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2015 Audi Q5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Audi Q5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

39 reports with mileage · 60 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 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

99 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2025
Suspension

2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and re…

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2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme nature of corrosion and cracking found on the subframe assembly this should be considered a high priority warning for Audi Q5 owners. A total failure of all rear suspension and drivetrain components may result.

NHTSA ODI #11681486

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found…

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Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles, I visited a second Audi dealer who acknowledged that this was a common problem in this engine type. They quoted me $16,000–$20,000 for a full engine replacement, stating they could not replace pistons alone. At 80,000 miles, my car now consumes 1 quart of oil every 200 miles. The oil warning light comes on frequently. I am forced to carry oil and top off multiple times per week. This is not normal wear for a luxury vehicle with regular maintenance. This condition creates multiple safety risks: •Sudden engine seizure or power loss if oil runs too low, especially while driving at highway speeds. •Loss of steering/brake assist due to oil pressure failure. •Increased fire risk from leaks or overheating. •Frequent roadside stops to add oil, risking exposure to traffic. •Distraction while driving due to monitoring oil levels. •Environmental hazard from oil spills. The engine remains available for inspection. The vehicle has only been inspected by Audi dealerships. Audi should be held accountable for a defect that compromises safety and reliability at relatively low mileage. I urge NHTSA to investigate and take appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11669364

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2025
Lane Departure

System does no longer work. Audi Montgomery inspected the vehicle and deamed that both side blind spot warning components have failed. People come to trust the system and when it fails they would lane change, not be warned and cause an accident. Dealer comfirmed failed components. Opened a concern with Audi USA and was told I…

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System does no longer work. Audi Montgomery inspected the vehicle and deamed that both side blind spot warning components have failed. People come to trust the system and when it fails they would lane change, not be warned and cause an accident. Dealer comfirmed failed components. Opened a concern with Audi USA and was told I am responsible for repairing the failed system. 6/19/2025.

NHTSA ODI #11668160

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2025
Suspension

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 TDI (VIN # [XXX] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealershi…

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To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 TDI (VIN # [XXX] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealerships since purchase. On [XXX], following a failed Virginia State safety inspection, the vehicle was inspected by Audi of Chantilly, VA. Their service department confirmed that the rear subframe is cracked due to extensive rust and recommended immediate repair. I have attached both the inspection report and supporting photographs. This is not an isolated case. Numerous Audi Q5 owners have documented similar corrosion on the rear subframe, often attributed to a plastic cover that traps moisture and accelerates rusting. This appears to be a design defect with potentially dangerous implications. As it stands, the vehicle is not drivable. The compromised subframe poses a serious risk of structural failure while in motion, increasing the potential for loss of control, a crash, or injury. The dealership has estimated repairs at over $9,000, which I am currently seeking coverage for through Audi Customer Service. However, Audi has indicated that their corrosion warranty covers only body panels—not subframe components—despite the fact that the defect stems from their design. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11667941

140,000 miles · May 27, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an inde…

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The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an independent mechanic, who determined that water pump had failed. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11663041

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2025
Engine

Common problem with engine cooling systems and oil systems failing. Failing emissions because of this and overheating with risk of fire. Common problem with the Q5s. Which some of them are recalled but not my 2015 q5 premium for some reason.

NHTSA ODI #11654919

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2024
EngineService BrakesSuspension

I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine ligh…

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I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine light icons display. I'm constantly checking the oil indicator level to see how much is still in the and then add add once it shows thats its extremly low. I have to do this everytime I am about to use the car. This can be dangerous at times since there's no indication that its very low and its not seen unless you go into the "car" section that shows the level, it has no alert display for the level. All required diagnostic and maintenance services have been performed with the dealer. When inspecting the brake issue they always come back with no findings say that no issue could be found, howeve when I'm driving it, it sqeeks and makes a grinding sound all the time. This has been going on for quite a few years. As for the oil consumption issue, this isssue has been in recent years and both times this has been looked into by the dealer I was informed that its not covered under any manufacturers warranty and would cost me approx. $10,000.00 for them to repair it or I could trade it in. This is a very expensive luxury car and at this low milage shouldn't have these types of issue. I've seen on various car sites that both the oil comsumption and piston issue is a known issue with this model Audi and that issue occurs aournd 60,000 miles but was rectified for the models that came after 2015. I wish I had know this before making this purchase. Now the driver seat adjusting panel is broken, this came out of no where about four weeks ago with no warning. I haven't received any recall notifications since my Audi Care coverage expired, not sure why this would stop because I didn't continue this service.

NHTSA ODI #11628463

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cran…

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My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cranking and not starting. Codes were pulled from the vehicle is there are fuel pump related codes. Cause = Confirmed concern vehicle does not start. fault codes P0087, p3073, p3043, removed rear seat and checked pump control module. found power supplied to control module but no power to pump. also found connector to control module melted. advise replacement of control module, in tank pump, and control module connector to start." END OF MECHANIC REPORT The markings on the fuel pump control module are as follows, line by line: "VW emblem" "Audi emblem" Germany 1j0 973 726 >PBI< FEP 1/3 3699

NHTSA ODI #11628449

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Engine

After paying to run an inspection test recommended by Audi USA, it was confirmed that the issue of the excess oil consumption was with the piston, and they also recommended changing the engine. It puts me at risk every time I drive the car because I am not sure how much oil my car has at this point. I have been reporting to the…

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After paying to run an inspection test recommended by Audi USA, it was confirmed that the issue of the excess oil consumption was with the piston, and they also recommended changing the engine. It puts me at risk every time I drive the car because I am not sure how much oil my car has at this point. I have been reporting to the dealer my observation of excessive oil consumption. They kept telling me that it was because my car was old. I have an Audi Q5 2015 with 85,600 miles. I have done all my manufacturing maintenance at the dealer, so they have records that I do take care of my car. I paid to run a diagnostic test suggested by Audi USA. I was told that I have to pay about $30,000 to fix the engine ($13,000 + for the piston and $17,000 + for the engine). The car started warning me that it needed oil soon. I reported it to Audi USA and told them that this issue was one of the recalls done in 2017. I was told that I did not qualify for any coverage because it was only for cars that had an issue in 2017. Now, at 85,600 miles, I am using almost two-quarters of an ounce for every 1,000 miles. I called Audi USA over a month ago, and they asked me to take my car to the dealer so that they could run the test. I had to pay for the test only to confirm that I needed to change the engine and piston. This is a costly luxury car, and nobody should be going through this issue. Audi is responsible for this manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ODI #11624091

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherWheels

Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they c…

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Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the les Schwab it can damage the vehicle and decrease the performance of the function of the vehicle which also impacts the speedometer reading and also the mileage tracking adding additional strain on the vehicle as well as decreasing its value faster. The vehicle is an all-wheel drive car and have the incorrect size is a safety concern as well as increasing the amount of mile that are driven that are artificial, also messing with the speedometer reading to have to go 10 mile over the limit to make it go the correct speed, this makes the computer think the vehicle is driving more mile than it is. I have informed the dealer of the issues, and they have refused to help and state that there is nothing to be concerned about. This information was not disclosed to me when purchasing the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11620729

Official recalls

6

18V229000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Apr 11, 2018

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.

17V622000 · Electrical System:wiring

Oct 5, 2017

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.

17V298000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 3, 2017

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.

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.

17V002000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Jan 3, 2017

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.

16V045000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jan 28, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).

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.