Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
825–50K
1850–75K
1375–100K
12100–150K
4150K+
62 reports with mileage · 106 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 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
168 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2018
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2017. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (LYNNBROOK AUDI IN LYNNBROOK, NY), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2017. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (LYNNBROOK AUDI IN LYNNBROOK, NY), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11075782
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2018
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (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 CONTACT CALLED PRESTIGE IMPORTS (9201 W COLFAX AVE, DE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (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 CONTACT CALLED PRESTIGE IMPORTS (9201 W COLFAX AVE, DENVER, CO 80215) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11075674
39,337 miles · Feb 20, 2018
Engine
WATER PUMP BROKEN AT 39,000 MILES. BROKEN PLASTIC PROPELLER. CAR STARTED "BUCKING" AS I PULLED IN TO GET IT INSPECTED. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE...WATER PUMP FAILURES ARE SITED ON THE INTERNET BY MANY. I HAVE TALKED TO AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE WITHOUT SUCCESS. AUDI OWNERS REPORT THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN PAYMEN…
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WATER PUMP BROKEN AT 39,000 MILES. BROKEN PLASTIC PROPELLER. CAR STARTED "BUCKING" AS I PULLED IN TO GET IT INSPECTED. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE...WATER PUMP FAILURES ARE SITED ON THE INTERNET BY MANY. I HAVE TALKED TO AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE WITHOUT SUCCESS. AUDI OWNERS REPORT THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN PAYMENT FOR THE PUMP AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE IN THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11073862
49,000 miles · Jan 24, 2018
Air BagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE DRIVER BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE DRIVER BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11064590
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2018
Air Bags
TACATA AIR BAG RECALL - SAFETY RECALL 69N1 ... 2 YEARS AND COUNTING THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE, AUDI IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN, THIS IS A RIDICULOUS THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11063763
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK (SLOWING DOWN, STEPPING ON BRAKE) WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. I PRESSED HARD ON THE ON BRAKE, IT WOULD NOT STOP. IT WAS BUCKING LIKE A BRONCO. IT WENT OVER THE CURB, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK. BY THEN I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET. IT TOOK OUT A 3-FT. TALL…
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WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK (SLOWING DOWN, STEPPING ON BRAKE) WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. I PRESSED HARD ON THE ON BRAKE, IT WOULD NOT STOP. IT WAS BUCKING LIKE A BRONCO. IT WENT OVER THE CURB, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK. BY THEN I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET. IT TOOK OUT A 3-FT. TALL LIGHT ON THE LAWN BEFORE I THREW IT INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED IT.
NHTSA ODI #11062177
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2018
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI OF WESTWOOD AT (866) …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI OF WESTWOOD AT (866) 980-6960 (375 PROVIDENCE HWY, WESTWOOD, MA 02090) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11058239
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL: I HAVE CONTACTED MANY DEALERS (SINCE MAY 2017) AROUND MY AREA AND THEY MENTIONED THEY ARE AWAITING PARTS FROM TAKATA COMPANY. I DO HAVE AN 2012 AUDI Q5. NOT SURE HOW TO RESOLVE THIS. I WANTED TO BE SAFE AND SEE IF YOU CAN HELP US IN ANY WAY. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #11057667
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2017
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); 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 DANBURY (25 SUGAR HOLLOW RD, DANBURY, CT) CONFIRMED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); 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 DANBURY (25 SUGAR HOLLOW RD, DANBURY, CT) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT 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.
NHTSA ODI #11053900
53,000 miles · Dec 1, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
AT 55K MILES THE ENGINE BURNS OIL MORE THAN EXPECTED. OIL LEVEL WAS BELOW MINIMUM LEVEL ABOUT 2K MILES BEFORE THE NEXT REQUIRED OIL CHANGE. AT AROUN 63K MILES , THE ENGINE REACHES THE MINIMUM LEVEL AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 3K MILES. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL BUT PREVIOUS YEAR Q5'S WITH 2.0T ENGINES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIM…
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AT 55K MILES THE ENGINE BURNS OIL MORE THAN EXPECTED. OIL LEVEL WAS BELOW MINIMUM LEVEL ABOUT 2K MILES BEFORE THE NEXT REQUIRED OIL CHANGE. AT AROUN 63K MILES , THE ENGINE REACHES THE MINIMUM LEVEL AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 3K MILES. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL BUT PREVIOUS YEAR Q5'S WITH 2.0T ENGINES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES.
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.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AUDI Q5 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 21, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT SUNROOF GLASS PANEL THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAKAGE IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER/TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE SUNROOFS GLASS BREAK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, THE FALLING GLASS COULD CUT AND INJURE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS. IT COULD ALSO DISTRACT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUNROOF GLASS PANEL, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI 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.
2012 Audi Q5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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