2017 Q5 2.0T Excessive Oil Consumption - No Leaks

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David L. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium Plus

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out about my 2017 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium Plus (FY generation) that seems to be consuming an excessive amount of oil. I'm adding about a quart every 1,000-1,200 miles, which feels really high. I've checked for visible leaks multiple times, and I can't find any drips or puddles under the car.

The car has about 70,000 miles on it. There's no smoke from the exhaust that I can see, and no check engine light. Performance seems fine otherwise. Is this a common issue with the 2.0T engines in this generation? What could be causing this much oil to disappear without any external leaks?

Thanks for your input!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption without visible leaks in a 2017 Audi Q5 2.0T is a known concern for some owners of these engines. While some oil consumption is normal, a quart every 1,000-1,200 miles is generally considered high for a modern engine.

Common Causes & Diagnostics:

  1. PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve System: A faulty PCV valve or a clogged PCV system is a very common culprit. If the PCV valve fails, it can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals or into the intake manifold to be burned. This often doesn't produce a check engine light directly related to oil consumption but can sometimes trigger misfire codes or lean condition codes if severe.
  2. Turbocharger Seals: The turbocharger relies on oil for lubrication and cooling. If the seals within the turbocharger begin to fail, oil can leak into either the exhaust side (burning off and potentially causing blue smoke, though not always visible) or the intake side (leading to oil in the intercooler pipes). You might not see external leaks.
  3. Piston Rings: While less common in newer generations, worn or stuck piston rings can allow oil to bypass into the combustion chamber and be burned. This is a more significant internal engine issue and typically requires more extensive diagnostics.
  4. Valve Stem Seals: Worn valve stem seals can allow oil to seep past the valve guides into the combustion chamber, especially when the engine is cold or after prolonged idling. This often results in a puff of blue smoke on startup.

When to See a Shop:

  • Soon: It's advisable to have an Audi specialist perform a thorough inspection. They can conduct a crankcase pressure test to check the PCV system, inspect the turbocharger for signs of oil leakage, and potentially perform a borescope inspection of the cylinders to check for piston ring or valve stem seal issues. They can also perform an official oil consumption test to document the rate of consumption. Addressing the root cause is important to prevent potential long-term engine damage or catalytic converter issues from excessive oil burning.