2015 Audi Q5 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 37 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. CROWN AUDI OF CLEARWATER (18940 US-19, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, (888) 727-0742) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,999.”
NHTSA complaint #11174695, 2018 · fire

“1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for…”
NHTSA complaint #11705718, 2025

“Engine consumed a quarter of oil every 300 miles. The EPC light and engine light illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode. I had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic.Vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic and will need a new engine. Engine only has 85,000 miles and oil was changed every 5000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11702822, 2025

Steering 14 2 crash

“2015 AUDI Q5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE STEERING GEAR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING GEAR BECAME DISLODGED. *JS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11342210, 2020 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A LONG GRAVEL DRIVEWAY GOING 15-20MPH AND I WENT AROUND A SLIGHT LEFT CURVE. AFTER THE LEFT CURVE THE ROAD BECOMES STRAIT. MY CAR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, I COULD NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CURVE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO HEAD RIGHT NO MATTER HOW HARD I PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GO LEFT. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. THE CAR CONTINUED GOING RIGHT, OFF THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO SEVERAL TREES. THE WHEEL WAS STILL LOCKED AT THIS POINT. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND ON TO GET THE WHEEL TO RELEASE SO I COULD BACK OUT OF THE TREE, AND ONTO THE DRIVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10763123, 2015 · crash

“I was driving down the road when the steering stop working and I could not control the direction that the tires moved. The direction of steering would not respond to my movements and I was unable to control the car. I was able to break and bring the car to a stop, however, if I were moving at a much faster speed this would have been extremely dangerous. I brought the car to our mechanic and we were informed that the tie rods were broken, the threading on the attachment pieces was completely rusted out and the threads were bare. The piece simply came apart and was malfunctioning. No warning sig…”
NHTSA complaint #11568626, 2024

Unknown Or Other 13 2 injury

“MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT A 3RD DEGREE BURN ACROSS HER THIGH BY GETTING A GROCERY BAG OUT OF 2015 AUDI Q5 -- WHILE HELPING HER MOM. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IN PARK. OCCURRED IN OUR GARAGE AT OUR HOME. THE EXHAUST STICKS OUT TOO FAR BY AN INCH OR SO. UNSAFE DESIGN FOR THE PUBLIC. RECALL IT!”
NHTSA complaint #10985802, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE INSIDE FROM THE PRESSURE OF MY PASSENGERS FOOT. THE PASSENGER IS A 130LB FEMALE WITH NO EXTRAORDINARY PHYSICAL CAPABILITY. THE CRACK SPREAD QUICKLY AND PLACED ALL THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER. THERE WAS ZERO IMPACT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS. THE CRACK COULD NOT BE FELT FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS, ONLY FROM THE INSIDE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER STATED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN A COINCIDENCE THAT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE SPOT AT WHICH MY PASSENGERS TOE WAS AND AT THE VERY SAME TIME UPON PUSHING TO SCOOT BACK…”
NHTSA complaint #10736188, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the…”
NHTSA complaint #11620729, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 12

“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, 2025

“My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cranking and not starting. Codes were pulled from the vehicle is there are fuel pump related codes. Cause = Confirmed concern vehicle does not start. fault codes P0087, p3073, p3043, removed rear seat and checked pump control module. found power supplied to control module b…”
NHTSA complaint #11628449, 2024

“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 a…”
NHTSA complaint #11669364, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 8

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an independent mechanic, who determined that water pump had failed. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired…”
NHTSA complaint #11663041, 2025

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that oil had leaked into the engine coolant. Due to the failure, the oil cooler was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an oil consumption test was performed. The test showed that the piston rings were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11553817, 2023

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message "Pull Over Immediately" and a chime started to sound. The contact pulled off the road and placed the vehicle into park (P) and turned off the vehicle down for approximately 20 minutes. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle started to overheat, and the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure became reoccurring. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the radiator was cracked and lost all coolant, and that the radi…”
NHTSA complaint #11516581, 2023

Suspension 8

“Rear subframe rusted out at only 85,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11682386, 2025

“2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme…”
NHTSA complaint #11681486, 2025

“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 TDI (VIN # [XXX] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealerships since purchase. On [XXX], following a failed Virginia State safety inspection, the vehicle was inspected by Audi of Chantilly, VA. Their service department confirmed that the rear subframe is cracked due to extensive rust and recommended immediate repair. I have att…”
NHTSA complaint #11667941, 2025

Electrical System 4

“1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for…”
NHTSA complaint #11705718, 2025

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue was confirmed and Audi Quoted me $8000 to repair because of bent valve heads Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected…”
NHTSA complaint #11445425, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V622000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED KANSAS CITY AUDI AT 816-941-9500 (LOCATED AT 10330 MADISON AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND P…”
NHTSA complaint #11101823, 2017

Power Train 4

“1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for…”
NHTSA complaint #11705718, 2025

“Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the…”
NHTSA complaint #11620729, 2024

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue was confirmed and Audi Quoted me $8000 to repair because of bent valve heads Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected…”
NHTSA complaint #11445425, 2021

Structure 4

“Vehicle failed inspection due to premature rust perforation damage of rear subframe caused by a plastic cover trapping water against the metal. Vehicle otherwise passed inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #11739494, 2026

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely rusted and could not pass a safety inspection. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,351.”
NHTSA complaint #11713660, 2026

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated when the vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic for an inspection for a possible oil leak, the mechanic observed that there was a significant amount of corrosion on the rear sub frame of the vehicle. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the extreme corrosion of the rear sub frame. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11600822, 2024

Service Brakes 3

“Complete hydraulic brake failure while on an interstate going 75mph. No warning, just sudden loss of regular and emergency brakes. I was able to cross 4 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder where I waited absolutely terrified of being rear-ended for the two hours it took for a tow truck to arrive. My repair place was shocked at the problem, considering the car was 8 years old with low mileage. They found the only after-market part in the entire country and repaired it for under $2000 when they initially thought it would be $6000.”
NHTSA complaint #11555352, 2023

“I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine light icons display. I'm constantly checking the oil indicator level to see how much is still in the and then add add once it shows thats its extremly low. I have to do this everytime I am about to use the car. This can be dangerous at times since there's no indication that…”
NHTSA complaint #11628463, 2022

“WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AFTER DRIVING BRAND NEW CAR FOR ONLY 15000 MILES, THE BRAKES HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (RIGHT REAR WHEEL). LUCKILY I WAS IN A SERVICE ROAD OTHERWISE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I GOT THE CAR SERVICED 2 MONTHS AGO AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE (JUST SOME RUSTING ON THE BRAKES) SO THE AUDI AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP LET ME DRIVE SAYING WE SHOULD LOOK AT IT NEXT YEAR. THE CAR IS RIGHT NOW AT THAT SAME DEALERSHIP AND I ALSO WORRY THEY WOULD TAMPER WITH IT OR HAVE SOME OTHER ISSUE IN IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11018887, 2017

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that water also soaked into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister. The contact stated there was mold in the rear passenger’s and driver’s side seats and inside the trunk. The contact stated that the battery and electrical equipment were under water and covered in mold. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was inspected and determined that water had leaked through the sunroof and the surrounding foam needed to be replaced. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11535832, 2023

“Driving on the highway the panoramic sun roof window shattered. Sounded like an explosion. Glass shattered and flew throughout car and blew away. Posed hazard to those in car as the glass shattered. Could have caused hazard if driver did not maintain control due to sudden sound and sudden incidence. Extremely dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11521845, 2023

“APPROXIMATELY 10:45 AM MY HUSBAND (THE DRIVER) AND I (THE PASSENGER) WERE DRIVING WEST ON CO HWY 86 JUST LEAVING FRANKTOWN, CO AND HAD CROSSED OVER THE CHERRY CREEK BRIDGE WHEN THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF IN OUR 99 DAY OLD 2015 AUDI Q5 EXPLODED OUTWARDS. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS APPROX. 35 DEGREES, LIGHT WINDS, WINDOWS UP, SUNROOF CLOSED / SUN SHADE OPENED HALF WAY, AND VENT FOR OUTSIDE AIR WAS ON; NO CARS AHEAD OR BEHIND US; NO LARGE CHUNKS OF DEBRIS ON THE ROAD. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT WE HAD BEEN SHOT AT AND DUCKED WHILE LOOKING AROUND FOR PEOPLE AND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. AFTER INITIAL CHECK TO ENSURE N…”
NHTSA complaint #10660936, 2014

Air Bags 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that water also soaked into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister. The contact stated there was mold in the rear passenger’s and driver’s side seats and inside the trunk. The contact stated that the battery and electrical equipment were under water and covered in mold. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was inspected and determined that water had leaked through the sunroof and the surrounding foam needed to be replaced. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11535832, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V001000 (VISIBILITY, AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED, BUT THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10981352, 2017

Exterior Lighting 2

“Level sensor on left rear suspension failed, causing headlights to be pointed downward and not safely lighting the road ahead. The sensor failed due to poor design, metal-to-metal ball and socket linkage in a corrosion-assured location under the car. When the metal-to-metal ball and socket corroded and froze, resulting load caused the sensor linkage to break. A search of Audi forums indicates that this problem is not uncommon, and this same sensor design is used in other Audi models and variants.”
NHTSA complaint #11610718, 2024

“VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ONLY PROJECT AND ILLUMINATE A VERY SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN, ANIMAL, OR DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY BECAUSE OF THIS SHORTCOMING.”
NHTSA complaint #11122065, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 2 1 crash 2 injury

“THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BLOCKED MY VIEW WHILE TAKING A LEFT TURN WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #10808654, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V001000 (VISIBILITY, AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED, BUT THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10981352, 2017

Wheels 2

“Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the…”
NHTSA complaint #11620729, 2024

“I was driving down the road when the steering stop working and I could not control the direction that the tires moved. The direction of steering would not respond to my movements and I was unable to control the car. I was able to break and bring the car to a stop, however, if I were moving at a much faster speed this would have been extremely dangerous. I brought the car to our mechanic and we were informed that the tie rods were broken, the threading on the attachment pieces was completely rusted out and the threads were bare. The piece simply came apart and was malfunctioning. No warning sig…”
NHTSA complaint #11568626, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“CAR SMELLS WHEN TURNING THE HEATER ON. CAR STILL DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE EMISSION. EVEN IF THE EMISSION IS FIXED I STILL NEED TO INCREASE GAS/AD-BLUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11052413, 2017

Lane Departure 1

“System does no longer work. Audi Montgomery inspected the vehicle and deamed that both side blind spot warning components have failed. People come to trust the system and when it fails they would lane change, not be warned and cause an accident. Dealer comfirmed failed components. Opened a concern with Audi USA and was told I am responsible for repairing the failed system. 6/19/2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11668160, 2025

Tires 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firehawk A/S, Tire Size: P235/55/R19, DOT Number: 1RBE793E9. The tires were purchased in 2022. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear driver’s side tire had a blowout. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was unsure if the tire was replaced or if the vehicle was driven to the residence nearby with the blowout tire still on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a tire specialty shop, where the…”
NHTSA complaint #11711288, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“VEHICLE RANDOMLY DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR NO APPARENT REASON, I.E. DRY CLEAR ROAD CONDITION, NO FAULT LIGHT OR ISSUES WITH ABS/TRACTION CONTROL, NO FAULT CODES, ETC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330142, 2020