Why is my 2018–2021 Audi Q5 using oil between oil changes?

Short answer: Some late B9 Q5s, especially certain 2020 engines, use oil between changes. Keep a log, check for leaks, ask about the PCV, and request an oil-consumption test while warranty or Audi Care still helps.

Symptom: Add-oil messages on the dash, needing a liter between services, or a dealer saying consumption is within Audi’s limit.

What to check first

1. Write down miles and quarts added.
2. Inspect for external leaks.
3. Ask the dealer to check the PCV.
4. Request the formal oil-consumption test in writing.

Likely causes

1. Higher-than-expected oil consumption (some 2020 DJYA engines). Some 2020 Q5 owners report adding a liter between services. Audi’s published allowance is roughly a quart per 1,200 miles, so dealers often tell owners to monitor. A formal oil-consumption test documents it.
2. PCV valve / crankcase ventilation. Owners and replies often point at the PCV valve when consumption rises. A failing PCV can pull oil into the intake.
3. External leak vs burn. Check for drips and wetness around the filter housing and valve cover before assuming the engine is burning oil.

What it usually costs

PCV work is usually far cheaper than an engine tear-down. Owners discussing ring jobs on older Q5s cited many thousands of dollars.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Yes if you keep the level in range. Running low can damage the turbo and engine.

DIY or shop?

Checking and topping oil is DIY. PCV and consumption tests are usually dealer or indie Euro-shop jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Audi Q5: 22V753000 (2021-2021 model years, engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 3 keyword-matched complaints for Audi Q5 2018–2021 (of 361 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-06; keywords: oil consum, burn oil, using oil, quart, pcv). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2020 Audi Q5 oil consumption issue on Reddit r/AudiQ5, a 2020 Q5 S line CPO owner who had already topped off twice got a dash message to add up to a liter. Replies urged a PCV check and shorter oil intervals, and one owner said 2020 DJYA engines are known for heavy consumption that still often passes Audi’s warranty test.
• In Oil consumption on 2020 Audi Q5 on Reddit r/AudiQ5, another 2020 Q5 CPO owner at low miles had to add oil twice in about eight months. Replies mixed ‘monitor it’ advice with ‘replace the PCV,’ and one owner of an older Q5 said a prior class-action oil-consumption repair involved piston rings at very high cost.

Quick tip

Do not accept ‘it’s normal’ without a paper trail of how much you add.

Vehicle focus: Audi Q5 roughly 2018-2021, with extra attention on 2020 2.0T examples owners flag for high consumption.

Safety / mechanic note

A seized engine from no oil can lock the drive wheels. Verify with a mechanic.