SQ5 Diesel Power Loss: DPF Filter Warning Signs Alert

Had similar symptoms on my A6 3.0 TDI from 2013. Initial power loss during acceleration was caused by a clogged diesel filter that restricted proper exhaust system flow and created excessive backpressure. The smoke during acceleration is a clear sign the DPF is not regenerating properly. Vehicle inspection confirmed soot buildup was far beyond acceptable levels. If left unchecked, this will eventually trigger the engine light and force the car into limp mode. The repair required a complete DPF replacement since cleaning was no longer effective due to internal damage. This is a serious issue that will only get worse, restricting power output further and potentially damaging other components if not addressed. The symptoms match exactly what you describe. Would strongly recommend having it properly diagnosed and repaired by a qualified shop that specializes in diesel particulate filter systems. This is not something that typically improves on its own. Best to address it before complete failure occurs, which would leave you stranded. After repair, consider adjusting driving patterns to include more highway runs to help with regular DPF regeneration cycles.

Thanks for sharing your experience. That DPF issue sounds exactly like what I am dealing with right now. I booked my SQ5 in for next week since the power loss is getting more noticeable, especially during overtaking. Really good to know about the regeneration cycles needing more highway driving. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the repair cost in the end? Also curious if you had any other sensor fault codes or issues pop up after getting it fixed?

Finally got the complete report back from the repair. The defective diesel particulate filter was indeed the root cause, just as suspected. Total cost came to 1550 Euro for the full DPF replacement and system check. Good news is the repair completely resolved the power loss and smoke issues. No sensor faults or related problems have occurred in the months since. The vehicle inspection confirmed everything is running at optimal levels now. Performance is back to normal with proper acceleration response. Make sure to follow the advice about regular highway drives to support natural regeneration cycles. This helps maintain the new DPF system and prevents premature clogging. The investment was worth it to prevent more extensive damage to other components. The repair shop also checked all related sensors during the work to ensure no secondary issues were present.

I took the car in last week after the symptoms got worse. The mechanic found the DPF was severely clogged, causing the power loss and smoke. A sensor fault check revealed the exhaust system was operating far below normal parameters. The complete DPF replacement cost 1550 Euro but included a full system diagnostic. Money well spent considering the car runs perfectly now, no more smoke or power issues during acceleration. The engine light stayed off and acceleration is crisp again. The best part was finding a reputable diesel specialist who explained everything clearly. They even showed me the clogged filter and walked through the regeneration process. Now I make sure to include regular highway runs in my routine to keep the system working properly. Much better experience than my previous repair nightmare. Worth every cent to have it done right and prevent bigger problems down the road.