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 reports
60,000 miles · Jul 27, 2018
Engine
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ROUTE 30 (GREENSBURG PA) WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE ACCELERATION WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THE ISSUE INVOLVED THE FRONT DRIVE CHAIN AND SUPPORT. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE RELATED TO AUDI'S. …
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I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ROUTE 30 (GREENSBURG PA) WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE ACCELERATION WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THE ISSUE INVOLVED THE FRONT DRIVE CHAIN AND SUPPORT. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE RELATED TO AUDI'S. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 6OK MIKES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11114111
89,284 miles · Jul 25, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG THAT THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG THAT THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,284.
NHTSA ODI #11113552
105,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Engine
ENGINE FAIL DUE TO THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER
NHTSA ODI #11099976
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2018
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SERRA TOYOTA AUDI VOLKSWAGEN OF TRAVERSE …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SERRA TOYOTA AUDI VOLKSWAGEN OF TRAVERSE CITY (1301 S GARFIELD AVE, TRAVERSE CITY, MI) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11076434
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2018
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH SINCE I BROUGHT OUR CAR IN TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. I'M CONCERNED THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT REPRESENTS A GRAVE SAFETY CONCERN TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. WHAT IS BEING DONE AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA ODI #11063357
95,656 miles · Jan 4, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
TAKATA RECALL! THE ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND THE PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ONE OF THE DOORS HAVE TROUBLE LOCKING AND THE OTHER CAN'T SENSE THE REMOTE FOR UNLOCKING, IT NEEDS TO OPEN MANUALLY FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON.THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE …
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TAKATA RECALL! THE ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND THE PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ONE OF THE DOORS HAVE TROUBLE LOCKING AND THE OTHER CAN'T SENSE THE REMOTE FOR UNLOCKING, IT NEEDS TO OPEN MANUALLY FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON.THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR WEEKS AND EXPENDED 2K WITH CHANGING THIS AND THAT BUT NOTHING WAS FIXED. THE ISSUE IS STILL EXISTS. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON!
NHTSA ODI #11058463
120,000 miles · Jan 2, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND VERY EXPENSIVE IGNITION COIL/ SPARK PLUG REPAIRS ARE ALWAYS THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN THE FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON WHEN IT'S THE IGNITION COILS/ SPARK PLUGS. WHEN TH…
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ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND VERY EXPENSIVE IGNITION COIL/ SPARK PLUG REPAIRS ARE ALWAYS THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN THE FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON WHEN IT'S THE IGNITION COILS/ SPARK PLUGS. WHEN THE IGNITION COILS/ SPARK PLUGS ARE THE ISSUE, THE CAR SHAKES.
NHTSA ODI #11058040
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL THEY HAVE NOT RELEASED A FIX TO MY DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NOW THEY ARE FILING CHAPTER 11. WHAT DO I NEED IN ORDER TO FIX THIS ISSUE?
NHTSA ODI #11057310
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2017
Visibility/wiper
PANORAMIC SUNROOF START LEAKING WATER WHEN RAIN AND PANORAMIC FOAM SWELLS, FOAM BECOMES RUSIED AND BUILDS CORROSION.
NHTSA ODI #11055868
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2017
EnginePower Train
OIL LEAKS BADLY FROM REAR MAIN SEAL AND TIMING COVER.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2011 Audi Q5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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