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2012 Audi Q5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Q5.

Body SUV

The 2012 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury SUV built on Audi's proven platform, powered by a turbocharged engine that requires 4.9 quarts of oil with a recommended viscosity of 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting API standards. This model year stands out in the Q5's complaint history as notably reliable—with only 4 owner complaints recorded and a single recall—placing it among the lowest-dispute years in the vehicle's timeline from 2008 to 2026. The 2012's complaint rate is dramatically lower than the peak year of 2018, which saw 196 complaints primarily centered on suspension, air bags, and structure issues, making this particular model year one of the more problem-free iterations of the Q5 for prospective buyers prioritizing dependability.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2012

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 sizeP235-60R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q alt 06D115475
Engine air filter	8K0133843 alt 8R0133843K
Fuel filter	8R0919679C
Spark plug	06H905601A alt 101905611A
Battery	000915089BC alt 000915089BD
Front wiper blades	8R1955425B alt 8R1955426B
Serpentine belt	06E903137AC alt 06H903137C
Thermostat	06H121113B alt 06J121113A
Cabin air filter	8K0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	182.3 in
Overall width	74.8 in
Overall height	65.4 in
Wheelbase	110.6 in
Curb weight	4090 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.

4.5–16.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.50 sec — 2021 55 Premium Plus S-Line PHEV Quattro

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2011	2.0T Premium Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.00 sec	15.50 sec	211 hp	AWD
2013	3.0T Premium Plus S-line Quattro 3.0L Supercharged V6	5.50 sec	14.10 sec	272 hp	AWD
2013	2.0T Prestige Quattro 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.90 sec	15.30 sec	211 hp	AWD
2014	3.0 TDI Premium Plus Quattro 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	5.70 sec	14.40 sec	240 hp	AWD
2014	3.0 TDI Premium Plus S-line Quattro 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	5.80 sec	14.60 sec	240 hp	AWD
2009	3.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V6	6.50 sec	15.10 sec	270 hp	AWD
2009	3.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V6	6.60 sec	15.00 sec	270 hp	AWD
2009	3.2 Prestige Quattro 3.2L V6	7.20 sec	15.60 sec	270 hp	AWD

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 Fluid	Audi part number G060162A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.2-4.9
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.1 Pints
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.6 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.3 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.1 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	15 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.2

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	26.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-3-6-2-5
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Audi/VW
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Torque	22.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.27-1.40 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.80-5.35 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188 °F
Engine Compression	159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression	145-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 1.161 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.866 in / 0.472 in / 1.181 in / 1.161 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.787 in / 0.394 in / 1.102 in / 1.083 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

6 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

33 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

22 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

7 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

7 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

20 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

20 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

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

1	30.0 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	front bolts only 6.0 ft. lbs.	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 8.9 ft. lbs., step 3: 11.8 ft. lbs., step 4: step 18.4

3.7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., step 2: 18

11 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.

At 5,000 mi	Brake 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 mi	Brake 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 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 20,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 35,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
At 55,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 75,000 mi	Accessory 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 2012 Audi Q5 stands out as a distinct low point in the model's federal record, with just 4 complaints, 1 recall, 0 investigations, and 773 TSBs. This represents a sharp drop from 2011, which saw 141 complaints and 5 recalls, and precedes a rebound in 2013 to 92 complaints, 5 recalls, and the generation's first investigation. While the broader record shows considerable year-to-year variation, 2012 is the quietest year in the sequence and is immediately flanked by materially higher complaint counts. The four top complaint areas are isolated single reports spanning suspension/air bags/structure, structure alone, unknown/other/fuel-propulsion, and engine, with zero crash or fire complaints recorded. Because 2012 sits at the bottom of the complaint arc between higher-count years on both sides, the federal data points to a comparatively trouble-free production cycle for this model year. For a used Q5 from this generation, 2012 is one of the more favorable years to buy based purely on reported complaints and recalls.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

773

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 4 complaints on record, top 4 components.

Suspension,Air Bags,Structure1

Structure1

Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 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 773 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_2074729_3	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2028405_5	2026-06-23	Power Train	This bulletin provides infomraiton when there is a Gearbox warning light; DTC P060B00…
TSB_2028902_5	2026-06-23	Power Train	This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the…
TSB_2028985_13	2026-06-23	Power Train	This bulleitn procides informaiton when tehre is a transmission warning mssage in the…
TSB_2059335_7	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…

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.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 8K0133843 Fuel filter 8R0919679C Spark plug 06H905601A

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Q5 take?

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

Does the 2012 Q5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.