FaultScore

FaultScore report

2016 Audi Q5 problems

Owners have filed 104 complaints about the 2016 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 17 worst.

D

FaultScore 71/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Audi Q5.

How this is worked out

The numbers

104

Complaints

15

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

32,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

50%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 48 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 85 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Audi Q5. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2016 compares with every other Audi Q5

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2016 Audi Q5

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 34 32.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 41,740 mi

Median failure at 21,000 miles

Steering 10 9.6%

Median failure at 90,721 miles

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 21,590 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 9 8.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 9,000 mi

Airbags 5 4.8%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 3.8%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,950 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 4 3.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 23,000 mi

Brakes 4 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,200 mi

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 3 2.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain 3 2.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,744 mi

Suspension 2 1.9%
Body & Structure 2 1.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Equipment & Accessories 1 1.0%
Seat Belts 1 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,000 mi

Lights 1 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 3.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 15.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 6 18.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 15 46.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 6.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 3 9.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2015 peak 9 Jul 2026

Recalls on the 2016 Audi Q5

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

18V229000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

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.

17V622000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

17V298000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

17V002000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

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.

17V001000

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2018174 47,704 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TFSI engine, the electric coolant pump could experience a short circuit and/or overheat. A short circuit or overheating of the pump could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will unplug the electric coolant pump and update the coolant pump software to mitigate the risk of fire as an interim measure. When parts become available, dealers will replace the electric coolant pump, and install an updated coolant pump software.

Recall 2017483 37,066 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the contacts within the electrical connector of the auxiliary heater could corrode. This could cause the auxiliary heater to fail and/or cause the wires to overheat and melt. If the wires were to melt, it could lead to an open circuit and/or overheating, which could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and update vehicle software as necessary.

Recall 2017243 35,575 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will apply a butyl protective film to the fuel pump flange. If cracks are present, the fuel pump flange will be replaced. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-443.

Recall 2017003 36,349 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, if the water drainage system of the panoramic sunroof becomes damaged or impaired (such as during a repair), water could enter the side head curtain airbag canister. Due to a foam that is touching the airbag inflator, moisture could cause corrosion on the airbag inflator over time. If this happens, the airbag canister could be weakened. This could cause the airbag canister to fracture without airbag deployment and allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for evidence of water ingress, examine the drainage system, disassemble the headliner and trim, remove foam and inspect the side head curtain airbag canister for relevant corrosion. In cases where light surface corrosion is found, a wax will be applied to the inflator. In cases of more than light surface corrosion, the inflator will be replaced after a robustness check.

Recall 2017002 47,704 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TFSI engine, the coolant pump could become blocked by debris from the cooling system. This could lead to the pump overheating and could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software which deactivates the power supply to the coolant pump if the pump becomes blocked with debris. The driver will be notified of the blocked coolant pump through the illumination of the Electronic Power Control (EPC) lamp.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Port Orange, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0 Premium Plus Date of Incident: March 31, 2025 I was in a front-end collision at approximately 20–25 mph when I struck a concrete pole. The impact was hard enough to severely damage the vehicle—the pole intruded deep into the engine bay, fluids leaked, and the front end was totaled. Despite this, none of the airbags deployed. As a result, I sustained multiple injuries: Severe bruising across my chest and stomach from the seatbelt A head injury and forehead swelling from hitting the steering wheel Persistent pain in my neck, chest, and abdominal area since the accident I have photo evidence of the injuries and damage, and family members who witnessed my condition via FaceTime shortly after the crash. I have checked both the NHTSA and Audi recall databases using my VIN, and there are no open recalls listed for this vehicle. I was never notified of any safety concerns or service requirements regarding the airbags. This is extremely concerning and I believe the airbag system may have failed in a situation where it was clearly needed. Please investigate this issue, as it poses a serious risk to driver safety.

NHTSA complaint #11655859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warren, NJ Crash 2 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11554085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling, MA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (See attached email). AMICA had the vehicle brought to SD Lyons Facility in Seekonk, MA to investigate the vehicle's charred remains. Audi's representatives were also present. No physical evidence was found to prove that the car caused the fire. [XXX], Fire Investigator, in his attached email to us indicated that this does not mean the fire did not originate at the vehicle but that they could not find any physical evidence from the burnt remains of the car. In addition, there are eye witnesses, since the garage door was open. Our neighbors across the street saw what seemed to be small flames flickering near the right rear side of the car, which would flare up and decrease. Soon there after the car was consumed in fire. The description given sounds like a possible rule leak. This vehicle was purchased at Audi Nashua in NH and was regularly serviced by this dealership. NO INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11503183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling, MA Fire

ENGINE

Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (See attached email). AMICA had the vehicle brought to SD Lyons Facility in Seekonk, MA to investigate the vehicle's charred remains. Audi's representatives were also present. No physical evidence was found to prove that the car caused the fire. [XXX], Fire Investigator, in his attached email to us indicated that this does not mean the fire did not originate at the vehicle but that they could not find any physical evidence from the burnt remains of the car. In addition, there are eye witnesses, since the garage door was open. Our neighbors across the street saw what seemed to be small flames flickering near the right rear side of the car, which would flare up and decrease. Soon there after the car was consumed in fire. The description given sounds like a possible rule leak. This vehicle was purchased at Audi Nashua in NH and was regularly serviced by this dealership. NO INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11503183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling, MA Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (See attached email). AMICA had the vehicle brought to SD Lyons Facility in Seekonk, MA to investigate the vehicle's charred remains. Audi's representatives were also present. No physical evidence was found to prove that the car caused the fire. [XXX], Fire Investigator, in his attached email to us indicated that this does not mean the fire did not originate at the vehicle but that they could not find any physical evidence from the burnt remains of the car. In addition, there are eye witnesses, since the garage door was open. Our neighbors across the street saw what seemed to be small flames flickering near the right rear side of the car, which would flare up and decrease. Soon there after the car was consumed in fire. The description given sounds like a possible rule leak. This vehicle was purchased at Audi Nashua in NH and was regularly serviced by this dealership. NO INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11503183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ukiah, CA 2 injured

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.

NHTSA complaint #11490309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Naples, FL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11751001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flemington, NJ

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11747832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flemington, NJ

SUSPENSION

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

NHTSA complaint #11747832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flemington, NJ

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

NHTSA complaint #11747832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11738767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New York, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11735390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tracy, CA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11735198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

ENGINE

I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated and I sought a diagnostic from the dealer which cost me $249. Audi has acknowledged this condition as a defect in other vehicles by issuing Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles), which covers carbon buildup in the secondary air injection ports. However, Audi denied U19 coverage for my vehicle solely because my VIN is not included in the warranty extension population. This condition results in increased emissions which impact the environment and which will cause the vehicle to not pass the emissions inspection required for registration. Audi has not provided any technical explanation distinguishing my vehicle from those covered under U19, despite identical fault codes, failure mechanism, and required repair procedure. The repair involves removal and cleaning of carbon buildup in the cylinder head secondary air ports and is quoted at approximately $2,500.

NHTSA complaint #11714224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a loud gunshot. I got off the exit pulled over and I saw that my sunroof was shattered. On my Audi Q5 2016.

NHTSA complaint #11711731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

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.

NHTSA complaint #11681153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Orange, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0 Premium Plus Date of Incident: March 31, 2025 I was in a front-end collision at approximately 20–25 mph when I struck a concrete pole. The impact was hard enough to severely damage the vehicle—the pole intruded deep into the engine bay, fluids leaked, and the front end was totaled. Despite this, none of the airbags deployed. As a result, I sustained multiple injuries: Severe bruising across my chest and stomach from the seatbelt A head injury and forehead swelling from hitting the steering wheel Persistent pain in my neck, chest, and abdominal area since the accident I have photo evidence of the injuries and damage, and family members who witnessed my condition via FaceTime shortly after the crash. I have checked both the NHTSA and Audi recall databases using my VIN, and there are no open recalls listed for this vehicle. I was never notified of any safety concerns or service requirements regarding the airbags. This is extremely concerning and I believe the airbag system may have failed in a situation where it was clearly needed. Please investigate this issue, as it poses a serious risk to driver safety.

NHTSA complaint #11655859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austell, GA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall

NHTSA complaint #11652037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austell, GA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall

NHTSA complaint #11652037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle had a oil leak that began in 2022 right after I bought the vehicle used. The light continued to come on indicating low oil. Eventually, they found a leak in the pistons. They were replaced. Again in 2023 a leak was found near and around the upper timing gasket and vacuum pump. Now 2025, a new leak is found transmission line and the dipstick.!

NHTSA complaint #11647069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I just purchased car and was told of no recalls

NHTSA complaint #11646382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm City, FL

STEERING

Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. After a couple days I took it to Audi since there had been a recall. My car has less than 63,000 miles on it and according to service persons that have looked at my car, it is in excellent condition. However, Audi service told me that because the protocol for the recall was performed on my car back in 2017, there was nothing they could do except replace my fuel pump and charge me for the work done. The noxious fumes were so bad that I could not drive my car without having all the windows down. I found out that when the intake fuel pump goes bad, so does the high pressure fuel pump and both have to be replaced along with the pressuer sensor. This cost me $2,700. After getting my car back and driving it less than 25 miles, I was stranded on the road and had to have my car towed back to the shop with a broken steering rack and a dead battery. Come to find out, the steering rack is another issue going on with Audi vehicles. These are very serious and life threatening situations, especially with noxious fumes from gasoline which is highly flammable. Audi needs to reimburse me the $2,700 for the fuel pump replacement cost that I would not have incurred if my fuel pump had actually been replaced in 2017, instead of a band-aid being put on it, which was negligence on Audi's part. By not replacing the fuel pump, I ended up with a gas leak in my car, my car dangerously breaking down in the middle of the road and having to be towed and ultimately a very costly repair for me of which Audi doesn't want to own any responsibility in.

NHTSA complaint #11645256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm City, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. After a couple days I took it to Audi since there had been a recall. My car has less than 63,000 miles on it and according to service persons that have looked at my car, it is in excellent condition. However, Audi service told me that because the protocol for the recall was performed on my car back in 2017, there was nothing they could do except replace my fuel pump and charge me for the work done. The noxious fumes were so bad that I could not drive my car without having all the windows down. I found out that when the intake fuel pump goes bad, so does the high pressure fuel pump and both have to be replaced along with the pressuer sensor. This cost me $2,700. After getting my car back and driving it less than 25 miles, I was stranded on the road and had to have my car towed back to the shop with a broken steering rack and a dead battery. Come to find out, the steering rack is another issue going on with Audi vehicles. These are very serious and life threatening situations, especially with noxious fumes from gasoline which is highly flammable. Audi needs to reimburse me the $2,700 for the fuel pump replacement cost that I would not have incurred if my fuel pump had actually been replaced in 2017, instead of a band-aid being put on it, which was negligence on Audi's part. By not replacing the fuel pump, I ended up with a gas leak in my car, my car dangerously breaking down in the middle of the road and having to be towed and ultimately a very costly repair for me of which Audi doesn't want to own any responsibility in.

NHTSA complaint #11645256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Snover, MI

ENGINE

Audi had Valves and pistons fail on the highway at 75mph on Nov 28,2024 at 117000 miles Had the vehicle since 2021 and 17000 miles. Complained to the dealerships at the last 3 oil changes about excessive oil consumption. They told us not to worry about it, full aware that they had lost a lawsuit over this very issue. We were never informed about this lawsuit, and now Audi refuses to fix THEIR problem. We are very lucky when the engine blew up that there was no one behind us, otherwise it would have been a major highway accident. Now Audi wants $18,000 to replace the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11635505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Bem, NC

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.

NHTSA complaint #11628068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

White Plains, MD

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

NHTSA complaint #11610166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Biscayne Park, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11600664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Biscayne Park, FL

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)

NHTSA complaint #11600664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Prairie, TX

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.

NHTSA complaint #11597585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, AL

ENGINE

The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.

NHTSA complaint #11573564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, AL

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.

NHTSA complaint #11573564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.