2016 Audi Q5 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 7 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 2016 Audi Q5, cited in 26 of 77 filed complaints (34%).
Electrical System is next (10 complaints, 13%), followed by Steering (10), Fuel/Propulsion System (9), Engine And Engine Cooling (8).
Across all complaints, 9 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 3 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 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 77.
Engine 26 1 crash 1 fire
“Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (…”
NHTSA complaint #11503183, 2022 · fire
“I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV AS I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP, BUT HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11258747, 2019 · crash
“I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated and I sought a diagnostic from the dealer which cost me $249. Audi has acknowledged this condition as a defect in othe…”
NHTSA complaint #11714224, 2025
Unknown Or Other 11 2 injury
“Confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. On Tuesday October 19th, 2022, at 11 am, I drove my 19 year old niece, a student at Uni San Francisco, to a transit station about 2 hours from my home. When we got out of the car to say goodbye I felt quite dizzy, sleepy, and a bit nauseous. I got back in the car and drove about an hour towards home and felt so dizzy that I stopped and got out of the car to get some food, just incase that was the issue. I walked around at a shopping center for about 4 hours until I felt a bit better. I got back in the car and drove another hour home. As soon as I got out…”
NHTSA complaint #11490309, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)
“The vehicle had a oil leak that began in 2022 right after I bought the vehicle used. The light continued to come on indicating low oil. Eventually, they found a leak in the pistons. They were replaced. Again in 2023 a leak was found near and around the upper timing gasket and vacuum pump. Now 2025, a new leak is found transmission line and the dipstick.!”
NHTSA complaint #11647069, 2025
“I just purchased car and was told of no recalls”
NHTSA complaint #11646382, 2025
Electrical System 10 1 crash 1 fire
“Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (…”
NHTSA complaint #11503183, 2022 · fire
“SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I COULDN'T SEE EITHER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF MY CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS BEING UNABLE TO SEE LANE LINES AND ON COMING CARS HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS OVER $10,000. I AM CERTAIN I WAS GOING UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10915100, 2016 · crash
“On [XXX] at around 8:55-8:59 I finalized the paperwork for a purchase of a car, received the keys, drove out of the dealership and by 9:02 the check engine light came on and the car shook. On [XXX] at around 2:22 pm, as I was driving, the car shook, pulled up to red light and the car would not move. It shook, rattled and died. The EPC light came on. I owed the car back to the dealership. I noticed that parts of the car next to the muffler and the tailpipe were belong held together with making tape. I received a call from the dealership from Tony. He said the car was fixed by the owner. No clea…”
NHTSA complaint #11600664, 2024
Steering 10
“Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this inc…”
NHTSA complaint #11751001, 2026
“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. Ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11645256, 2025
“Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when coming to stop. Had vehicle towed to dealership because unable to drive. Had to replace power steering rack with adaptions. The j500 electromechanical power steering control module integrated into the steering rack was was electrically faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #11628068, 2024
Fuel/Propulsion System 9 1 fire
“Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (…”
NHTSA complaint #11503183, 2022 · fire
“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, 2026
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11735198, 2026
Engine And Engine Cooling 8
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact checked the oil and coolant levels and became aware that the coolant level was very low. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after filling the coolant reservoir the odor went away. The contact stated that the odor returned, and the coolant level was very low. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed…”
NHTSA complaint #11543397, 2023
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic on several occasions and unknown repairs were performed; however, after each repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but had no success. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign N…”
NHTSA complaint #11498662, 2022
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the coolant pump and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the repair would be an out of pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not included in the recall. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11421134, 2021
Air Bags 5 3 crash 3 injury
“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUDI AT FULL STOP WHEN STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY VEHICLE TRAVELING AT SPEED SUFFICIENT FOR THEIR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT ACCIDENT RESULTED IN BOTH BEING HOSPITALIZED WITH INJURIES. DRIVER WITH EYE AND ABDOMINAL INJURIES FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED CONCUSSION FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO SHATTER IT, PLUS SUSTAINING NUMEROUS MUSCLE AND JOINT SPRAINS FROM IMPACT WITH DASHBOARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11363817, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0 Premium Plus Date of Incident: March 31, 2025 I was in a front-end collision at approximately 20–25 mph when I struck a concrete pole. The impact was hard enough to severely damage the vehicle—the pole intruded deep into the engine bay, fluids leaked, and the front end was totaled. Despite this, none of the airbags deployed. As a result, I sustained multiple injuries: Severe bruising across my chest and stomach from the seatbelt A head injury and forehead swelling from hitting the steering wheel Persistent pain in my neck, chest, and abdominal area since the accident…”
NHTSA complaint #11655859, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“"TAKATA RECALL" AND VISIBILITY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 6/30 DRIVING 2016 AUDI Q5 TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. BEFORE MAKING THE TURN I ENSURED NO ONE WAS COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AS I HAD A SOLID GREEN LIGHT. WHEN I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THEN SUDDENLY A CAR FROM NO WHERE CAME AND HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN A SPEED OF AT LEAST 45 MPH. MY CAR WAS DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL METERS AND FINALLY STOPPED ON THE SIDEWALK AND THE FRONT PART IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT LIGHTS AND HOOD ARE TOTA…”
NHTSA complaint #10882324, 2016 · crash
Service Brakes 4 1 crash
“I HAVE A 2016 AUDI Q5 AND RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND MOVED MY FOOT TO BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD OVER A COUPLE OF BOULDERS THROUGH THE TREES FLIPPING ONCE AND ROLLING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. I, MIRACULOUSLY, CAME OUT OF THE INCIDENT UNSCATHED. THREE WEEKS EARLIER MY BROTHER-IN-LAW BORROWED MY CAR AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BECAUSE IT SURGED FORWARD ON HIM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHEN HE WENT TO BRAKE. I DISMISSED HIS COMMENTS, THINKING HE WAS NOT USED TO MY CAR. TURNS OUT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A CONNECTION TO BOTH OF OUR E…”
NHTSA complaint #10926196, 2016 · crash
“I was pulling into a parking space at approximately 5 mph and the car unintentionally accelerated causing me to jump the curb, go over a grass median and land perpendicularly onto a one-way active road. There were trees and other items on the median I could've hit had I'd been pulling into a different parking space. I also could've hit cars on the road. I quickly got off the road and parked the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11552472, 2023
“In short my front right brake caliper failed. To be clear, brake fluid seeped out of the main 2 halves of the caliper. After some investigation there appears to be a recall on this issue on 2017 models and newer but not on my 2016. Per my mechanic this failure is rare and unusual and could have been catastrophic. The brake light warning did come on, but the amount of fluid that seeped was significant in that even 1 day after my light came on and driving a short distance to the shop, almost all of my brake fluid had seeped out.”
NHTSA complaint #11506989, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control 4 2 crash 2 injury
“ON OCTOBER 15 2023 AT AROUND 5.30 PM ME AND MY WIFE ARE COMING BACK FROM MY DAUGHTER"S HOUSE IN BASKING RIDGE NJ ,TO MY HOUSE IN WARREN NJ WHICH IS ONLY about 7 MILES. ITS LOCAL AREA WITH SPEED LIMIT AROUND 35 MILES/HR Z0NE .I WAS DRIVING ON MOUNT AIRY ROAD , SAW A RED LIGHT AT A DISTANCE, AND ALSO SAW A COUPLE OF CARS STOPPED AT LIGHT, AND SLOWLY APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TO MY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE, INSTEAD ACCELERATED VERY FAST, AND AT THAT MOMENT I STEERED THE CAR TO THE LEFT,TO AVOID HITTING ANY CARS IN FRONT OF ME,WHICH CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE B…”
NHTSA complaint #11554085, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I HAVE A 2016 AUDI Q5 AND RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND MOVED MY FOOT TO BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD OVER A COUPLE OF BOULDERS THROUGH THE TREES FLIPPING ONCE AND ROLLING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. I, MIRACULOUSLY, CAME OUT OF THE INCIDENT UNSCATHED. THREE WEEKS EARLIER MY BROTHER-IN-LAW BORROWED MY CAR AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BECAUSE IT SURGED FORWARD ON HIM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHEN HE WENT TO BRAKE. I DISMISSED HIS COMMENTS, THINKING HE WAS NOT USED TO MY CAR. TURNS OUT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A CONNECTION TO BOTH OF OUR E…”
NHTSA complaint #10926196, 2016 · crash
“I was pulling into a parking space at approximately 5 mph and the car unintentionally accelerated causing me to jump the curb, go over a grass median and land perpendicularly onto a one-way active road. There were trees and other items on the median I could've hit had I'd been pulling into a different parking space. I also could've hit cars on the road. I quickly got off the road and parked the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11552472, 2023
Visibility/Wiper 4 3 crash
“FIRST OF ALL I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH 35 YEARS OF SERVICE..TWENTY FIVE YEARS AS A CERTIFIED ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR. MY EXPERIENCE WITH SAFETY HAZARDS IN REFERENCE TO MOTOR VEHICLES I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON THE Q5 (2016)ARE WAY TOO BIG AND OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISUAL FIIELD ESPECIALLY THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS BLIND SPOT ALMOST INVOLVED MYSELF IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11253302, 2019 · crash
“"TAKATA RECALL" AND VISIBILITY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 6/30 DRIVING 2016 AUDI Q5 TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. BEFORE MAKING THE TURN I ENSURED NO ONE WAS COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AS I HAD A SOLID GREEN LIGHT. WHEN I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THEN SUDDENLY A CAR FROM NO WHERE CAME AND HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN A SPEED OF AT LEAST 45 MPH. MY CAR WAS DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL METERS AND FINALLY STOPPED ON THE SIDEWALK AND THE FRONT PART IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT LIGHTS AND HOOD ARE TOTA…”
NHTSA complaint #10882324, 2016 · crash
“THE MIRRORS ON MY AUDI Q5 ARE TOO HIGH AND BIG. THEY COMPLETELY OBSTRUCT MY VIEW WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. I EITHER HAVE TO LOOK BELOW OR ABOVE THEM SOMEHOW TO SEE. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 02/11/2016. I STOPPED AT 4 WAY STOP AND MADE A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOP SIGN, AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT. I HIT A SMALL SPORTS CAR THAT WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED FROM MY VIEW. DID NOT SEE THE CAR UNTIL HE WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. AT THAT POINT IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRAKE AND I HIT HIM. THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR COMPLETELY BLOCKED THE CAR FROM BEING SEEN. THIS COULD BE MUCH WORSE AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10836266, 2016 · crash
Lane Departure 3
“Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall”
NHTSA complaint #11652037, 2023
“The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.”
NHTSA complaint #11573564, 2023
“SUV has major blind spot on side view mirrors. Also, consume excessive amounts of engine oil. Audi needs to include the Q5 2016 year in a class action lawsuit. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11540996, 2023
Power Train 3 1 crash
“I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV AS I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP, BUT HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11258747, 2019 · crash
“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, 2026
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HAPPENED [INTERMITTENTLY] WHEN DECELERATING; INSTEAD OF GEARING DOWN TO IDLE/STOP, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV...I HAD TO LEAN HEAVILY ON THE BRAKES [WHICH THEN FELT MUSHY] TO CONTINUE TO A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11118743, 2018
Structure 2 1 crash
“SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I COULDN'T SEE EITHER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF MY CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS BEING UNABLE TO SEE LANE LINES AND ON COMING CARS HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS OVER $10,000. I AM CERTAIN I WAS GOING UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10915100, 2016 · crash
“Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.”
NHTSA complaint #11735390, 2026
Suspension 2
“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, 2026
“My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know wh…”
NHTSA complaint #11738767, 2026
Equipment 1
“2016 AUDI Q5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REQUESTING INFORMATION FOR RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. *LD *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11185231, 2019
Exterior Lighting 1 1 crash
“SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I COULDN'T SEE EITHER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF MY CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS BEING UNABLE TO SEE LANE LINES AND ON COMING CARS HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS OVER $10,000. I AM CERTAIN I WAS GOING UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10915100, 2016 · crash
Seat Belts 1 1 crash 2 injury
“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUDI AT FULL STOP WHEN STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY VEHICLE TRAVELING AT SPEED SUFFICIENT FOR THEIR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT ACCIDENT RESULTED IN BOTH BEING HOSPITALIZED WITH INJURIES. DRIVER WITH EYE AND ABDOMINAL INJURIES FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED CONCUSSION FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO SHATTER IT, PLUS SUSTAINING NUMEROUS MUSCLE AND JOINT SPRAINS FROM IMPACT WITH DASHBOARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11363817, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
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 2016 Audi Q5 draws about 7.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 7 of 13 among the Audi Q5 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.