Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
130–25K
1325–50K
1550–75K
675–100K
5100–150K
1150K+
53 reports with mileage · 52 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.
Engine. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
105 reports
44,000 miles · Dec 23, 2020
Steering
SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS STEERING FAILURE IN 2014 AUDI Q5: WARMED THE CAR UP, DROVE 15 MINUTES TO A GAS STATION, TURNED IT OFF TO FUEL UP AND WENT TO RESTART AFTER ENGINE WAS OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, UPON START UP AND THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED "STEERING DEFECTIVE" DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WAS NON FUNCTIONAL AND T…
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SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS STEERING FAILURE IN 2014 AUDI Q5: WARMED THE CAR UP, DROVE 15 MINUTES TO A GAS STATION, TURNED IT OFF TO FUEL UP AND WENT TO RESTART AFTER ENGINE WAS OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, UPON START UP AND THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED "STEERING DEFECTIVE" DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WAS NON FUNCTIONAL AND THE WHEEL ESSENTIALLY LOCKED UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH AT VERY COLD TEMPERATURES (ONCE AT -40 DEGREES BELOW AND ONCE AT -15 DEGREES BELOW ZERO). SOME QUICK INTERNET SEARCHING LEADS TO LOTS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME SITUATION FOR 2014-2015 Q5'S. THE SQ5 OF THE SAME YEAR HAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE BUT THE Q5'S FOR SOME REASON DID NOT GET THE RECALL. IT SOUNDS LIKE IN SOME INSTANCES ITS A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE AND IN SOME CASES ITS AN ENTIRE NEW STEERING RACK REPLACEMENT COSTING UP TO $5,000. IT SOUNDS LIKE AUDI HAS NOT COVERED THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTIES NOR HAS IT ISSUED A RECALL TO COVER THE SAME ISSUE ON THE Q5'S AS WAS EXPERIENCES WITH THE SQ5 OF THE SAME YEAR (RECALL #48M1 & NHTSA #11184036). I AM 300 MILES FROM THE NEAREST AUDI DEALER. AUDI SAYS THEY WILL NOT COVER IT BECAUSE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. I EXPLAINED IT MATCHES A RECALL FOR THE SQ5 AND BELIEVE THE Q5 WAS OVERLOOKED WITH THAT RECALL, THEY WERE OF NO ASSISTANCE. AUDI SAYS I CAN PAY SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE NOT LIKELY GOING TO COVER ANY OF IT SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT THERE THAT HAVE THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE FIXED BY AUDI? LUCKILY I WAS STATIONARY ON BOTH OCCASIONS OTHERWISE THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS CRASH AND POSSIBLE INJURY. IM SCARED TO DRIVE IN COLD WEATHER ANYMORE. I WOULD THINK AUDI WOULD CARE ABOUT SUCH A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!
NHTSA ODI #11384647
128,000 miles · Dec 7, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
MY CAR IS A REALLY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR GASOLINE IN THE CABIN IT'S SUPER SEVERE AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S COMING FROMDOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RUNNING IF I'M DRIVING SUMMER STARTING IT IT'S IT'S JUST TAKES A LITTLE WHILE FOR IT TO START TO STINK AND THEN ONCE IT'S BEEN ON FOR A COUPLE MINUTES IT STARTS TO JUST WREAK
NHTSA ODI #11378271
77,000 miles · Nov 6, 2020
Steering
STEERING ESSENTIALLY "LOCKED" UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WARNING ALARM SOUNDED AND "STEERING DEFECTIVE, DO NOT DRIVE" WARNING APPEARED. VERY DANGEROUS, CAN BARELY TURN WHEEL. IF THIS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING I'VE NO DOUBT ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY INJURY, WOULD HAVE OCCURRED.
I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE…
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I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE SPEED WAS AT LEAST 40-50MPH AT THAT MOMENT, MAYBE FASTER SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED BUT WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STEER. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED AND AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE FRAME LITERALLY SHATTERED ON IMPACT. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS TRAUMA TO MY FACE AND BACK AND ANKLES.
NHTSA ODI #11343683
59,000 miles · Jun 29, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE AND CAR STALLS ETC.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11331513
37,000 miles · Jan 30, 2020
Unknown Or Other
PANORAMIC SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING. GLASS SHARDS COVERED MYSELF AND BACKSEAT. LARGE HOLE IN TOP OF SUNROOF AND ALL GLASS FRACTURED. SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHEN IT EXPLODED. IN MOTION ON SEWARD HIGHWAY. 5:15 AM ON ROAD. MINIMAL TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #11306151
64,683 miles · Jan 22, 2020
Engine
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AT 64683 MILES. CAR WAS TAKEN TO AUDI DEALER TO TROUBLE SHOOT. DIAGNOSED AS "COLD START FUEL PERFORMANCE FAULT CAUSED BY STRETCHED TIMING BELT." OUT SIDE OF WARRANTY AND CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AUDI FOUND AT FAULT FOR EARLIER MODELS FOR THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11301235
81,886 miles · Nov 18, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE CHECK ENGINE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIENER AUDI (LOCATED AT 795 NORTHERN BLVD, GR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE CHECK ENGINE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIENER AUDI (LOCATED AT 795 NORTHERN BLVD, GREAT NECK, NY 11021, (516) 829-2834) THREE TIMES. ON OCTOBER 13, 2019, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTON SIZES WERE TOO SMALL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,886.
NHTSA ODI #11280881
78,000 miles · Oct 22, 2019
Unknown Or Other
AFTER AUDI REPAIR THE SECONDARY WATER PUMP DUE TO RECALL MONTHS LATER CAR THERMOSTAT RUNNING HOT AND AUDI STATES MAIN WATER PUMP LEAKING
NHTSA ODI #11270153
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2019
Exterior Lighting
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AND APPEARS BASED ON MY INTERNET SEARCH THIS PROBLEM IS PERVASIVE.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
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.
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 replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
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.
2014 Audi Q5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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