2012 Audi Q5

168 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.

1. Filed May 12, 2026Failure May 20, 2022Dayton, OHAir bags, Body, Suspension

   Unknown

   NHTSA complaint 11737442
2. Filed Oct 2, 2025Failure Mar 10, 2023Marana, AZBody

   The vehicle sunroof exploded. On March 10th at approximately 12:15pm, while driving down the road from my residence in my 2012 Audi Q5, the sunroof blew up, without warning, causing shattered glass to fall inside the cab of the vehicle onto myself, and my then nine year old son, causing minor cuts, and small pieces of glass to be lodged into the skin of our arms, chest, and head . I called the Audi service ref repairs, and was told it would take three months, before the service department could look at and repair my vehicle, as they were backed up with repairs. I ordered a new sunroof windshield and did a self repair and calibration. I followed up with Audi, advising of the incident, and was told the SUNROOF was under a recall, but their records, this item had been address on my vehicle, no further assistance was offered.

   NHTSA complaint 11691013
3. Filed Sep 4, 2025Failure Jun 21, 2002Darien, ILFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   The oil has been leaking for some years. I have taken it in several times, to be fixed and it is still leaking

   NHTSA complaint 11685033
4. Filed Aug 11, 2025Failure Jul 19, 2024160,000 milesLynwood, CAEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact purchased the vehicle at an auction, and while leaving the auction site and driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact jumped-started the vehicle, and after entering the freeway, the vehicle vibrated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted until the contact arrived at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle remained unrepaired for several days. The contact went to pick up the vehicle, and the independent mechanic stated that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that a week later, while diving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs had failed and caused the engine to fail. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had replaced the spark plugs and that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact was unsure if the spark plugs had been replaced. The independent mechanic refused to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11679877
5. Filed Apr 17, 2025Failure Apr 4, 2025Marana, AZEngine, Unknown or other2 injured

   ON [XXX] AT [XXX], AT MY HOME, I PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY IN MY 2012 AUDI 2012 Q5, I DROVE THREE HOUSES DOWN, AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING SHATTERED GLASS ON MYSELF, MY THEN [XXX] SON, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. I CALLED AUDI FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A 3 TO 4 MONTH WAIT, ORDERED A ON REPAIRS. SO I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLED MYSELF. ON [XXX] MY 2012 AUDI Q5, WOULD NOT START, DASH FAULT INDICATED CRANKCASE/ CAMSHAFT NOT ALINGED. PUT VEHICLE IN A AUDI REPAIR SHOP (NOT DEALERSHIP) FOR REPAIRS. DAMAGE WAS CRANKCASE, TIMING CHAIN, AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER RESEARCH DONE FOUND THAT THERE WAS SIX RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE, ONE INVOLVING THE SUNROOF SHATTERING, AND THE OTHER INVOLVING THE CRANKCASE, TIMING CHAIN, AND TENSIONER. ON 04/15/2025 I CALLED AUDI AT 800-822-2834 ABOUT THE INCIDENTS, AND INQUIRING ABOUT THE SIX RECALLS, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SURE THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THE REPRESENTATIVE WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE DATES THAT A CASE WAS CLOSED BASED ON THE VIN OF MY VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD BEEN DONE, SHE STATED A CLAIM BEING CLOSED "USUALLY MEANT A REPAIR WAS DONE. BUT ONLY THE DEALERSHIP THAT OPENED THE CASE WOULD HAVE MORE INFORMATION. I REQUESTED THE DEALERSHIP INFORMATION, ADVISING THAT I WAS CONCERNED AS THUS FAR THE RECALL REPAIRS SEEM TO BE FAILING, AND THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL DEATH IF DEPLOYED. I REQUESTED A SUPERVISOR CALL BACK. ON 04/16/2025 I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM A SUPERVISOR NAME JUAN/ID 43248. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THE ISSUE WITH THE PREVIOUS RECALLS FAILING AND MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS, AND ASKED FOR THE DEALERSHIP NAME AND NUMBER THAT DID THE REPAIRS. HE REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE INFORMATION SIGHTING IT CONTAINED INFORMATION ON THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I SEEK TO CONFIRM THAT THESE REPAIRS WERE ACTUALLY DONE IN FEAR THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN, AND IF A AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED I AND PASSENGERS MAY END UP DEAD AS A RESULT. PLEASE ADVISE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

   NHTSA complaint 11655139
6. Filed Mar 18, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2024Verona, VAPower train, Unknown or other

   Oil leaking excessively + low oil pressure.

   NHTSA complaint 11649063
7. Filed Mar 18, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2024Verona, VAPower train

   Low oil pressure

   NHTSA complaint 11649062
8. Filed Mar 1, 2025Failure Feb 28, 2025Columnia, MDSuspension

   The Audi technician discovered that the rear subframe had rusted through completely, which they deemed very unsafe and recommended replacing the subframe.

   NHTSA complaint 11645696
9. Filed Jan 20, 2025Failure Jul 15, 2024Great Falls, VABody

   I found out this past summer that my rear subframe on my Audi Q5 (2012) had rusted out to the point of being dangerous to drive. Looking into it, this is apparently a common problem due to the 1st and 2nd generation design of the Q5 where they placed a wind deflector over the rear subframe. In doing so, that wind deflector collected and held moisture and corrosive agents against the frame to the point where it was completely rusted through. I was told my Q5 was not safe to drive until I got the rear subframe replaced. The Audi dealership that I ordered the subframe from (Rockville Audi) said they have been increasing the number of subframes on order as this is becoming a consistent problem. When I spoke with Audi of America about it, they said they did not believe it was an issue beyond regular aging of the vehicle but I disagree as I have other vehicles with many more years that do not have complete sections of the frame rusted/rotted out.

   NHTSA complaint 11637004
10. Filed Jan 5, 2025Failure Jan 5, 2022Greenville, SCEngine

    December 17, 2024 2012 Q5 Audi Complaint- Purchased at Steve White Greenville, S.C VIN# [XXX] Dear Audi leaders, (and Michele) Thanks for replying to my request and your (brief) follow-up. I know selling cars is your main concern. I learned through years of working for tech companies such as Oracle and HP that it cost a significant more to get a new customer than to retain an old one. I expected at the very least was to lob a phone call to me, instead of pretending to- even more humiliating. The Audi Q5 was the biggest, most dangerous and worst purchase I’ve ever made. It is also the most expensive car I’ve ever maintained. I didn’t realize how many people literally got “burned” on this engine debacle that Audi created. Audi dealerships around the globe forced loyal customer who purchased this vehicle to jump through hoops to prove a very apparent engine flaw. It was like watching the Hindenburg crash, but in slow motion. Upon further research, the level of owners problems varied by engine; some were perfectly fine but most were faced with a ticking time-bomb. Audi seemed to take no blame, instead profiting on an “oil program”, expensive for the consumer and also time consuming, to solve the issue. As time has a way of flushing out the truth, a class action lawsuit quietly arose was settled in 2014. Audi shamelessly offered to cover 40% on certain cars-soon having a class action lawsuit on their hands. At that time, my Q5 had 99,000 miles on it. Because of Audi’s foot-dragging, my Q5 was too old to fix which seemed a little too well orchestrated and that is wrong. Currently, my vehicle is worth nothing and I feel 100% that it was intentionally motivated. I now have a hunk of metal that Audi refuses to fix which is not only frustrating- but is a danger to me and cars around me- It is unsafe. I was going to give it to my [XXX] daughter, but after having it looked over, it was too dangerous-at best. I was never notified by Audi when the recall was ann INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

    NHTSA complaint 11634185
11. Filed Dec 3, 2024Failure Nov 26, 2024Greenville, SCEngine

    • Excessive oil consumption • Engine knocking • Illumination of the check engine light, possibly for cylinder misfire • Engine stalling- • the pistons unexpectedly fail, drivers may also experience a sudden loss of engine power while operating their vehicles. This can pose a safety risk as it may become difficult for drivers to brake, accelerate or control the steering wheel. Drivers are believed to have experienced problems with the pistons well before they should, with some seeing engine failure before the 75,000- mile mark. Audi Vehicles Burning Too Much Oil A number of Audi drivers have posted complaints online that their Q5 vehicles are burning more oil than they should, an issue attorneys suspect could be related to a defect in the pistons. A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]: My Audi Q5 2012, like all suffers from excessive mass oil consumption. A Dealer did the oil consumption test and said the piston and rings need to be replaced. I ve Already spent over $1K on crankshaft repairs etc. Will AoA to pay for new piston and rings? Its a $6K repair that I am unwilling to pay because it should not be going through this crap for such an expensive car.” This "benefit" likely won't me customers due to the age of the vehicles and they don’t seem to care. Not to mention owners will still be stuck with paying a percentage for repairs. I bought a 2012 Audi Q5 in in 2015…For the first 20,000 miles of owning this car, it was my dream car and was all I had hoped for. Then, the check engine and oil light game started. At first, adding oil meant that it would it go another 1500-2000 miles without issue. Then, around 75k, it went to 500 to 750 miles. Once it hit 95k, it dropped to every 400 to 600 miles that it needed oil. I am at 118k and desperately want to dump this lemon. Unfortunately, I have payments on this garbage car. I've spoken with a local mechanic about it and he says the fix is replacing the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11628723
12. Filed Jul 26, 2024Failure Jul 25, 2022180,000 milesMedfield, MAFrame and members

    The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side and was very unstable. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear subframe had sustained severe rusting and corrosion, and there were holes present in the sub frame. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11604773
13. Filed Jun 5, 2024Failure May 15, 2024Islip Terrace, NYEngine

    2012 Audi Q5 2.0 engine failure 72,000 miles The dealership performed a tear down of my engine and had an inspector from Audi care come to inspect the damaged engine. It was determined the tensioner /timing chain caused the engine failure. Prior to the inspection, I did research and informed the service manager at the dealership that there was a known issue regarding this exact problem. He said he would have to perform The tear down to determine the cause. He contacted me to confirm it was indeed the cause. Now after more research, I saw there was a class action lawsuit regarding this exact issue. It was settled in 20/& or 2019 , I believe I bought my car in 2020, from an Audi dealership. Who I now assume should have been aware of this known issue and class action settlement. I would like to report this past known issue to the NTSBA. I am being told I will have to pay a large amount of money after my extended warranty will only cover a portion of the repair. This was a known problem which could have put me in danger of the engine seizing will operating the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11592604
14. Filed Apr 30, 2024Failure Apr 15, 2024Elgin, SCAir bagsCrash

    I had an accident on 4/15/2024. I blacked out and ran into an oak tree but none of my airbags deployed.

    NHTSA complaint 11586039
15. Filed Jan 9, 2024Failure Jan 9, 2024Bergenfield, NJEngine

    Too many engine issues/misfire/oil leaks on coils, air intake issues- hard to find the issue, engine burns/consumes way too much oil. Had gasket cover, PCV valve replaced, all coils replaced on 2 occasions due to oil leakage, spark plugs replaced, fuel pump replaced, intake valve replaced, water pump replaced, mass airflow sensor replaced, electric throttle body module replaced and I’m still experiencing misfires etc.

    NHTSA complaint 11564343
16. Filed Jul 10, 2023Failure Oct 1, 2022Sussex, WIEngine

    I have a one family, mother-in-law former owner 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T and unfortunately like others have the issue of excessive oil consumption. This started at about 75,000 miles and now at 79,000 miles it is using about 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. Of course dealers have their talking points saying this is normal. No, excessive oil consumption is not normal! Too bad Audi is not doing anything about this known problem. NAA (Never Again Audi).

    NHTSA complaint 11531320
17. Filed Apr 9, 2023Failure Mar 27, 2023Broadlands, VABody

    The Rear Subframe was found to have two significant holes that would not allow the car to pass a safety inspection, and I was told a significant hazard that required immediate repair. This is the only part on the vehicle with rust and is the same issue of rear subframe rust that Mercedes Benz is covering under warranty on the same-year cars due to a manufacturing defect. Audi Tysons had serviced the vehicle since new but was negligent in warning me of the extreme rust or safety hazard that had developed. The first inspection by an independent shop found this issue and said it is common on Audi Q5 manufactured in this time frame. According to the repair shop, the part has a plastic protective cover that allowed water to stay trapped and is the main contributing factor. Audi refused any warranty coverage stating the warranty only covers "vehicle body sheet metal panels," but the Owner's Manual for Warranty Coverage states "-- a defect in manufacturer's material and workmanship that will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body". The Q5 is a low-mileage (87,500) vehicle that has been garaged for ~50% of its life in Northern Virginia. In summary, this is a know critical safety issue due to a manufacturing/design defect that Audi is not addressing.

    NHTSA complaint 11516211
18. Filed Mar 7, 2023Failure Dec 3, 2022104,000 milesBaltimore, MDEngine, Fuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection intake valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The oil warning light, the EPS warning light, TIPM warning, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel intake valve and the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11510646
19. Filed Feb 11, 2023Failure Feb 10, 2023Tioga, TXEngine

    I have maintained the car well returning to Audi dealerships for all servicing. I’m able to pull into any Audi dealership to top off my oil due to a known issue with excessive oil consumption for Q5s. At 108,000 miles, the consumption is progressively worsening requiring 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. There’s no oil drippings on my garage floor.

    NHTSA complaint 11506727
20. Filed Nov 24, 2022Failure Nov 24, 2022Lawrenceville, GAEngine

    The vehicle Q5 takes about 2 Quarts of oil every 400-500 miles. There are no oil leaks . It’s at 117,000 miles. Don’t know what to do . Vehicle runs great but the oil sign comes on every 500 miles

    NHTSA complaint 11494796