IllustrationTAKATA RECALL. RECALL DATE WAS 2/9/2016. AUDI HAS NO RESOLUTION AT THIS TIME AND CANNOT PROVIDE A DATE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL BE REPLACED.
2011 Audi Q5
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Q5 years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Audi Q5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 52.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Q5 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
825–50K
1750–75K
2175–100K
15100–150K
1150K+
68 reports with mileage · 75 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
143 reportsRECEIVED A LETTER IN APRIL 2016 FROM AUDI STATING THAT MY 2011 Q5 HAS THE TAKATA AIR BAG SYSTEM AND MY BE DEADLY IF INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. AS OF THIS TIME, THERE IS NO RECOURSE AND NO AVAILABLE PARTS TO FIX THE AUTOMOBILE AS PER ONLINE CHAT WITH AUDI ON 09/01/2016.
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE NOT HAD MY AIRBAG REPLACED AND DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR WITH A POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THIS WILL BE REMEDIED?
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSU…
Read full complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE INDOOR ODOR OF THE CAR SMELLED STRONG OF GAS. THE AREA AROUND OR UNDER THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DRY. THE SMELL WAS PREVALENT WHILE MOVING OR PARKED. THE GAS TANK WAS DRY AT THE NOZZLE. I DRIVE MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, INCLUDING MY GRANDCHILDREN. I WAS CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY SO HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC EVALUATE. THEY DISCOVERED A P…
Read full complaint
THE INDOOR ODOR OF THE CAR SMELLED STRONG OF GAS. THE AREA AROUND OR UNDER THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DRY. THE SMELL WAS PREVALENT WHILE MOVING OR PARKED. THE GAS TANK WAS DRY AT THE NOZZLE. I DRIVE MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, INCLUDING MY GRANDCHILDREN. I WAS CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY SO HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC EVALUATE. THEY DISCOVERED A PIN HOLE LEAK IN THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND GAS WAS ALL OVER THE GAS TANK. ANY SPARK WOULD HAVE SET THE CAR IN FLAMES AND POSSIBLE EXPLOSION GIVEN THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK. THIS REPAIR COST $1131. THIS OBVIOUS FLAW SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED BY AUDI AND A RECALL SHOULD BE IN PLACE TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART.
TAKATA RECALL I WAS NOTIFIED BY MY DEALERSHIP THAT MY AUDI Q5 CONTAINED FAULTY AIRBAGS THAT POSSIBLY COULD RESULT IN DEATH IF ACTIVATED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS NOTIFICATION TOOK PLACE FIVE MONTHS AGO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW LONG I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE AIRBAGS.
TAKATA RECALL. I LIVE IN A ZONE A HIGH RISK AREA WITH HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY (HAWAII) FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG TO SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODE OR EXPLODE AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, AND AUDI HAS, AS OF YET, NOT PROVIDED ANY SOLUTION FOR A LOANER CAR OR RENTAL CAR TO ADDRESS THE RISK OF INJURY OR FATALITY IN DRIVING THE 2011 AUDI Q5. I HAV…
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL. I LIVE IN A ZONE A HIGH RISK AREA WITH HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY (HAWAII) FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG TO SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODE OR EXPLODE AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, AND AUDI HAS, AS OF YET, NOT PROVIDED ANY SOLUTION FOR A LOANER CAR OR RENTAL CAR TO ADDRESS THE RISK OF INJURY OR FATALITY IN DRIVING THE 2011 AUDI Q5. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI USA AND AUDI HAWAII, AND NEITHER WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OR OWNERSHIP FOR THE PROBLEMS WITH THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL, AND THUS FAR, HAVE OFFERED NO SOLUTIONS. ...UPDATED 04/20/17 *BF *TR
ON FRIDAY AUG. 12 2016, I PAID A VISIT TO JIM ELLIS AUDI (AUDI ATLANTA) ON 5805 PEACHTREE BLVD, ATLANTA, GA 30341. I WAS LOOKING TO PURCHASE A USED 2014 SQ5. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2011 Q5 2.0T. I WAS INFORMED DUE TO THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, THEY WERE ONLY GOING TO SEND THE VEHICLE OFF TO AUCTION, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT…
Read full complaint
ON FRIDAY AUG. 12 2016, I PAID A VISIT TO JIM ELLIS AUDI (AUDI ATLANTA) ON 5805 PEACHTREE BLVD, ATLANTA, GA 30341. I WAS LOOKING TO PURCHASE A USED 2014 SQ5. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2011 Q5 2.0T. I WAS INFORMED DUE TO THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, THEY WERE ONLY GOING TO SEND THE VEHICLE OFF TO AUCTION, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE BOTHERED WITH THE RECALL AND THE OWNER JIM ELLIS HAD DIRECTED THEM TO SEND VEHICLES WITH THE AIRBAG RECALL STRAIGHT TO AUCTION WITHOUT FIXING THE RECALLED AIRBAG.
TAKATA RECALL I WORK FOR A DEALERSHIP WE SELL AUDI'S I FINALLY HAVE Q5'S TO SELL AT A GOOD PRICE TO THE CONSUMER, HOWEVER THIS RECALL IS KILLING THE SALE BECAUSE OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT CAN NOT GET REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG HOWEVER A HONDA DEALER A HALF MILE AWAY HAS DONE OVER 30 REPLACEMENTS. HOW DO YOU GET THE PARTS…
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL I WORK FOR A DEALERSHIP WE SELL AUDI'S I FINALLY HAVE Q5'S TO SELL AT A GOOD PRICE TO THE CONSUMER, HOWEVER THIS RECALL IS KILLING THE SALE BECAUSE OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT CAN NOT GET REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG HOWEVER A HONDA DEALER A HALF MILE AWAY HAS DONE OVER 30 REPLACEMENTS. HOW DO YOU GET THE PARTS I HAVE GONE ON LINE TALKED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE AND HAVE NO CLUE WHEN WE ARE GETTING REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS SOME PEOPLE SAY 1 TO 3 YEARS AND THAT IS NOT EXCEPTABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2017. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN T…
Read full complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2017. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SUPPLY THE PARTS TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ UPDATED 12/14/16. *JB *TR
Official recalls
518V818000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Nov 19, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
18V082000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 30, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
17V001000 · Air Bags:side/window; Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Jan 3, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
16V660000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Sep 13, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
16V078000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Feb 10, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.