2016 Audi Q5

77 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Naples, FLSteering

   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 incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steering problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11751001
2. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jun 29, 2026Flemington, NJFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Suspension

   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
3. Filed May 19, 2026Failure May 6, 2026Virginia Beach, VASuspension

   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 what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge of becoming a common issue seen in 2010-2017 Q5s. So much so, there's a law firm investigating it like DiCello Levitt - could be a design flaw, there is a plastic covering known to trap moisture and debris. I also don't live in an area that gets much snow, some years we don't have any and I get monthly car washes.

   NHTSA complaint 11738767
4. Filed May 3, 2026Failure May 3, 2026New York, NYBody

   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
5. Filed May 1, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Tracy, CAFuel/propulsion system

   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 this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.

   NHTSA complaint 11735198
6. Filed Jan 29, 2026Failure Dec 1, 2025Raleigh, NCEngine

   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 other vehicles by issuing Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles), which covers carbon buildup in the secondary air injection ports. However, Audi denied U19 coverage for my vehicle solely because my VIN is not included in the warranty extension population. This condition results in increased emissions which impact the environment and which will cause the vehicle to not pass the emissions inspection required for registration. Audi has not provided any technical explanation distinguishing my vehicle from those covered under U19, despite identical fault codes, failure mechanism, and required repair procedure. The repair involves removal and cleaning of carbon buildup in the cylinder head secondary air ports and is quoted at approximately $2,500.

   NHTSA complaint 11714224
7. Filed Jan 18, 2026Failure Jan 18, 2026Brooklyn, NYFuel/propulsion system

   I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a loud gunshot. I got off the exit pulled over and I saw that my sunroof was shattered. On my Audi Q5 2016.

   NHTSA complaint 11711731
8. Filed Aug 17, 2025Failure Aug 14, 2025Las Vegas, NVFuel/propulsion system

   While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and possible fire. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer during this recurrence, but it has been persistent and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11681153
9. Filed Apr 21, 2025Failure Mar 31, 2025Port Orange, FLAir bagsCrash1 injured

   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 I have photo evidence of the injuries and damage, and family members who witnessed my condition via FaceTime shortly after the crash. I have checked both the NHTSA and Audi recall databases using my VIN, and there are no open recalls listed for this vehicle. I was never notified of any safety concerns or service requirements regarding the airbags. This is extremely concerning and I believe the airbag system may have failed in a situation where it was clearly needed. Please investigate this issue, as it poses a serious risk to driver safety.

   NHTSA complaint 11655859
10. Filed Apr 1, 2025Failure Feb 9, 2023Austell, GAFuel/propulsion system, Blind spot detection

    Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall

    NHTSA complaint 11652037
11. Filed Mar 7, 2025Failure Feb 26, 2025Charlotte, NCUnknown or other

    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
12. Filed Mar 4, 2025Failure Mar 3, 2025Omaha, NEUnknown or other

    I just purchased car and was told of no recalls

    NHTSA complaint 11646382
13. Filed Feb 27, 2025Failure Feb 10, 2025Palm City, FLFuel/propulsion system, Steering

    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. However, Audi service told me that because the protocol for the recall was performed on my car back in 2017, there was nothing they could do except replace my fuel pump and charge me for the work done. The noxious fumes were so bad that I could not drive my car without having all the windows down. I found out that when the intake fuel pump goes bad, so does the high pressure fuel pump and both have to be replaced along with the pressuer sensor. This cost me $2,700. After getting my car back and driving it less than 25 miles, I was stranded on the road and had to have my car towed back to the shop with a broken steering rack and a dead battery. Come to find out, the steering rack is another issue going on with Audi vehicles. These are very serious and life threatening situations, especially with noxious fumes from gasoline which is highly flammable. Audi needs to reimburse me the $2,700 for the fuel pump replacement cost that I would not have incurred if my fuel pump had actually been replaced in 2017, instead of a band-aid being put on it, which was negligence on Audi's part. By not replacing the fuel pump, I ended up with a gas leak in my car, my car dangerously breaking down in the middle of the road and having to be towed and ultimately a very costly repair for me of which Audi doesn't want to own any responsibility in.

    NHTSA complaint 11645256
14. Filed Jan 12, 2025Failure Nov 28, 2024Snover, MIEngine

    Audi had Valves and pistons fail on the highway at 75mph on Nov 28,2024 at 117000 miles Had the vehicle since 2021 and 17000 miles. Complained to the dealerships at the last 3 oil changes about excessive oil consumption. They told us not to worry about it, full aware that they had lost a lawsuit over this very issue. We were never informed about this lawsuit, and now Audi refuses to fix THEIR problem. We are very lucky when the engine blew up that there was no one behind us, otherwise it would have been a major highway accident. Now Audi wants $18,000 to replace the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11635505
15. Filed Nov 30, 2024Failure Jul 18, 2024New Bem, NCSteering

    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
16. Filed Aug 22, 2024Failure Jan 23, 2023White Plains, MDEngine

    The vehicle engine no longer works. The coolant line broke without warning, and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle no longer works

    NHTSA complaint 11610166
17. Filed Jul 9, 2024Failure Jul 6, 2024Biscayne Park, FLElectrical system, Engine

    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 clear verification that the dealership owner is as trained or licensed mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11600664
18. Filed Jun 28, 2024Failure Sep 1, 2023Grand Prairie, TXEngine

    My Q5 requires an additional quart of oil approximately every 500-1000 miles since purchased in early August . Services included two oil changes, replacement of pan gasket and fill tube O-ring. No drips on the ground, just a minimum level reading every 30 days. That definitely should not be happening without some plausible explanation other than "That's what German cars do. I have a BMW and the same issue." It was not disclosed that I would have to purchase a monthly supply oil motor oil in addition to the cost of the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11597585
19. Filed Feb 23, 2024Failure Mar 1, 2023Birmingham, ALEngine, Blind spot detection

    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
20. Filed Feb 14, 2024Failure Dec 29, 2022SAN Jose, CAElectrical system, Steering

    1) The Electromechanical Steering Unit is producing an error light on my instrument panel, and yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) If the steering unit fails, the results could be catastrophic for myself and others. 3) Yes, in multiple cases/places. There is a recall for this part in Canada. Also, an extended warranty was granted by Audi of America for this part for numerous 2011-2016 Audis, including the Q5, so long as they are under 10 years / 125,000 miles, which mine is. However, when I have gone into my local Audi and also called Audi of America, they said my vehicle is not included in this extended warranty and there is no recall on the part. 4) Yes, my car has been inspected by my local Audi. 5) Yes, the warning lamp continues to be displayed. No other symptoms have occurred.

    NHTSA complaint 11571840