NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
168 reports130,700 miles · Apr 12, 2022
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started violently shaking. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Control (ECP) and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started losing motive power and was pulled over out of the roadway. The vehicle wa…
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The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started violently shaking. The contact stated that the Electronic Power Control (ECP) and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started losing motive power and was pulled over out of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it remained. The vehicle diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,700.
NHTSA ODI #11460579
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2022
Air Bags
This 2012 Audi Q5 has an apparent bad passenger occupant sensor connection that could deactivate the vehicle's passenger-side airbags and increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. It appears the problem specifically stems from a faulty connection between the passenger seat occupancy sensor and the seat heater…
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This 2012 Audi Q5 has an apparent bad passenger occupant sensor connection that could deactivate the vehicle's passenger-side airbags and increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. It appears the problem specifically stems from a faulty connection between the passenger seat occupancy sensor and the seat heater wiring, which can cause the vehicle's computer to assume that there is no passenger present and defeat the airbag on that side. This system is typically meant to reduce the cost of repairs in a crash by not detonating unneeded airbags. Audi recently announced recall number 74E3 to fix other models with the same issue.
NHTSA ODI #11449958
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System
The vehicle is needing about 2qts every 2-3 days. Every once in a while I can feel it slip. I just bought this vehicle in October 2021. There are absolutely no leaks. It's a safety hazard because if it loses enough oil when I am driving, the car can and will die in the middle of the road. This vehicle is what I use to haul my 2 …
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The vehicle is needing about 2qts every 2-3 days. Every once in a while I can feel it slip. I just bought this vehicle in October 2021. There are absolutely no leaks. It's a safety hazard because if it loses enough oil when I am driving, the car can and will die in the middle of the road. This vehicle is what I use to haul my 2 year old daughter in. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. The vehicle was bought at cooks car sales. Lewiston, idaho 83501
NHTSA ODI #11447124
Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2022
Air Bags
On the dash, the airbag warning light is on. Something is wrong about the airbag
NHTSA ODI #11446948
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2022
Engine
EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, OIL LIGHT COMING ON EVERY 2-3 DAYS ABOUT EVERY 100 MILES DRIVEN OR LESS. I take it to my same mechanic shop always, this is a major issue with the turbo using excessive engine oil consumptions. It's not leaking, it's a VERY WELL KNOWN DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITH THESE 2012 AUDI Q5 2.0 TURBO AWD. MASSIVE GAS USAGE B…
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EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, OIL LIGHT COMING ON EVERY 2-3 DAYS ABOUT EVERY 100 MILES DRIVEN OR LESS. I take it to my same mechanic shop always, this is a major issue with the turbo using excessive engine oil consumptions. It's not leaking, it's a VERY WELL KNOWN DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITH THESE 2012 AUDI Q5 2.0 TURBO AWD. MASSIVE GAS USAGE BUT THE MAJOR OIL ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE THIS WILL COST THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET CONSIDERING THIS IS A AUDI DEFECT. This issue will end up causing major engine failure if not recalled costing thousands of dollars for a engine replacement.
NHTSA ODI #11446320
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2021
Engine
Needing to put oil in engine at an increasing rate. Low oil light comes on every 3 days now as this has been going on over a year. Engine timing chain then jumped and caused engine failure. Replaced with a used engine and the same problems have begun again.
NHTSA ODI #11438276
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2021
Engine
Oil consumption is getting worse and worse. Currently, I am adding a quart of oil every 3 days in between regular oil changes. This is a real issue. I just spent 5,000 dollars approx. on a tune up at a foreign car body shop but they could not repair the oil issue. This is now a known issue with Audis. What can be done to he…
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Oil consumption is getting worse and worse. Currently, I am adding a quart of oil every 3 days in between regular oil changes. This is a real issue. I just spent 5,000 dollars approx. on a tune up at a foreign car body shop but they could not repair the oil issue. This is now a known issue with Audis. What can be done to help this issue?
NHTSA ODI #11425342
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2021
Engine
Excessive oil consumption. Needs 1 quart of oil per tank of gas, more often with city driving. Issues most likely with original rings and pistons. Repair likely $6000. Oil consumption not disclosed as a problem when I bought the car 4000 miles ago. Currently 106,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11423432
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
Extreme oil consumption (burning 2+ quarts in less than 500 miles); cutting off while idling. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. If this is a leak, it could possibly catch on fire while my child is driving to school, or it could cut off while driving causing a bad accident. Yes it has been confirmed by a repair fac…
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Extreme oil consumption (burning 2+ quarts in less than 500 miles); cutting off while idling. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. If this is a leak, it could possibly catch on fire while my child is driving to school, or it could cut off while driving causing a bad accident. Yes it has been confirmed by a repair facility. Check/add oil indicator; check engine light; emits black smoke from rear. Issues appeared 2 days after purchasing the car.
NHTSA ODI #11421775
68,276 miles · Apr 23, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE USING THE PUSH TO START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI SOUTH COAST (1425 AUTO MALL DR, SANTA ANA, CA 92705, (657) 213-3961) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE USING THE PUSH TO START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI SOUTH COAST (1425 AUTO MALL DR, SANTA ANA, CA 92705, (657) 213-3961) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STARTER AND THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,276.
NHTSA ODI #11413534
Official recalls
6Nov 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jun 28, 2012
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE SUNROOFS GLASS BREAK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, THE FALLING GLASS COULD CUT AND INJURE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS. IT COULD ALSO DISTRACT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUNROOF GLASS PANEL, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI 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 ↗