Audi Q5 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,311 complaints about the Audi Q5 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and airbags. Audi has filed 15 warranty extensions and 15 service campaigns for it, and there are 31 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Audi Q5? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Q5 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,311
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 15
- Filed by Audi
- Service campaigns
- 15
- Filed by Audi
- Safety recalls
- 31
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Q5 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | Engine (33%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 42 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (55%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 20 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (60%) | 4 | 2 |
| 2023 | 43 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (30%) | 5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 22 | Electrical system (32%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 74 | Electrical system (36%) | 8 | 3 |
| 2020 | 25 | Electrical system (32%) | 6 | 3 |
| 2019 | 52 | Electrical system (23%) | 5 | 4 |
| 2018 | 207 | Electrical system (36%) | 6 | 3 |
| 2017 | 42 | Engine (45%) | 5 | 3 |
| 2016 | 77 | Engine (34%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2015 | 99 | Engine (38%) | 6 | 6 |
| 2014 | 105 | Engine (34%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2013 | 89 | Engine (37%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2012 | 168 | Airbags (51%) | 6 | 7 |
| 2011 | 143 | Airbags (47%) | 5 | 18 |
| 2010 | 100 | Airbags (50%) | 4 | 14 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Q5 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Audi
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Audi filed with NHTSA for the Q5, in its own words. A warranty extension means Audi pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2023
This Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT…
- Warranty extensionSep 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Reminders - TDI Approved Emissions Modifications, Emissions Compliant Repairs, corrections and extended warranty / warranty policy and loaner vehicle overview
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2021
For Audi 3.0 L TDI Generation 2.1 SUV vehicles repaired by the emissions modification recall, the following warranty extension is applicable.Extended Emissions Warranty?
- Warranty extensionMar 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2016
This communication asks dealers to contact Audi Warranty if they have any questions about the extended warranty coverage for 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles.
- Warranty extensionDec 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2015
This is a general communication notifying dealers that there is extended Warranty coverage available for the exhaust gas temperature sensor for certain models and model years. This document details the terms of the warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionDec 2016· Electrical system· model years 2013
This is a general communication notifying dealers that there is extended Warranty coverage available for the NVLD pressure switch for certain models and model years. This document details the terms of the warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionJul 2015· Fuel system· model years 2011–2012
All audi 2011-2012 Model year with an 2.0 tfsi engine will be extending the warranty on all fuel injectors. 7/23/15
- Warranty extensionApr 2015· Fuel system· model years 2010–2012
This document contains general information on the upcoming warranty extension on the high pressure fuel pump.
- Warranty extensionJan 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
Audi is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for certain 2009-2011 A4, A5, and Q5 Vehicles with the CAEB 2.0T engine to 8 years/80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the vehicle's in-service date or 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date of a…
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2010–2011
A warranty extension has been issued for 10 yrs or 120, 000 miles, whichever occur first, on emissions control systems warranty for intake manifold and fuel injectors, under specific conditions. Model 2008-2011.
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2011
Warranty extension for emissions control systems warranty for fuel injector replacement, has been issued, under specific conditions, 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever first occurs. Model 2011.
- Warranty extensionDec 2013· Engine· model years 2010–2013
Information provided regarding warranty extension on carbon buildup removal, engine cylinder head secondary air ports. Models 2009-2012. No model provided.
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Mobility equipment· model years 2011–2012
A faulty intake manifold may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component and/or a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the…
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Fuel system· model years 2011
Audi has determined that a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component.
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2013
As part of Audi's ongoing commitment to our environment, Audi is extending the Emissions Control Systems Warranty to cover cleaning of the engine cylinder head secondary air ports to remove carbon buildup under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs…
- Service campaignAug 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2020–2021
September expirations
Manufacturer reference Audi closures 20260901: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignMay 2026· Seat belts· model years 2025
Audi is conducting a special parts collection program involving the driver and/or front passenger seat belts from selected 2025 model year Audi vehicles. This is not a recall.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2017
Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates
- Service campaignMar 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2018–2019
Audi is conducting a study of vehicles that are being operated in parts of the United States known to frequently use road salt during the winter months.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
The HomeLink cannot be programmed and there is no reaction when the HomeLink buttons in the rearview mirror are pressed. A software update will be performed to address this issue. Affected vehicles count updated
- Service campaignDec 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019
Multiple campaign closures
Manufacturer reference Audi closure 20241219: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
The gateway control module will be replaced at no cost to owners. Updated claiming information
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Due to a software error in the transmission control unit in affected DSG transmissions, certain fault codes that turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) cannot be cleared after completion of repairs to resolve the underlying problem with the transmission that turned on the…
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Under certain conditions the coolant pump may leak.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out and leak coolant. This also caused the engine light to come on. *rm updated on 06/27/2011.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
The engine thermostat stays close and may cause the engine to overheat. Warning lights will illuminate. 2010-2011 Models.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Q5 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine325 (25%)
- Airbags217 (17%)
- Electrical system216 (16%)
- Other or unspecified135 (10%)
- Fuel and propulsion123 (9%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning89 (7%)
- Steering76 (6%)
- Transmission and drivetrain71 (5%)
Safety recalls
31 recalls cover at least one Q5 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The driver and front passenger seat belts may have been manufactured incorrectly, and fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash.
The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
The high-voltage battery may overheat.
The high-voltage battery may overheat.
An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or…
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
In the event of a crash deploying the passenger's frontal air bag, the instrument panel carrier may break due to incorrect welding. If the carrier breaks, there may be damage to the passenger frontal air bag.
And 16 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Audi Q5 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Audi Q5 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,311 owner complaints, 15 warranty extensions and 15 service campaigns Audi filed, and 31 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2018 (207), 2012 (168), 2011 (143). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Audi Q5?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (25%), airbags (17%), electrical system (16%). Audi has filed 15 warranty extensions covering the Q5, listed on this page.
Which Q5 model years have the most complaints?
2018 (207), 2012 (168), 2011 (143). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Q5 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Audi extended the warranty on the Q5?
Yes: airbags (model years 2010–2023); engine and cooling (model years 2014–2016); engine and cooling (model years 2010–2021), and 12 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Q5?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 31 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.