On July 23, 2026, my 2023 Audi Q5 suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway, with no prior symptoms before the incident. The vehicle began stuttering, entered limp mode, displayed multiple drive-system malfunction warnings, and developed a loud knocking sound from the engine area. The loss of power created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or operate normally in traffic. I pulled over as soon as it was safe, shut the vehicle off, and had it towed. The vehicle had approximately 74,945 miles at the time of the incident. An independent auto repair shop performed a diagnostic inspection and documented fault codes P030300 for a cylinder 3 misfire, P130A00 indicating cylinder 3 fuel injection had been disabled to protect the catalytic converter, and P013B00 involving the rear oxygen sensor. The technician reported severe connecting-rod knock from inside the engine block and found a large amount of metallic debris in the engine oil. The shop concluded that the engine had suffered catastrophic internal failure and required replacement. The symptoms and findings closely resemble the connecting-rod failure condition described in Audi recall 13i5 / NHTSA recall 22V753, although Audi advised that my VIN is not currently included. The vehicle is now at an authorized Audi dealership for further diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of power and internal engine failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven and could have resulted in a crash. I request that NHTSA review whether my vehicle experienced the same or a substantially similar connecting-rod failure as the 2023 vehicles covered by recall 22V753, despite my VIN not currently being included.
NHTSA complaint #11753333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped on the gas the car went into limp mode as I was in the middle of my turn. The power steering then went out in the turn and the wheel yanked to the left and put me half way into the lane next to me. Thankfully no one was there. I had to yank it back to the right to get off of the highway on to the side of the road. I do not think that the power steering should be associated with that module or at least a water indicator sensor should be added. What happens if someone is on the interstate is driving 75 mph and their power steering goes out. It's in the shop and there is no damage other than now I am scared to drive it
NHTSA complaint #11745545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Post fix EDR cooler failure causing coolant fluid loss " enough complaints =pressure on Audi Reference EA189 emissions fix Subject: Goodwill Assistance Request – 2014 Q5 TDI EGR Cooler – VIN [XXX] Audi Customer Experience Team, I am writing to request goodwill assistance for my 2014 Audi Q5 TDI, VIN [XXX] , with 105,000 miles. Vehicle Issue The car is losing engine coolant with no external leaks. Symptoms are consistent with a failed EGR cooler: low coolant warnings every few weeks, white smoke on cold starts, and no puddles or visible leaks. This is a documented failure mode on the 3.0L TDI V6 engine, especially after the emissions modification. Warranty Background - Original in-service date: [XXX] - Emissions modification completed: 2018 - Current mileage: 105,000 I understand the EGR cooler is a covered component under the TDI Extended Emissions Warranty as an emissions-related part. While the 10-year time provision from the in-service date expired [XXX], I am well under the 120,000-mile limit. The 4 years/48k miles from the 2018 modification also places the failure directly within the spirit of the extended coverage. Basis for Goodwill Request The EPA-approved emissions modification increased EGR duty cycles and thermal stress on the cooler. This failure is a direct consequence of that modification. Repair quotes from Audi dealers are $1,200-$2,000 due to the labor involved to access the cooler in the V of the engine. The vehicle has been maintained with VW 507.00 specification oil and has no aftermarket modifications. I intend to keep the vehicle long-term if repaired. Request I respectfully request Audi cover the diagnosis and replacement of the EGR cooler under goodwill. I am happy to have the work performed at an authorized Audi dealer in Houston. I appreciate your consideration and can provide service records or additional photos if needed. I can be reached at [XXX] or this email. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)
NHTSA complaint #11730892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the fuel odor was also outside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel pump. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was performed in 2017. The contact was informed that a protective film was applied during the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair had a one-year warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After the automatic start/stop system engages, the engine stalls and completely shuts off shortly after the vehicle begins moving again. This occurs after the vehicle restarts and travels only a few feet. When the stall happens, the vehicle loses power and the engine stops functioning while the car is in traffic. This has occurred two separate times: once on a busy highway and once while entering a roundabout. Both incidents created a dangerous situation where the vehicle could not maintain power in active traffic and could have resulted in a crash. A yellow emissions warning light also appeared on the dashboard. The dealer indicated that an intermittent oil pressure sensor code was present but no parts were replaced and no corrective action was taken. The dealer reset the system and stated they could not reproduce the problem. The vehicle is now being returned to me without repair despite the safety risk. An engine stall immediately after the start/stop system restarts the vehicle creates a serious hazard because the vehicle can lose power in the middle of traffic. I believe this issue may be related to the automatic start/stop system or an oil pressure sensor fault affecting engine operation.
NHTSA complaint #11723732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Summary: The turbocharger on my 2019 Audi Q5 failed prematurely. The initial check engine light and loss of performance began at approximately 48,000 miles, which is within Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The condition progressively worsened and the vehicle became difficult to drive safely in traffic due to reduced power and hesitation during acceleration. The turbocharger ultimately required complete replacement at 50,334 miles at a cost of $ 2511.20 This appears to be a premature failure of a major engine component. A sudden loss of power while merging or crossing intersections creates a safety concern. The vehicle has been properly maintained, is completely stock, and has never been modified. No warning was provided prior to the check engine light and rapid performance degradation. I am submitting this complaint because similar turbocharger wastegate failures have been documented in other Volkswagen/Audi vehicles using related engines, and a failure at this mileage should not occur in a properly maintained vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced engine power and hesitation during acceleration creates a hazardous condition when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Repair: Turbocharger replacement Repair cost: $ 2511.20 Mileage at repair: 50,334
NHTSA complaint #11719734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
When attempting to accelerate rapidly (I.e. passing gear) the engine immediately begins to lose power. Audi dealer investigated and determined it was “TURBO LAG”. This situation happened multiple times at different speeds. When trying to accelerate to pass another vehicle or to merge onto a freeway are the scariest and most dangerous instances. Taking your foot off the accelerator does allow the engine to regain speed. The salesman that we had experienced this on a test ride with me. In reading previous turbo problems with Audi/ Volkswagen vehicles, I’m concerned that this may become a safety issue. This also occurred with the loaner vehicle they gave me which was the same year and model.
NHTSA complaint #11708657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2022 Audi Q5 (VIN [XXX] ) Mileage at incident: ~20,000 Component: Powertrain – Engine / Turbocharger – Sudden Loss of Power NARRATIVE: On or about [XXX], my 2022 Audi Q5 experienced a sudden loss of engine power while driving approximately 60 mph. The vehicle began vibrating/shaking severely, jerking on acceleration, and displayed warnings including “Drive system: Please switch engine off” along with a check engine light. The vehicle entered reduced power/limp mode, creating a hazardous situation in traffic at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Audi dealer in Wayzata BLVD Minneapolis who diagnosed catastrophic internal engine failure and documented metallic debris in the engine oil. Audi replaced the engine with a new long block (warranty repair). However, despite confirmed metal contamination in the oil system, Audi directed the dealer to flush and reuse the turbocharger rather than replace it. The turbocharger is supplied by engine oil and may retain embedded metal in its bearing assembly, creating an ongoing risk of turbo bearing seizure/failure and another sudden loss of power at highway speed. I am reporting this because (1) the vehicle already experienced sudden power loss at highway speed, and (2) the repair decision to reuse a contamination-exposed turbocharger may create continued risk of sudden loss of power and unsafe operation. Dealer repair: Engine replaced; turbocharger reused after “flush.” Current safety status: I do not feel the vehicle is safe for highway driving due to risk of turbo failure and sudden power loss. Requested action: Please log and review similar complaints for potential investigation related to sudden loss of power and contamination-exposed turbo reuse in warranty repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11706954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The cooling system failed without warning! As I’m driving on the highway my vehicle began smoking! I smelled a burnt smell! Upon getting off the highway , I noticed my coolant had leaked almost completely out! I check my vehicle every morning before work as I drive through three counties to get to work and my coolant was full as I had just topped it off that morning! Upon inspection it was found from a local mechanic to be the water pump! My truck was fine last month upon getting a n inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11701580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The problem was a turbocharger in my 2019 Audi Q5. The repair was done in January of 2023 by Audi North Houston / Sewell (17815 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77090, ph. # 281-586-1000). The cost was approximately $3,556. The replacement of the turbocharger was the same repair in the turbocharger class settlement (Kimball vs Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case #XXX), but my vehicle is not apart of the settlement class vehicles. I verified the settlement class vehicles on the turboclasssettlement.com website, and I called their 855-779-6685 number to double check the settlement class vehicles. Their rep, Leisha, indicated, "The 2019 Audi Q5 is not a settlement class vehicle." The Audi Q5 vehicles identified in the settlement are for 2011 - 2014 model years. I had the same problem in my 2019 Audi Q5. Please help!
NHTSA complaint #11697203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles, I visited a second Audi dealer who acknowledged that this was a common problem in this engine type. They quoted me $16,000–$20,000 for a full engine replacement, stating they could not replace pistons alone. At 80,000 miles, my car now consumes 1 quart of oil every 200 miles. The oil warning light comes on frequently. I am forced to carry oil and top off multiple times per week. This is not normal wear for a luxury vehicle with regular maintenance. This condition creates multiple safety risks: •Sudden engine seizure or power loss if oil runs too low, especially while driving at highway speeds. •Loss of steering/brake assist due to oil pressure failure. •Increased fire risk from leaks or overheating. •Frequent roadside stops to add oil, risking exposure to traffic. •Distraction while driving due to monitoring oil levels. •Environmental hazard from oil spills. The engine remains available for inspection. The vehicle has only been inspected by Audi dealerships. Audi should be held accountable for a defect that compromises safety and reliability at relatively low mileage. I urge NHTSA to investigate and take appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11669364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuel pump has been recalled on other models but not mine. I have a 2018 audi q5. It had a warranty extension but the previous owner never claimed but if it would have been a recall then I wouldnt be having this problem . Now I have to replace the water pump and pay almost $2k for something that wasn't a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11660676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.