Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
825–50K
1750–75K
2175–100K
15100–150K
1150K+
68 reports with mileage · 75 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
143 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
I PURCHASED VEHICLE JULY 2015 AFTER 1 MONTH I WOULD SMELL GAS FUMES OVER TIME IT BECAME AGGRESSIVELY STRONG I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING WHERE I WAS TOLD THEY DIDNT FIND ANYTHING...1MONTH LATER TOOK IT BACK DEMANDED THEY FIX IT I HAD TO CONTACT CORPORATE FOUND OUT THEY HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP & GASKET IN TANK...IN ADDITION, …
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I PURCHASED VEHICLE JULY 2015 AFTER 1 MONTH I WOULD SMELL GAS FUMES OVER TIME IT BECAME AGGRESSIVELY STRONG I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING WHERE I WAS TOLD THEY DIDNT FIND ANYTHING...1MONTH LATER TOOK IT BACK DEMANDED THEY FIX IT I HAD TO CONTACT CORPORATE FOUND OUT THEY HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP & GASKET IN TANK...IN ADDITION, OIL CONSUMPTION IS AN ISSUE WHICH IS STILL A BIG PROBLEM. FROM 10/14/15 TO 7/4/2016 THE OIL INDICATOR ASKING FOR 1 QUART. THIS SERMS TO BE HAPPENING 1X MONTH. THE SERVICE TECH.INFORNED ME THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS & MY VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS. IM NOT A PERSON WHO DRIVES LONG DISTANCE OR HIGHWAY I TRAVEL TO WORK AND OCCASSIONAL ERRANDS NONETHELESS THIS IS A NUISANCE NOT TO MENTION THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATION. WHY AM I PAYING SO MUCH FOR A LUXURY VEHICLE THAT I DONT ENJOY.
NHTSA ODI #10885581
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2016
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10875211
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2016
Air BagsPower TrainUnknown Or Other
UNRESOLVED ENGINE ISSUE. RECALL THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX. UNABLE TO TRADE IN VEHICLE ANYWHERE BECAUSE OF THE ACTIVE RECALL. FEEL TRAPPED IN AN UNSAFE 'FAMILY' CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10870198
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - NO IMMEDIATE REMEDY AVAIL AND AUDI NOT OFFERING REPLACEMENT VEHICLES EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE A 6-MONTH OLD AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10864940
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE.…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10862081
Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE I…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10861653
36,000 miles · Apr 22, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
MY Q5 HAD OVER THE LAST 4 WEEKS A FUNKY GASOLINE SMELL ON THE INTERIOR /EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED OR DRIVEN.MY CONCERN RAISED WHEN I HAVE SEEN MY FUEL CONSUMPTION GOING UP, SO I HAD IT CHECKED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE FOUND THAT THE COVER OF THE PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS CRACKING THE TOP PART OF THE FUEL PUMP CANISTER AND GAS…
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MY Q5 HAD OVER THE LAST 4 WEEKS A FUNKY GASOLINE SMELL ON THE INTERIOR /EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED OR DRIVEN.MY CONCERN RAISED WHEN I HAVE SEEN MY FUEL CONSUMPTION GOING UP, SO I HAD IT CHECKED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE FOUND THAT THE COVER OF THE PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS CRACKING THE TOP PART OF THE FUEL PUMP CANISTER AND GASOLINE IS SITTING IN THE ASSEMBLY.SO THE SMELL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IS COMING FORTH CRACKED FUEL ASSEMBLY. I HAD NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT TO THE CAR THAT COULD COST THIS PROBLEM AND REACHED OUT TO AUDI USA TO HOPEFULLY ADRESS THIS ISSUE . IN THE MEANWHILE I'M NOT DRIVING THE CAR SINCE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD AND COULD BLOW UP IN FRONT OF ME.SEE PICTURE ATTACHED
NHTSA ODI #10860983
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2016
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or Other
AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE COST OF $14,700. THIS IS AFTER…
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AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE COST OF $14,700. THIS IS AFTER IT HAD BEEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. SECONDLY, IT HAS A RECALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND AUDI'S RESPONSE TO ME WAS THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET. THEY ARE HOWEVER ARE WORKING WITH TAKATA TO PRODUCE REPLACEMENT PARTS. SO, AGAIN THEY ARE JEOPARDIZING MINE AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY. AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS RIDICULOUS. NO VEHICLE SHOULD USE A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE COMPANY AND THEIR RESPONSES ARE ALL SCRIPTED.
NHTSA ODI #10851984
44,900 miles · Oct 22, 2015
Visibility/wiper
FRONT WINDSHIELD WASHER NON-OPERATIVE. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS BAD SWITCH. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, RECALL OR CAMPAIGN. (5) MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. STARTED AS INTERMITTENT NOW NOT WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS MA STATE INSPECTION AS IS.
NHTSA ODI #10785249
67,000 miles · Sep 13, 2015
EngineFire
THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE. THIS CAN BE DOCUMENTED WITH AUDI OF HUNTSVILLE AL. NO WARNINGS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER A PASSERBY CAME INTO THE RESTAURANT IN WHICH WE WERE DINING SAYING A GRAY AUDI WAS ON FIRE. OWNER OF RESTAURANT TRIED TO USE HANDHE…
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THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE. THIS CAN BE DOCUMENTED WITH AUDI OF HUNTSVILLE AL. NO WARNINGS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER A PASSERBY CAME INTO THE RESTAURANT IN WHICH WE WERE DINING SAYING A GRAY AUDI WAS ON FIRE. OWNER OF RESTAURANT TRIED TO USE HANDHELD FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO THE FRONT GRILL. NO LUCK AS IT IMMEDIATELY MELTED THE HOOD AND ENGULFED THE WHOLE CAR IN FLAMES. TOOK FIREMEN 30 MINUTES TO PUT IT OUT. THEY HAD NO IDEA OF CAUSE BUT SPECULATED ELECTRICAL AS THE SOURCE.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2011 Audi Q5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year