AudiQ52011Overview/audi/q5/2011/base/

2011 Audi Q5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Q5.

Body SUV

The 2011 Audi Q5 is an SUV equipped with an engine requiring 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 API oil. Ownership records indicate this model year generated 141 total owner complaints across five recalls, with air bags identified as the top complaint area. Within the broader model complaint history spanning 2008 to 2026, the 2011 Q5 sits between the lowest reported issues of 1 in 2026 and the peak of 196 complaints recorded in 2018, suggesting a moderate reliability profile compared to the extremes of the covered years.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-55R19; S Line Pkg: P255-45R20OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06J115403Q alt 06D115475
Engine air filter8K0133843 alt 8R0133843K
Fuel filter8R0919679C
Spark plug101905611A alt 06H905601A
Battery000915089BC alt 000915089BD
Front wiper blades8R1955425B alt 8R1955426B
Serpentine belt06E903137AC alt 06H903137C
Thermostat06J121113A alt 06H121113B
Cabin air filter8K0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.3 in
Overall width74.8 in
Overall height65.4 in
Wheelbase110.6 in
Curb weight4178 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Q5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.00 sec — 2011 2.0T Premium Quattro
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20112.0T Premium Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.50 sec211 hpAWD
20093.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V66.50 sec15.10 sec270 hpAWD
20093.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V66.60 sec15.00 sec270 hpAWD
20093.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V67.20 sec15.60 sec270 hpAWD
20133.0T Premium Plus S-line Quattro 3.0L Supercharged V65.50 sec14.10 sec272 hpAWD
20132.0T Prestige Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-46.90 sec15.30 sec211 hpAWD
20143.0 TDI Premium Plus Quattro 3.0L Turbo Diesel V65.70 sec14.40 sec240 hpAWD
20143.0 TDI Premium Plus S-line Quattro 3.0L Turbo Diesel V65.80 sec14.60 sec240 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 API engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.1 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidAudi part number G060162A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity4.2-4.9
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.1 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity6.6 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.3 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.1 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts7.2

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-6-2-5
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi/VW
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Torque22.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.27-1.40 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.80-5.35 oz
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188 °F
Engine Compression159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression145-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 1.161 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 1.161 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.787 in / 0.394 in / 1.102 in / 1.083 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 906 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9033 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., step 2: 907 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
4front bolts only 6.0 ft. lbs.6 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 8.9 ft. lbs., step 3: 11.8 ft. lbs., step 4: step 18.43.7 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., step 2: 1811 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 55,000 mi; coolant at 15,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 15,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
At 15,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
At 35,000 miBody Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miBody Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
At 55,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 75,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Audi Q5 sits at a notable inflection point in its generation’s federal record. Complaints surged from 99 in 2010 to 141 in 2011—the highest of any model year—before plummeting to just 4 in 2012, suggesting early-build quality issues were addressed mid-cycle. Recalls remained steady at 5, consistent with adjacent years, while Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) peaked at 1,194, reflecting Audi’s efforts to document and resolve emerging concerns. The data shows airbag and engine-related complaints dominated (54 and 23 respectively), though root causes aren’t specified. While the 2011’s complaint volume is concerning, the sharp decline in 2012 implies many issues were likely rectified under warranty or through TSBs. **For a used buyer, the 2011 Q5 demands meticulous service records to confirm fixes were applied, but its position at the tail end of early-generation teething problems makes it a higher-risk choice than the more stable 2012 or later models.**

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1194
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
141
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 141 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags54
Engine23
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System4
Power Train,Engine4
Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Power Train3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V818000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 19/11/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi…

17V001000Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof AssemblyReported 03/01/2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister… Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1194 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_2074729_32026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2028405_52026-06-23Power TrainThis bulletin provides infomraiton when there is a Gearbox warning light; DTC P060B00…
TSB_2059335_72026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_12026-06-10EngineThis bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_62026-06-04Unknown Or OtherThis Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Q5. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Q5 take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 OR 5W-40 API MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50200, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Q5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.