Q5 (8R)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0T
2.0L 4-cyl / 211 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-V6-Gas
3.2L 6-cyl / 270 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 272 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Audi Q5 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
TDI
3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl / 211 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi Q5, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2009-2017 Audi Q5
On a used 2009-2017 Audi Q5, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (227), the airbags and driver-assist systems (153) and the fuel system (120). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 227 owner complaints on the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 153 owner complaints on the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 120 owner complaints on the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints on the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 about the electrical system.
Recalls (15)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Show 10 older recalls
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect within the gearbox, despite selecting the Park position, the vehicle may still unexpectedly roll.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles manufactured May 22, 2013, to April 14, 2015. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down in cold temperatures due to a steering motor sensor fault.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AUDI Q5 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 21, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT SUNROOF GLASS PANEL THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAKAGE IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER/TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Q5 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2008 AND JUNE 4, 2009. A LEFT AND/OR RIGHT A-PILLAR TRIM COVER CLIP MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY, ALLOWING THE A-PILLAR TRIM TO BECOME LOOSE WHEN THE SIDEGUARD HEAD PROTECTION AIRBAGS DEPLOY DURING A CRASH.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2017 Audi Q5 complaints?
Owners have filed 724 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2017 Audi Q5. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the fuel system.
Is the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 724 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2017 Audi Q5. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 have?
NHTSA has 724 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2017 Audi Q5 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2009-2017 Audi Q5?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2009-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi Q5?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the safety systems and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Q5?
The 2017 Audi Q5 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 724 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.