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2014 Audi Q5 Problems & Owner Complaints

106 NHTSA owner complaints
5 crash 1 fire 7 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.2 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 13 Audi Q5 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2014 Audi Q5, cited in 36 of 106 filed complaints (34%).

Steering is next (17 complaints, 16%), followed by Fuel/Propulsion System (12), Structure (10), Electrical System (9).

Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 7 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 4 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2014 Audi Q5, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 106.

Engine 36

“I am filing a safety complaint regarding a progressive engine defect. Beginning as early as 2019 (approximately 84,000 miles), I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption and related engine concerns to authorized Audi dealerships. These complaints continued over several years. At no point was I informed that these symptoms could be associated with a known defect pattern or progressive engine failure. The condition has now escalated to a severe engine malfunction. The vehicle began exhibiting engine misfires, flashing check engine light, EPC warning, and unstable operation. The dealership…”
NHTSA complaint #11726072, 2026

“Under Recall 19N4, the electric coolant pump was replaced in July 2019 at 73,496 miles. That replacement pump failed prematurely in March 2025 at 109,628 miles — lasting only 36,132 miles. This was a safety-related recall part intended to fix a known defect with the original pump. Audi refused to provide goodwill reimbursement for this premature failure. I am reporting this to request further investigation and possible expanded remedy.”
NHTSA complaint #11678346, 2025

“Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s”
NHTSA complaint #11670746, 2025

Steering 17 1 crash 2 injury

“I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE SPEED WAS AT LEAST 40-50MPH AT THAT MOMENT, MAYBE FASTER SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED BUT WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STEER. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED AND AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE FRAME LITERALLY SHATTERED ON IMPACT. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11343683, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11678953, 2025

“It has been very cold here in the North East. Under freezing for more than a month. My door lock sensors stopped working about 4-5 weeks ago. Two days ago I was driving and the power steering stopped working. Then after about 2 days it began working again. Just as the temps went above freezing. And the door lock sensors started working again. I had noticed over the last month or so that papers I had behind the front seat when I went to retrieve them were very wet, soaked. I took my car to my mechanic today and he told me that the computer is under the front seat. And water in this area may be…”
NHTSA complaint #11646161, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 12

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730892, 2026

“The car has a known "oil consumption issue" that has led to engine failure that Audi has failed to take responsibility for. This is a 2104 Audi Q5. The car is in San Francisco and available for inspection. The car vibrates and can't be safely driven at highway speeds, if the engine suddenly lost power on the highway it could be a major safety issue for the driver and other drivers. The dealer has reproduced the issue and diagnosed it as needing new Pistons and Rings at 99,000 miles (but it has had this issue since in the 60,000 mile range, they just said keep adding oil). It has not been…”
NHTSA complaint #11557145, 2023

“Unknown, but can assure the gas tanks has cracks and leaking gas, along with the smell of gas inside the car and outside the car. Called Audi and spoke with a rep but they dont want to acknowledge the recall which was issued for the vehicle. I made an appointment with Audi New Orleans, but the earliest appointment to get the vehicle check is August 28th, 2023. I have to go to work and the car can possibly catch a fire to the tank actually leaking. This is extremely dangerous and life threating. I definetly need help because let Audi tell it they dont see a recall at all for my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11532852, 2023

Unknown Or Other 11 1 injury

“THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WITH MY PANORAMIC MOONROOF OPEN COMPLETELY. I WAS TRAVELING IN A SAFE SPEED, NO SPEED BUMPS OR POT HOLES, NO UNDERPASSES, AND NO TRAFFIC WHEN SUDDENLY MY MOONROOF GLASS POPPED AND SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. NEXT THING I KNOW, I AM GETTING A FACE FULL OF GLASS AND MY ENTIRE BACK SEAT IS COVERED IN GLASS. I HAVE SUSTAINED MICRO SCRATCHES FROM THE BROKEN GLASS ALL OVER MY CAR AND IT WAS UNDRIVEABLE AS I FEARED ALL THE GLASS CONTINUING TO FLY IN MY FACE. THANK GOD I WAS ALONE. I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND REALIZED THAT THIS IS A RECOGNIZABLE SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11098474, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“The rear subframe of my Audi Q5 has extensive rot and holes per an inspection done and deemed unsafe to drive. However I’ve only had the car about 3 years. To fix this will cost me around $5800.00.”
NHTSA complaint #11685613, 2025

“The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11678953, 2025

Structure 10 1 crash

“WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR BLINDED MY VIEW OF THE CAR WAITING AT THE STOP SIGN OF THE ROAD I WAS ENTERING. MY CAR CLIPPED THE OTHER CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10550913, 2013 · crash

“My Q5 has a defective subframe. The system is defective because plastic coverings on the subframes of Audi Q5s and SQ5s trap moisture and other elements, causing the subframe to rust, rot, and corrode undetected, which creates a dangerous safety hazard, the existence and extent of which is concealed by the plastic coverings. This results in a myriad of negative consequences for the Class Vehicles and their safe and reliable operation. The defect, which can only be discovered after removing the plastic covering on the vehicles’ steel subframe, leaves an affected Audi vulnerable to “structural…”
NHTSA complaint #11754215, 2026

“Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of Greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as VERY DANGEROUS on the service invoice and quoted $4,711.52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's Automotive in Westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural…”
NHTSA complaint #11730241, 2026

Electrical System 9 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE SPEED WAS AT LEAST 40-50MPH AT THAT MOMENT, MAYBE FASTER SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED BUT WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STEER. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED AND AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE FRAME LITERALLY SHATTERED ON IMPACT. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11343683, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On 12/1, around 7:20am my fiancé and I were getting ready to leave for work; there was frost on the car so my fiancé went out to start it and turn on the defrosters. After starting the car, he turned on the heater and front and rear defrosters, he then went inside to retrieve some items we needed to load into the car. He was inside for about 5 minutes before coming out to see smoke emanating from right side of the trunk, which quickly turned into a small fire, whose point of origin was the rear fuse compartment. He ran inside to grab water to try and put it out, but due to how quickly it was s…”
NHTSA complaint #11563997, 2023 · fire

“Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s”
NHTSA complaint #11670746, 2025

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Suspension 7

“The rear sub frame has completely rusted through, on both driver and passenger sides. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. It is a 2014 q5 with 160k miles. There is a hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides due to a poorly designed cover that traps salt and other road debris leading to premature failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11735869, 2026

“Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of Greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as VERY DANGEROUS on the service invoice and quoted $4,711.52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's Automotive in Westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural…”
NHTSA complaint #11730241, 2026

“This vintage 2014 Audi A5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.”
NHTSA complaint #11729264, 2026

Power Train 6

“This vintage 2014 Audi A5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.”
NHTSA complaint #11729264, 2026

“SLIGHT OIL LEAK FROM OIL COOLER LINE SLIGHT LEAK AT THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. BURNS OIL QUICKLY”
NHTSA complaint #11414410, 2020

“THIS IS A TDI. THE CAR HAS 53,000-MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ONLY SERVICED BY THE LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP. WHILE OPERATING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH THE "AUTO STOP/START" ENGAGED, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHEN STOPPED AND WHILE CRUISING, THE OCCURRENCE IS VERY INTERMITTENT. WHEN STOPPED, TO RE-ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, YOU MUST USE THE BRAKE (TO PREVENT ROLLING) AND MANIPULATE THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BETWEEN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND SPORT SETTING. WHEN DRIVING, YOU MUST MANIPULATE THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BETWEEN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND SPORT SETTING. THI…”
NHTSA complaint #11078578, 2018

Service Brakes 4 1 crash 2 injury

“I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE SPEED WAS AT LEAST 40-50MPH AT THAT MOMENT, MAYBE FASTER SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED BUT WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STEER. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED AND AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE FRAME LITERALLY SHATTERED ON IMPACT. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11343683, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND TOOK LONGER TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI RENO TAHOE (LOCATED AT 9190 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511, (775) 335-1335) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11130437, 2016

“BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 18,000 KM , WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT WE WERE USING CRUISE CONTROL AND THAT WORE OUT THE BRAKES . BRAKES WE PULSATING AND GRINDING . INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE ROTORS WERE HOT SPOTTED AND A LOT OF MATERIAL WORN OFF THE ROTORS AND PADS . WE ARE NOT AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS AND TREATED THE CAR WITH UTMOST RESPECT . AUDI MADE US PAY FOR NEW ROTORS AND PADS . AUDI SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY . I DRIVE A GM THAT HAS NEVER NEEDED BRAKES BEFORE 100,000 KM .AUDI NAILED US FOR 400.00 FOR 2 ROTORS AND PADS . *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10643647, 2014

Air Bags 3 3 crash 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND FRONT PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ALSO INJURED, BUT IS WAS UNKNOWN IF MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,296. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #11096476, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Seatbelt tensioner and air bags failed to deploy when the vehicles was in a severe frontal collision when another vehicle ran a stop sign exiting the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11446057, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On Tuesday, September 2nd, I was in a car accident on the freeway. A car jump out in front of me and did not go quickly enough, I hit my breaks, but still hit them going around 55-60 MPH. When the impact occurred, my car turned itself off and I saw smoke coming out of the dash / center area of the car. I was able to start my car and get it off of the freeway safely. My airbag did not deploy, and it appeared the charge went off. The airbag light is now illuminated on the dash. There are no open recalls on my car, and I am truly concerned there is an issue with the airbags and do not want a…”
NHTSA complaint #11689048, 2025 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the vehicle was under recall; however, parts were not available. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer when parts became available and the vehicle as repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 6 years after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11653169, 2019

“AUDI Q5 DURING AFTERNOON HR'S DRIVING FROM WORK 30 MILES AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE 95F, INSIDE MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE AROUND 65F COOL RUNNING, AT LEFT TURN SIGNAL ABOUT TO TURN LEFT ENGINE STOOPED AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED . IT'S STRUCK IN ROAD ABOUT 45 MIN AND WHEN TRIED TO START IT'S UNABLE TO START. LATER AFTER 45 MINUTES WHEN TRIED IT STARTED AND ABLE TO PULL TO PARKING LOT. ONCE I STOPPED AND START AT PARKING LOT SAME ISSUE ENGINE STOOPED ITSELF , WAITED FOR 30 MINUTES THAN TRY TO START IT STARTED - I DROVE IN PARKING LOT FOR FEW YARDS AGAIN ENGINE STOOPED AND STEERING WHILE LOCKED. I TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11102721, 2018

“THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW SEVERAL TIMES, WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP OR JUST ABOUT A COMPLETE STOP, THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THERE IS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING AS EXPECTED. IS THE ABS SYSTEM CUTTING POWER TO THE ENGINE? THE CAR IS 'DEAD' FOR ABOUT TWO SECONDS AND THEN POWER IS RESTORED. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. REPORTEDLY, THIS IS APPARENTLY WIDELY DOCUMENTED AND ONGOING SINCE AT LEAST THE YEAR 2000, AND NOT SPECIFIC TO AUDI...WHAT IS THE NHTSA DOING ABOUT THIS??? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10664729, 2014

Exterior Lighting 3

“DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AND APPEARS BASED ON MY INTERNET SEARCH THIS PROBLEM IS PERVASIVE.”
NHTSA complaint #11253573, 2018

“2014 AUDI Q5, HEADLIGHT LENSES CRAZING/FROSTING FROM THE INSIDE. THIS IS NOT WATER MOISTURE, THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE LENS MATERIAL. THE CRAZING/FROSTING OF THE LENS DECREASES LIGHT OUTPUT AND SCATTERS THE LIGHT TO WHERE IT AFFECTS ONCOMING DRIVERS.”
NHTSA complaint #10994353, 2017

“INTERIOR SURFACE OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY COVERS (LENSES) SHOWED SIGNIFICANT PITTING AND HAZING, AS IF IT HAD BEEN SANDBLASTED, RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE PLASTIC HAD DEGRADED ENOUGH TO REDUCE VISION FROM HEADLIGHTS. THESE ARE SEALED ASSEMBLIES AND THERE WAS NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE. MY SUSPICION IS THAT THE UV GENERATED BY THE LED HEADLIGHT PROJECTORS IS SO HIGH THAT IT IS ATTACKING THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE PLASTIC. DEALER REMARKED THAT THEY HAD SEEN "A NUMBER" OF THESE. Q7 OWNERS WITH SIMILAR LED HEADLAMPS HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM IS ONLY REALLY VISIBLE TO OWNER…”
NHTSA complaint #10954003, 2016

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the vehicle was under recall; however, parts were not available. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer when parts became available and the vehicle as repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 6 years after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11653169, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT CRASHING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER WAS RED-LINED AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI ORLAND PARK (LOCATED AT 8021 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60477, (708) 342-0300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH WATER PUMPS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11222625, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO START/ STOP FUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE AUTO/STOP FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…”
NHTSA complaint #10593742, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine and EPC warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the timing chain, piston rings, and a hole in the valve. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11575610, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 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. PAUL MILLER AUDI (179 US-46, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054, (973) 575-7750) 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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11104529, 2018

Seats 2

“AUDI DEALERSHIP KEEP SAYING THERE IS NO OPEN TIME FOR APPOINTMENT ON MONDAYS; THE ONLY DAY I HAVE OFF AT WORK. I CAN ONLY TAKE THE VEHICLE ON A MONDAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11130881, 2018

“2014 AUDI Q5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ARM REST ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ARMREST DOES NOT LOCK IN POSITION AND SLIDES OVER THE CUP HOLDER WHEN MOVED TO THE FORWARD POSITION. THE CONSUMER STATED IF THERE IS A CONTAINER OF HOT LIQUID IN THE CUP HOLDER AND SOMEONE LEANS ON THE ARMREST, IT EASILY SLIDES FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO THE CONTAINER WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOT LIQUID IN ALL DIRECTIONS. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10679163, 2015

Visibility 2 1 crash

“WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR BLINDED MY VIEW OF THE CAR WAITING AT THE STOP SIGN OF THE ROAD I WAS ENTERING. MY CAR CLIPPED THE OTHER CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10550913, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO START/ STOP FUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE AUTO/STOP FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…”
NHTSA complaint #10593742, 2013

Fuel System 1

“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 inf…”
NHTSA complaint #11727209, 2026

Lane Departure 1

“I am reporting Audi Side Assist System fault. Audi assist among other things provides blind spot warning and is major safety feature in the car. Basically when I am switching lanes on, I get existance of car in blind spot. When driving in January I received warning message that said Audi Side Assist System fault. I scheduled service for Feb 3 and the car was repaired by Feb 4. Originally they suspected accident or repair work done around the back bumper. Later they realized that none was done and fixed the issue by "alignment". During that work they found out that the two assist modules hav…”
NHTSA complaint #11463044, 2022

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“Seatbelt tensioner and air bags failed to deploy when the vehicles was in a severe frontal collision when another vehicle ran a stop sign exiting the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11446057, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“P235/55/R19 105V Tire at 4/32s is developing some peeling/de-laminating tread on all tires. One tire developed crack that when moved exposes the internal belts. At risk at sidewall failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11554412, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 1

“THE WIPER PULLS BACK WATER TO THE WINDSCREEN THAT IMPACTS VISIBILITY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND VIDES WERE SHOWN. BRAND NEW WIPER BLADES WERE INSTALLED AT THE COST OF $80. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. DEALER STATES THAT IT IS BY DESIGN. HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL Q5'S AND SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD IS DEFINITELY NOT BY DESIGN. VIDEOS ARE POSTED ON THE AUDI FACEBOOK PAGE. NO RESPONSE OR ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #10905130, 2016

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2014 Audi Q5 draws about 8.2 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 13 among the Audi Q5 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.