Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2016 Audi Q5 SUV AWD
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEMCampaign 18V229000 · 11/04/2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGCampaign 17V622000 · 05/10/2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 17V298000 · 03/05/2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEMCampaign 17V002000 · 03/01/2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
- VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 17V001000 · 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 resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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 expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE26
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
- STEERING10
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
- AIR BAGS5
- VISIBILITY/WIPER4
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/26/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COOLANT PUMP OVERHEATING ON GETTING CAR AFTER 3 WEEKS. DRIVING ON FREEWAY, COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON, THEN OIL SENSOR AND CAR STARTS TO SLOW DOWN WHERE ACCELERATION IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE, KILL SWITCH IS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED, BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE STARTS COMING OUT. CAR NO LONGER STARTS.
- 12/23/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic on several occasions and unknown repairs were performed; however, after each repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but had no success. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooler). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
- 12/04/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021 I filled my car up with gas. Shortly after I noticed a fuel smell from the outside and on the inside of the car. On Thursday, December 2, 2021 I drove to Jupiter fl approx a two hour car drive it smelled like gas the whole entire drive there on the inside of the car and even worse on the outside. When I got home on Friday night December 3, 2021 it was still just as bad. I took my car to the mechanic today Saturday, December 4, 2021 and upon the mechanic putting it on the lift you could see two leaks on the gas tank one at the front and one at the rear. He will be removing the seat on Monday to look further into the issue.
- 12/02/2022· ENGINE
Purchased a 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus in June of 2022, I only had it for about a month and the light came on asking me to put a quart of oil in it. After adding oil the light went off, Well it has done it two more times since the first time. While having the car serviced in August I asked the service associate why does it do that, I was told that that's just what they do. That made no sense me, So I did a little investigation and found out there was a class action lawsuit filed because of this issue. I didn't own the car at that time, Audi should continue to service these vehicles that might have slipped through the cracks and wasn't repaired during this lawsuit. There are many people just like me who are purchasing these cars, without knowing about this issue and has the vehicle been repaired or not. It is unsafe to drive these cars like this because it can lose power on the highway and thus cause the driver to be injured or even killed. Audi keep telling people that they just do this, when they know that there was a law suit about this issue, but have so many vehicles out there that hasn't been repaired.
- 11/30/2024· STEERING
Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when coming to stop. Had vehicle towed to dealership because unable to drive. Had to replace power steering rack with adaptions. The j500 electromechanical power steering control module integrated into the steering rack was was electrically faulty.
- 11/18/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN STARTING NEW 2016 Q5 PREMIUM PLUS, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING THAT REAR HATCH IS OPEN, CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT FUNCTION AND DOOR LOCK SIGNAL NOT TO SOUND. DEALER REPLACED REAR HATCH LATCH AND COMFORT CONTROL UNIT J393, AFTER THE THIRD VISIT TO THEM FOR THE SAME COMPLAINT.
- 11/16/2020· AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
THERE IS A LEAK FROM THE PANORAMA SUNROOF INTO REAR SIDE CABINET OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL #17V001000 BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL DESCRIPTION. THE LEAK CAN POTENTIAL CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE SIDE REAR AIRBAG SO IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. HOWEVER, THE CAUSE IS REALLY A DEFECTIVE DRAIN HOSE CONNECTING TO THE SUNROOF DRAIN THAT IS NOT SECURELY ATTACHED OR MAYBE DEFECTIVE.
- 11/15/2016· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash
I HAVE A 2016 AUDI Q5 AND RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND MOVED MY FOOT TO BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD OVER A COUPLE OF BOULDERS THROUGH THE TREES FLIPPING ONCE AND ROLLING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. I, MIRACULOUSLY, CAME OUT OF THE INCIDENT UNSCATHED. THREE WEEKS EARLIER MY BROTHER-IN-LAW BORROWED MY CAR AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BECAUSE IT SURGED FORWARD ON HIM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHEN HE WENT TO BRAKE. I DISMISSED HIS COMMENTS, THINKING HE WAS NOT USED TO MY CAR. TURNS OUT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A CONNECTION TO BOTH OF OUR EXPERIENCES AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI CORPORATE, BUT WANTED TO REGISTER THIS INCIDENT.
- 11/07/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
ON OCTOBER 15 2023 AT AROUND 5.30 PM ME AND MY WIFE ARE COMING BACK FROM MY DAUGHTER"S HOUSE IN BASKING RIDGE NJ ,TO MY HOUSE IN WARREN NJ WHICH IS ONLY about 7 MILES. ITS LOCAL AREA WITH SPEED LIMIT AROUND 35 MILES/HR Z0NE .I WAS DRIVING ON MOUNT AIRY ROAD , SAW A RED LIGHT AT A DISTANCE, AND ALSO SAW A COUPLE OF CARS STOPPED AT LIGHT, AND SLOWLY APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TO MY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE, INSTEAD ACCELERATED VERY FAST, AND AT THAT MOMENT I STEERED THE CAR TO THE LEFT,TO AVOID HITTING ANY CARS IN FRONT OF ME,WHICH CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE BARRIER. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE AMBULANCES CAME, AND RUSHED ME AND MY WIFE WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES AND FRACTURES TO ICU MORRIST0WN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. THE CAR HAS ONLY ABOUT 35,000 MILES. WE SLOWLY ARE RECOVERING WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY . THIS INCIDENT DEFINITELY CHANGED OUR LIVES, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT VEHICLE"S UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED ME TO CRASH.
- 11/06/2020· ENGINE
BOUGHT IT 7 WEEKS AGO, 44,000 MILES. SEVERE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM I'M FINDING OUT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT ALREADY WITH AUDI TURBOS AND WAS PREVIOUSLY A CLASS ACTION. I'M PUTTING OIL IN EVERY OTHER DAY AND FEEL THE PISTONS MISSING WHEN I DRIVE IN THE MORNING.
- 10/29/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
I was pulling into a parking space at approximately 5 mph and the car unintentionally accelerated causing me to jump the curb, go over a grass median and land perpendicularly onto a one-way active road. There were trees and other items on the median I could've hit had I'd been pulling into a different parking space. I also could've hit cars on the road. I quickly got off the road and parked the car.
- 10/21/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. On Tuesday October 19th, 2022, at 11 am, I drove my 19 year old niece, a student at Uni San Francisco, to a transit station about 2 hours from my home. When we got out of the car to say goodbye I felt quite dizzy, sleepy, and a bit nauseous. I got back in the car and drove about an hour towards home and felt so dizzy that I stopped and got out of the car to get some food, just incase that was the issue. I walked around at a shopping center for about 4 hours until I felt a bit better. I got back in the car and drove another hour home. As soon as I got out of the car at home, about 7:15 pm, it was very apparent that the dizziness had returned. I called my Dr the next morning and she sent me to the ER for a blood gas test which confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. I called my niece and she confirmed she felt the same symptoms upon arrival at the transit station.
- 10/14/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON AUGUST 11, 2016 I PURCHASED FROM AUDI TYSONS CORNER, LOCATED AT 8545 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA 22182, A 2016 AUDI QUATTRO FOR $42,040.00 [EXHIBIT F]. I TRADED IN MY 2007 BMW X3 [EXHIBIT I] FOR $5,000 (I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO AUDI TYSONS CORNER ON SAME DATE) WITH A REMAINING BALANCE FOR THE AUDI TO BE PAID IN CASH $39,425.92; WHICH I PAID IN FULL BY PERSONAL CHECK ON SAME DATE [EXHIBIT E]. THE AUDI HAD 10,376 MILES ON IT AT TIME OF PURCHASE [EXHIBIT H] AND LO JACK [EXHIBIT G]. IT HAS BEEN OVER TWO MONTHS AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE TITLE TO THE VEHICLE FROM AUDI TYSONS CORNER. EACH TIME I HAVE ASKED THE MANAGER, [XXX], WHEN I WILL RECEIVE MY TITLE FOR THE 'PAID IN FULL' VEHICLE I KEEP GETTING A DIFFERENT DATE / RUN AROUND. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM EXHIBITS A THRU C THAT ARE ATTACHED. I AM REACHING OUT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE ON OBTAINING MY TITLE FROM AUDI TYSONS CORNER, AND REQUESTING THAT A FULL INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED REGARDING THE DEALERSHIP, BUSINESS PRACTICES AND SALES PRACTICES OF AUDI TYSONS CORNER. ON OCTOBER 13TH AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15PM I LEFT A VM FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER OF AUDI TYSONS CORNER, [XXX], REGARDING THE ISSUE OF NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE TITLE TO THE CAR I HAVE PAID IN FULL FOR AND REQUESTING HIM TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER FOR ME. I INFORMED [XXX] THAT I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA AND THE DOJ. AT THIS TIME, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM [XXX]. I HAVE ALSO INCLUDED FOR YOUR REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING: EXHIBIT D: COPY OF CREDIT SCORE FOR VIRGINIA CORNELL ' EXCELLENT RATING; EXHIBIT J: COPY OF RECEIPT FOR MONEY PAID FOR TRANSFER OF LICENSE PLATES; AND EXHIBIT K: COPY OF 'WE OWE' OF MISSING CARGO COVER AT TIME OF PURCHASE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 10/11/2020· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUDI AT FULL STOP WHEN STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY VEHICLE TRAVELING AT SPEED SUFFICIENT FOR THEIR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT ACCIDENT RESULTED IN BOTH BEING HOSPITALIZED WITH INJURIES. DRIVER WITH EYE AND ABDOMINAL INJURIES FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED CONCUSSION FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO SHATTER IT, PLUS SUSTAINING NUMEROUS MUSCLE AND JOINT SPRAINS FROM IMPACT WITH DASHBOARD.
- 10/11/2018· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I PURCHASED A NEW EPA COMPLIANT AUDI Q5 DIESEL ON MARCH 28TH 2018. THE VEHICLE HAD THE EPA EMISSIONS REPAIR COMPLETED. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT THROTTLE CONTROL ISSUE. IT PRIMARILY OCCURS AT SLOW SPEEDS. WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY, IF I SUDDENLY ACCELERATE, SUCH AS PASSING AROUND A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT WORK, DESPITE MY PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE TO REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND REAPPLY IT TO GET THROTTLE RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY AUDI. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 12 TIMES. I WAS RECENTLY ABLE TO REPLICATE IT TWICE IN A CONTROLLED SETTING, HOWEVER, I WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE IT AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NO ASSOCIATED CODES WITH A SCAN.
- 10/10/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURECrash
SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I COULDN'T SEE EITHER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF MY CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS BEING UNABLE TO SEE LANE LINES AND ON COMING CARS HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS OVER $10,000. I AM CERTAIN I WAS GOING UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE I WAS ONLY GOING TO TRAVEL ONE BLOCK FROM WHERE I WAS TURNING. THE CAR I HIT WAS DRIVABLE. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED.
- 09/28/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINECrash
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV AS I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP, BUT HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
- 09/27/2018· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (AUDI SOUTHAMPTON, 51 MONTAUK HIGHWAY, WATER MILL, NY 11976) CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- 09/21/2023· ENGINE
continually having to add a quart of oil to the vehicle and rear tail pipes have turned soot black from oil burning out the tailpipe. I purchased the vehicle and i was having to have the oil changed a lot. then i noticed that the oil light was on every 500-1000 miles and i was constantly having the oil changed. i researched and the oil should not be changed that often. i took to dealership twice to no avail. i took it back with the same issue. they kept the vehicle almost three months and told me that motor would have to be torn down and if warranty didnt pay i would have to pay over 15,000.00 for a new engine. i dont have that kind of money for an engine and engines should last over 100,000 miles. the warranty company advised that if engine was torn down and itis an Audi problem they would not pay (they advised that Audi have this burning oil problem and they won't cover damages) and Audi will not take responsibility for the problem that is inherent in the engine and will not repair the vehicle.
- 09/08/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact checked the oil and coolant levels and became aware that the coolant level was very low. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after filling the coolant reservoir the odor went away. The contact stated that the odor returned, and the coolant level was very low. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- 09/08/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant pump failed at 90K miles and eight years. Herb Chambers Audi Burlington denied there was ever a warranty for this issue, instead stating that the car in general was out of warranty (over 5 years from overall warranty), failed to refer us to the Settlement Claim administer as the NHTSA says they are required to under your guidelines (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10214802-0001.pdf), and again in fact failed to mention the warranty extension at all. They then quoted us at $2,580 for the repair and demanded we pick up the car by 5 pm if we did not agree to this fix, and that they would charge us to leave the vehicle on site. We then had to drive the vehicle to another dealership, where while we waited to hear from Audi on coverage of the repair—ultimately denied—we had it fixed and paid $1,970 for the fix, because the car we were told by Burlington (which refused to acknowledge the existence of a warranty extension) was dangerous to drive, and indeed the leak was so bad we had to refill it even after it was sitting in the driveway overnight. Our complaints are as follows: 1) Audi Burlington is not following NHTSA guidelines in the least re the coolant pump lawsuit and in fact dies not acknowledge the existence of said warranty 2) The class action case Zhao, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-11251 while helpful is not adequate. Our car has been meticulously maintained and at just over the required mileage (though under the years) it had a failure that, had it been ignored, would have been catastrophic.
- 09/04/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPERCrash
FIRST OF ALL I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH 35 YEARS OF SERVICE..TWENTY FIVE YEARS AS A CERTIFIED ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR. MY EXPERIENCE WITH SAFETY HAZARDS IN REFERENCE TO MOTOR VEHICLES I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON THE Q5 (2016)ARE WAY TOO BIG AND OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISUAL FIIELD ESPECIALLY THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS BLIND SPOT ALMOST INVOLVED MYSELF IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT.
- 08/27/2023· ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
SUV has major blind spot on side view mirrors. Also, consume excessive amounts of engine oil. Audi needs to include the Q5 2016 year in a class action lawsuit. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!
- 08/22/2024· ENGINE
The vehicle engine no longer works. The coolant line broke without warning, and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle no longer works
- 08/17/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and possible fire. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer during this recurrence, but it has been persistent and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during the problem.
- 08/17/2023· ENGINE
Engine shuts off while driving at highway speeds. No engine warning light comes on, just complete lack of power. Need to pull off, put car in park and restart. Happens more often in colder weather, but is very sporadic. Audi said it was fuel issue. It is not. Jundreds of gas fill-ups with all different brands. This has been happening for years, and began within months of purchasing the car. It is getting more and more frequent. There is no fault code associated with it when I've brought it in for diagnostics. Very disconcerting when driving 75mph in left lane,and you experience a complete loss of power. Last incident was August 12, 2023
- 08/09/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HAPPENED [INTERMITTENTLY] WHEN DECELERATING; INSTEAD OF GEARING DOWN TO IDLE/STOP, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV...I HAD TO LEAN HEAVILY ON THE BRAKES [WHICH THEN FELT MUSHY] TO CONTINUE TO A STOP.
- 08/06/2020· STEERING
ON 7/26/20, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A COSTCO'S PARKING LOT, A MESSAGE SUDDENLY APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD, 'STEERING DEFECTIVE DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE'. THE WEATHER WAS HOT WITH TEMPERATURE READING OF 99 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MY VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF I DID NOT HAVE FULL CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. LUCKILY, I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS NO ONCOMING CARS. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO DRIVE AND MOVED BACK INTO MY PARKING SPACE. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY/STREET AND THIS ERROR OCCURRED. I ENDED UP HAVING MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY AUDI DEALER SERVICE LOCATION. THEY CONFIRMED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK AND FOUND FAULT C10AD29 MOTOR POSITION SENSOR RANGE/ PERFORMANCE STATIC IN THEIR INSPECTION REPORT. CONTROL MODULE ON STEERING RACKED HAS FAILED ACCORDING TO THE REPORT. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING STEERING RACK FOR $3752.25. SINCE THE CAR WARRANTY ALREADY EXPIRED AT 55442 MILES, THE AUDI SERVICE LOCATION REFUSED TO COVER THE COST. I WOULD ASSUME THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENTS IN A CAR AND THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, SO I REACHED OUT TO AUDI USA. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH THEIR FAULTY STEERING WHEEL, BUT THEY RESPONDED THAT THIS IS JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY A RECALL IN PLACE AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIR COSTS UNLESS THE CAR IS TILL UNDER WARRANTY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND HAS ALWAYS BROUGHT TO AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALERSHIP FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED.
- 08/03/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Audi Q5 is consuming oil and requiring it to be filled every 300 to 500 miles. It is unsafe for people to continually be pulling over over the side of the road. Audi will not fix, even if car fails oil consumption test. Price to fix is around 9K. The problem is also causing loss of power, which is not safe, especially while driving on the highway. Audi acknowledges the problem and states "they do that".
- 07/17/2026· STEERING
Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steering problem.
- 07/09/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
On [XXX] at around 8:55-8:59 I finalized the paperwork for a purchase of a car, received the keys, drove out of the dealership and by 9:02 the check engine light came on and the car shook. On [XXX] at around 2:22 pm, as I was driving, the car shook, pulled up to red light and the car would not move. It shook, rattled and died. The EPC light came on. I owed the car back to the dealership. I noticed that parts of the car next to the muffler and the tailpipe were belong held together with making tape. I received a call from the dealership from Tony. He said the car was fixed by the owner. No clear verification that the dealership owner is as trained or licensed mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 07/09/2018· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI OF SHREWSBURY (780 BOSTON TURNPIKE, SHREWSBURY, MA 01545, (508) 581-5800) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 07/03/2016· AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPERCrash
"TAKATA RECALL" AND VISIBILITY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 6/30 DRIVING 2016 AUDI Q5 TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. BEFORE MAKING THE TURN I ENSURED NO ONE WAS COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AS I HAD A SOLID GREEN LIGHT. WHEN I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THEN SUDDENLY A CAR FROM NO WHERE CAME AND HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN A SPEED OF AT LEAST 45 MPH. MY CAR WAS DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL METERS AND FINALLY STOPPED ON THE SIDEWALK AND THE FRONT PART IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT LIGHTS AND HOOD ARE TOTALLY DAMAGED.
- 07/01/2026· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1) Rear subframe supports differential, axels, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires 2) If rear suspension fails , above noted assemblies will fall out of the car 3) Yes, dealer and independent garage have inspected and condemned 4) Manufacturer is aware of the problem, 5) No warnings or messages appeared, 6/29/26 at garage for oil change, garage was installing a subframe for another q5 so he was familiar with the issue
- 06/28/2024· ENGINE
My Q5 requires an additional quart of oil approximately every 500-1000 miles since purchased in early August . Services included two oil changes, replacement of pan gasket and fill tube O-ring. No drips on the ground, just a minimum level reading every 30 days. That definitely should not be happening without some plausible explanation other than "That's what German cars do. I have a BMW and the same issue." It was not disclosed that I would have to purchase a monthly supply oil motor oil in addition to the cost of the vehicle.
- 06/20/2018· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI NORTHLAKE (10831 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2018. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 06/19/2018· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI MILWAUKEE, 10606 W ARTHUR AVE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53227, (414) 543-3000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 06/19/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL 19N4 COOLANT PUMP STATES THAT DUE TO THE PROBLEM, THE CAR MAY CATCH ON FIRE IF THE EPC LIGHT GOES ON, CONTACT AUDI..RECALL NOTICE STATES THE REPAIR PARTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR. I CONTACTED AUDI USA, THE DEALER AND THE LEASING FIRM..NONE OF WHICH OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE OR REMEDY. I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE A CAR WHICH CLEARLY HAS A PROBLEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO MY FAMILY BEING IN SERIOUS DANGER. MY LEASE IS UP IN APRIL... I WANT OUT OF THE LEASE PLEASE HELP
- 06/19/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM AUDI USA TODAY STATING THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE "AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP" FAILING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. AUDI SAYS THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM YET, AND WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AT LEAST NOVEMBER. UNTIL THAT TIME AUDI SAYS TO PARK THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE AT NIGHT SO THAT IF IT DOES CATCH FIRE, IT IS LESS LIKELY TO BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A SAFE WAY TO HANDLE THIS ISSUE. FIRST AUDI SOLD US THE CARS WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS, THEN AUDI SOLD CARS WITH FRAUDULENT DIESEL ENGINES, NOW AUDI KNOWINGLY ADVISED THEIR CUSTOMERS TO DRIVE CARS THAT MAY CATCH FIRE AND HAS NO TIMELY SOLUTION TO MAKE THEM SAFE. I THINK YOU SHOULD INSTRUCT AUDI TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY AND NOT TO BE ABLE TO SELL ANY MORE NEW VEHICLES IN THE USA UNTIL THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS RESOLVED.
- 06/18/2018· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (AUDI OF SAN DIEGO, 1-855-971-8198) WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 06/16/2021· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the coolant pump and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the repair would be an out of pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
- 06/14/2018· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI GREENVILLE, 200 DUVALL DR., GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 206-5285) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 05/27/2020· ENGINE
COOLANT PUMP LOOSING COOLANT. NO OVERHEAT LIGHT ON WHEN IT'S ALMOST OUT. *TR
- 05/22/2023· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, there was a loud whistling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the breather valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,900.
- 05/19/2026· SUSPENSION
My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge of becoming a common issue seen in 2010-2017 Q5s. So much so, there's a law firm investigating it like DiCello Levitt - could be a design flaw, there is a plastic covering known to trap moisture and debris. I also don't live in an area that gets much snow, some years we don't have any and I get monthly car washes.
- 05/19/2022· STEERING
My 2016 AUDI Q5 got a fault on the steering (Steering Defective! Do not drive vehicle!) after changing a lane on a 35 miles/h road and I had lose all power steering and was nearly un-drivable 6 month earlier on 35k service maintenance I was complaining about jerky steering that happened twice when I change the lane on a highway after 40-50 miles trips. That time Audi Palo Alto Dealer was not able to reproduce the problem and there were no error codes that time. Today, the OBD scanner shows two error codes ABS:01309:Power Steering Module J500 and Power steering:00772:Oil pressure Switch F22. These error codes are not ressetable. The issue has not gone, it is permanent.
- 05/03/2026· STRUCTURE
Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.
- 05/02/2023· ENGINE
This vehicle guzzles oil. On average, I have to add a quart of oil every 200 - 300 miles. No leaks are evident but always see white smoke from tail pipes.
- 05/01/2026· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2016 Audi Q5. The vehicle previously underwent recall 20Z8/20W9, which addresses fuel pump flange cracking that can cause fuel leaks and fuel vapor odors. Despite this recall repair being marked as completed, I am now experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. This appears to be the same condition the recall was intended to fix. When I called the authorized Audi dealership (Audi San Jose), I was told I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs because the recall had already been completed and is no longer covered. I believe this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.
- 04/30/2021· ENGINE
WHILE ON AN EXTENDED TRIP AT FREEWAY SPEED IN THE VEHICLE, THE "ADD OIL" INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH .ON MAY 11 2018, I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO RUSNAK AUDI IN PASADENA, CA. THEY TOLD ME THAT A NEW "SENSOR" WAS REQUIRED , AS THE OIL WAS AT NORMAL LEVEL, AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE. IN JAN OF 2021 I TOOK A SHORT TRIP AT FREEWAY SPEED WITH THE VEHICLE THE "ADD OIL" LAMP FLASHED ON AGAIN. I AGAIN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO RUSNAK AUDI IN PASADENA, CA. ON APRIL 22, 2021. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME, AFTER A DAY AND A HALF, THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION SINCE THE ACTUAL OIL LEVEL IN THE ENGINE WAS AT A NORMAL LEVEL. I TRIED TO MAKE A POINT TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT IF I IGNORE THE WARNING LIGHT, HOW CAN I BE SURE I WON'T BURN OUT THE ENGINE DUE TO AN ACTUAL LOW OIL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NO MANUAL ( PHYSICAL) DIPSTICK. AS IT STANDS NOW, I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A " ADD OIL WARNING LAMP LIT ON THE DASH AND NO WAY TO PHYSICALLY CHECK THE OIL. THIS SEEMS INAPPROPRIATE TO ME AS IF I BURN OUT THE ENGINE, I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. RUSNAK AUDI SEEMS UNCONCERNED! PLEASE ADVISE.