[Norskie]

If reliability is important don't even look at euro brands. Yes, the supercharged 3.0 and the ZF8 transmission are near the peak of reliability compared to other offerings from across the eastern pond, but they are still more expensive to repair and maintain than the stuff from across the other bigger pond to the west.

Regardless of engine choice, the Q5's are expensive to maintain. Transmission fluid changes will run $700+ every 50k, control arms > $1000 every 100k, brake components don't last long, they're very picky about the fluids and spark plugs, you'll need specialized tools like VCDS if you do your own maintenance repairs etc. There's a reason euro brands depreciate sharply once they're off warranty.

It's all about the trade-off's. They euro brands are generally nicer / funner to drive but you pay for it one way or another. The 3.0T Q5 is probably the best of the bunch.

[Discipulus]

That is certainly a good point. Reliability and German cars don't often fit in the same sentence when compared to Japanese or American. The maintenance is definitely way more frequent and expensive even if you're a DIYer.

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[Jun3s]

Hello, I am looking at Q5's for my girlfriend and I would like some input in terms of reliability. If it were me, I would go with the 3.0T (Looking to buy the B8.5 S4 in the coming months) as would most people here in the posts on this topic. For my girlfriend, she could care less about performance. She is really only concerned with the creature comforts and the reliability. I have found a couple other threads comparing the engines, but they more focus on performance and tuning. I would appreciate any comment on a comparison of maintenance, reliability, and longevity between the two engine options.

Not sure what your budget is since you're looking at used Q5's, but I highly recommend looking at 2017+ Mazda CX5 or CX9. Amazing interior and ergonomics for its price point, definitely blows competition away. Ticks all her boxes-- interior creature comforts, reliability, ease/cost of maintenance, not particularly performance oriented but handles probably the best vs. the competition in its segment. You can probably find them for low to mid 20k+ in the used market depending on trim, though definitely look at new considering how used cars are priced these days...

Amazing bang for buck quality interior and handling, albeit might be a little more cramped in the 2nd row compared to the competition. I'm a little biased though: helped Dad search for a compact commuter, found a used, low mile 2017 Mazda3 in its top trim (Grand Touring) for $17k before the car prices went wild. Had perforated white leather seats, heated steering wheel/seats, heads-up display, etc. Mazda seriously punches above its weight.

But if set on the Q5, 3.0T for sure. Without the 3.0T Supercharged motor and performance, I personally wouldn't have even considered the Q5 to be honest.

[Discipulus]

Not sure what your budget is since you're looking at used Q5's, but I highly recommend looking at 2017+ Mazda CX5 or CX9. Amazing interior and ergonomics for its price point, definitely blows competition away. Ticks all her boxes-- interior creature comforts, reliability, ease/cost of maintenance, not particularly performance oriented but handles probably the best vs. the competition in its segment. You can probably find them for low to mid 20k+ in the used market depending on trim, though definitely look at new considering how used cars are priced these days...

Amazing bang for buck quality interior and handling, albeit might be a little more cramped in the 2nd row compared to the competition. I'm a little biased though: helped Dad search for a compact commuter, found a used, low mile 2017 Mazda3 in its top trim (Grand Touring) for $17k before the car prices went wild. Had perforated white leather seats, heated steering wheel/seats, heads-up display, etc. Mazda seriously punches above its weight.

But if set on the Q5, 3.0T for sure. Without the 3.0T Supercharged motor and performance, I personally wouldn't have even considered the Q5 to be honest.

My girlfriend and I just went through a car search for her. She has loved all my Audi's and wanted some kind of good handling comfortable powerful car of some kind. We searched around for BMW 3 series, A4's, Audi Allroads, VW Golf GTI, and other sporty German cars.

She ended up buying a 2021 Mazda 3 AWD Turbo. It has very nice interior, tons of modern technology that my Audi is missing, 320 ft-lbs of torque, and outperformed everything in its price class and many things above its price class.

That same peppy turbo 2.5 is also found in some models of CX5 and CX9 if you do want a little more boost.

Honestly in a few years I might consider a CX9 as my next SUV if I can't afford a Tesla by then.

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[stapan]

For what its worth, there was a huge study done a few years ago on data from millions of vehicles from 2000 model years and newer.

The #1 most reliable vehicle based on the huge data set was found to be the 2016 model year Q5 3.0T. That swayed my decision to buy exactly that!

I don't know exactly where the 2.0 ranked, but from what I remember when researching, the 2.0 drivetrain was one of the least reliable money could buy.

Funny how they can come from the same manufacturer and yet be so different.

[S4'ed]

That's because the 2.0T is a VW engine design, and the 3.0T is an Audi engineered engine. There are separate engine design teams, and a third for Porsche.

[Qboost]

For what its worth, there was a huge study done a few years ago on data from millions of vehicles from 2000 model years and newer.

The #1 most reliable vehicle based on the huge data set was found to be the 2016 model year Q5 3.0T. That swayed my decision to buy exactly that!

I don't know exactly where the 2.0 ranked, but from what I remember when researching, the 2.0 drivetrain was one of the least reliable money could buy.

Funny how they can come from the same manufacturer and yet be so different.

I'm interested to see this study. Do you have a link?

[Mythdoc]

There is a lot of exaggeration and oversimplification on this thread. The 2.0 issues with oil consumption and tensioner slippage were addressed by 2014 model year. Remove those vehicles and you are back to the usual incidence of problems for any type engine. Therefore, since OP has not stated what year or model they are considering, and in the use case described (performance not a factor) it seems a bit much to dog the 2.0 engine to the degree that is being done here. That said, if OP wants the 3.0 engine it is very reliable (if not particularly economical).

[stapan]

I'm interested to see this study. Do you have a link?

I no longer have all the details but here is one mention I could find online:

https://www.aftermarketnews.com/carm...and-to-repair/

If you scroll down to the 10 most reliable vehicles section, you will see the 2016 Audi Q5 was found to be #1 most reliable vehicle of all. This is the largest data study of used car reliability performed in the automotive sector I believe (data from 5.6 million vehicles).

[Norskie]

I no longer have all the details but here is one mention I could find online:

https://www.aftermarketnews.com/carm...and-to-repair/

If you scroll down to the 10 most reliable vehicles section, you will see the 2016 Audi Q5 was found to be #1 most reliable vehicle of all. This is the largest data study of used car reliability performed in the automotive sector I believe (data from 5.6 million vehicles).

I'm at a loss to understand how a 2018 study can assess reliability on a 2016 model year, as that is nearly brand new. Just like the JD Power 'quaility' survey only addresses problems found in the first three years of car ownership. Averaging 12k miles a year, those cars are likely not even out of warranty. Frankly, any problems prior to 75k miles is a big "fail" in my book.

What would be useful is a study which collates problems over a 150k miles (not time), and includes both cost and frequency of repairs.

[Valpo A7]

I will eventually be looking at the Q5 as well. I was told in the past to look at the 2015 and newer 2.0 if that is what you are looking for.

The 3.0 will generally always be a good choice as long as the previous owner took care of it. I have an A7 with the same engine and trans. I am at 215,400 miles and still running well. Last summer around 205,000 miles I had to replace the timing chains and tensioners as the engine was throwing engine codes for left and right side. Other than the chains I have not had to do much work on it outside of normal routine maintenance. I changed the engine mounts when I had the my engine out. They were stock at 205,000 miles. My PCV is original and it seems the water pump and t-stat are as well. A few months after putting the engine back in my passenger side cat converter broke at the flange. I had the flange welded back on then reinstalled it. Both cats are still running strong at 215,000+ miles.

The previous owner listened to Audi and believed in fluid for life with the trans and as a result my fluid is original. Scared me a bit but changing it now scares me as well. I guess worst case is a get a used trans at some point now.

The 3.0 engine/trans platform is very solid and if it’s taken care of it will take care of you. There is a guy on Audiworld that last I saw had over 345,000 miles on his A7.


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[stapan]

I'm at a loss to understand how a 2018 study can assess reliability on a 2016 model year, as that is nearly brand new. Just like the JD Power 'quaility' survey only addresses problems found in the first three years of car ownership. Averaging 12k miles a year, those cars are likely not even out of warranty. Frankly, any problems prior to 75k miles is a big "fail" in my book.

What would be useful is a study which collates problems over a 150k miles (not time), and includes both cost and frequency of repairs.

Well the study was published December 2018 and the 2016 Q5 came out in 2015. So its over 3 years of data.

As vehicles age further the info becomes less relevant to most buyers looking at more recent model years. Really depends what generation people are looking at buying and budget. Surely there is more data available on 2006 model year vehicles with lots of mileage but those don't seem to be as in high demand for info on these forums.

[Sampaxton]

Thank you all for the help! Definitely clarified several things as well as reaffirmed things I have heard already. I went to a dealership over the weekend that had a 2016 Q5 and 2016 CX-5 and scheduled a test drive for both and when we got there neither was in stock. A frustrating experience, but I appreciate the opinions on a different brand. It seems like what it will most likely come down to is which one she likes driving in better. With that being said, we are looking the range of 2013-2017 for the Q5.

[fastboatster]

That's because the 2.0T is a VW engine design, and the 3.0T is an Audi engineered engine. There are separate engine design teams, and a third for Porsche.

I don't think that's the case, both 2.0T and 3.0T are Audi designs. 3.0T is just based on the older 3.2 V6, and Audi just didn't do as many "innovations" as it did with 2.0T. Plus 2.0T was built to a much lower price.

[S4'ed]

The 2.0T is a VW engine design for the Golf.

[fastboatster]

The 2.0T is a VW engine design for the Golf.

Yeah, right, and Audi makes the best and most reliable cars)

[S4'ed]

VAG has three separate engine design groups, one for Porsche, one for VW, and one for Audi......whether you believe it or not.....
And VWs, Audis, and Porsches have about average reliability among the three, with some real lemons in all the brands.

[fastboatster]

VAG has three separate engine design groups, one for Porsche, one for VW, and one for Audi......whether you believe it or not.....
And VWs, Audis, and Porsches have about average reliability among the three, with some real lemons in all the brands.

I do know and believe that there're separate groups, but I also believe factory SSPs. In case of gen 2 ea888, ssp is clearly saying this engine was designed by Audi, even though it was shared with other group brands. To be a little bit more brand-unbiased, 1.8/2.0T ea888 gen 2 engine is not the best, but it seems like many manufacturers have problems with their downsized and downspeeded direct injection turbo engines especially 4 cylinders which run kind of rough in low rev range.

[S4'ed]

The 2008 SSP 824803, from VW, shows that the Gen-1 EA888 was designed by VW.

The 2009 SSP 922903, from Audi, shows the minor design changes that Audi made to the Gen-1, to make it into the Gen-2. These Audi changes were the addition of the Audi Valve Lift System, minor mods to accommodate longitudinal engine mounting, and the use of the legendary low-friction oil control rings, the root cause of the early oil consumption issues experienced by Audi owners.

[Carmex]

My 2013 3.0T has 240,000+ miles on her and I have done nothing but routine maintenance. She runs strong! I do have to put oil in between oil changes but that's it.

[jbain2]

Not sure what your budget is since you're looking at used Q5's, but I highly recommend looking at 2017+ Mazda CX5 or CX9. Amazing interior and ergonomics for its price point, definitely blows competition away. Ticks all her boxes-- interior creature comforts, reliability, ease/cost of maintenance, not particularly performance oriented but handles probably the best vs. the competition in its segment. You can probably find them for low to mid 20k+ in the used market depending on trim, though definitely look at new considering how used cars are priced these days...

Amazing bang for buck quality interior and handling, albeit might be a little more cramped in the 2nd row compared to the competition. I'm a little biased though: helped Dad search for a compact commuter, found a used, low mile 2017 Mazda3 in its top trim (Grand Touring) for $17k before the car prices went wild. Had perforated white leather seats, heated steering wheel/seats, heads-up display, etc. Mazda seriously punches above its weight.

But if set on the Q5, 3.0T for sure. Without the 3.0T Supercharged motor and performance, I personally wouldn't have even considered the Q5 to be honest.

My girlfriend and I just went through a car search for her. She has loved all my Audi's and wanted some kind of good handling comfortable powerful car of some kind. We searched around for BMW 3 series, A4's, Audi Allroads, VW Golf GTI, and other sporty German cars.

She ended up buying a 2021 Mazda 3 AWD Turbo. It has very nice interior, tons of modern technology that my Audi is missing, 320 ft-lbs of torque, and outperformed everything in its price class and many things above its price class.

That same peppy turbo 2.5 is also found in some models of CX5 and CX9 if you do want a little more boost.

Honestly in a few years I might consider a CX9 as my next SUV if I can't afford a Tesla by then.

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I have owned many Audi’s. I currently own 3. My wife’s car is a CX-9. In 8 years of ownership the only non-maintenance item I had to fix was the brake booster which turned out to be a recall item. Otherwise the thing has been completely bulletproof. It handles well for an SUV (not spectacular). It has hauled our family all over the place. It’s AWD system hasn’t let us down yet and we ski regularly. If I had to get in a car now and drive across the country I would most definitely choose the CX-9 over my C6.5 avant, S4 or Q7(not totally fair as it’s undergoing warranty work). Not for comfort but for the desire of making it my destination.


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[stapan]

My 2013 3.0T has 240,000+ miles on her and I have done nothing but routine maintenance. She runs strong! I do have to put oil in between oil changes but that's it.

That is super impressive, even moreso considering it is in Michigan.

[NikolaZ]

My 2013 3.0T has 240,000+ miles on her and I have done nothing but routine maintenance. She runs strong! I do have to put oil in between oil changes but that's it.

Have you even cleaned the carbon build up ? And what about the secondary air flow channels that are along the engine ?

[Valpo A7]

I cannot speak for Carmex but the previous owner of my A7 had a carbon cleaning done by Audi around 105,000 miles and I have not done it again since. My engine is at roughly 219,000 miles.

[Carmex]

That is super impressive, even moreso considering it is in Michigan.

It has been a champion. I drive the Q5 like I stole it most days and the majority of the miles are highway miles.

I chose this engine because back when I was looking for info in 2017 I saw another 3.0T with over 300,000 miles on it. That sold me into the reliability of this engine.

Have you even cleaned the carbon build up ? And what about the secondary air flow channels that are along the engine ?

I actually have not done a carbon cleaning or anything with the secondary air flow channel. I bought the Q5 with 72k miles on it but doubt it was done before then. I do know what it takes to do that carbon cleaning as I did it on my 4.2 in my 08 S5, which I made a guide to in the S5 forum.

I'm just not excited to see what it takes to remove the supercharger. Plus my plan is a new car this spring. The car doesn't have any rough idle or hiccups during driving so I've just let routine maintenance do its thing.

I cannot speak for Carmex but the previous owner of my A7 had a carbon cleaning done by Audi around 105,000 miles and I have not done it again since. My engine is at roughly 219,000 miles.

As I said above I haven't done it. Love seeing another person with a ton of miles. This engine truly is a champ.

[djn876]

It has been a champion. I drive the Q5 like I stole it most days and the majority of the miles are highway miles.

I chose this engine because back when I was looking for info in 2017 I saw another 3.0T with over 300,000 miles on it. That sold me into the reliability of this engine.


I actually have not done a carbon cleaning or anything with the secondary air flow channel. I bought the Q5 with 72k miles on it but doubt it was done before then. I do know what it takes to do that carbon cleaning as I did it on my 4.2 in my 08 S5, which I made a guide to in the S5 forum.

I'm just not excited to see what it takes to remove the supercharger. Plus my plan is a new car this spring. The car doesn't have any rough idle or hiccups during driving so I've just let routine maintenance do its thing.


As I said above I haven't done it. Love seeing another person with a ton of miles. This engine truly is a champ.

The charger is super easy to take off, belt and a couple hoses up front, intake and few connectors in the back, 6 nuts and it lifts off. Maybe 20 minutes to do. Some of the stuff underneath takes longer to do, but the charger itself is a piece of cake.

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