2016 Audi Q5 Complaints

STEERING — Filed 05/20/2026

Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steering problem.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/29/2026

1) Rear subframe supports differential, axels, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires 2) If rear suspension fails , above noted assemblies will fall out of the car 3) Yes, dealer and independent garage have inspected and condemned 4) Manufacturer is aware of the problem, 5) No warnings or messages appeared, 6/29/26 at garage for oil change, garage was installing a subframe for another q5 so he was familiar with the issue

SUSPENSION — Filed 05/06/2026

My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge of becoming a common issue seen in 2010-2017 Q5s. So much so, there's a law firm investigating it like DiCello Levitt - could be a design flaw, there is a plastic covering known to trap moisture and debris. I also don't live in an area that gets much snow, some years we don't have any and I get monthly car washes.

STRUCTURE — Filed 05/03/2026

Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/01/2026

I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2016 Audi Q5. The vehicle previously underwent recall 20Z8/20W9, which addresses fuel pump flange cracking that can cause fuel leaks and fuel vapor odors. Despite this recall repair being marked as completed, I am now experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. This appears to be the same condition the recall was intended to fix. When I called the authorized Audi dealership (Audi San Jose), I was told I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs because the recall had already been completed and is no longer covered. I believe this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.

ENGINE — Filed 12/01/2025

I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated and I sought a diagnostic from the dealer which cost me $249. Audi has acknowledged this condition as a defect in other vehicles by issuing Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles), which covers carbon buildup in the secondary air injection ports. However, Audi denied U19 coverage for my vehicle solely because my VIN is not included in the warranty extension population. This condition results in increased emissions which impact the environment and which will cause the vehicle to not pass the emissions inspection required for registration. Audi has not provided any technical explanation distinguishing my vehicle from those covered under U19, despite identical fault codes, failure mechanism, and required repair procedure. The repair involves removal and cleaning of carbon buildup in the cylinder head secondary air ports and is quoted at approximately $2,500.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/18/2026

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a loud gunshot. I got off the exit pulled over and I saw that my sunroof was shattered. On my Audi Q5 2016.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/14/2025

While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and possible fire. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer during this recurrence, but it has been persistent and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during the problem.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/31/2025

Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0 Premium Plus Date of Incident: March 31, 2025 I was in a front-end collision at approximately 20–25 mph when I struck a concrete pole. The impact was hard enough to severely damage the vehicle—the pole intruded deep into the engine bay, fluids leaked, and the front end was totaled. Despite this, none of the airbags deployed. As a result, I sustained multiple injuries: Severe bruising across my chest and stomach from the seatbelt A head injury and forehead swelling from hitting the steering wheel Persistent pain in my neck, chest, and abdominal area since the accident I have photo evidence of the injuries and damage, and family members who witnessed my condition via FaceTime shortly after the crash. I have checked both the NHTSA and Audi recall databases using my VIN, and there are no open recalls listed for this vehicle. I was never notified of any safety concerns or service requirements regarding the airbags. This is extremely concerning and I believe the airbag system may have failed in a situation where it was clearly needed. Please investigate this issue, as it poses a serious risk to driver safety.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 02/09/2023

Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/26/2025

The vehicle had a oil leak that began in 2022 right after I bought the vehicle used. The light continued to come on indicating low oil. Eventually, they found a leak in the pistons. They were replaced. Again in 2023 a leak was found near and around the upper timing gasket and vacuum pump. Now 2025, a new leak is found transmission line and the dipstick.!

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/03/2025

I just purchased car and was told of no recalls

STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/10/2025

Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. After a couple days I took it to Audi since there had been a recall. My car has less than 63,000 miles on it and according to service persons that have looked at my car, it is in excellent condition. However, Audi service told me that because the protocol for the recall was performed on my car back in 2017, there was nothing they could do except replace my fuel pump and charge me for the work done. The noxious fumes were so bad that I could not drive my car without having all the windows down. I found out that when the intake fuel pump goes bad, so does the high pressure fuel pump and both have to be replaced along with the pressuer sensor. This cost me $2,700. After getting my car back and driving it less than 25 miles, I was stranded on the road and had to have my car towed back to the shop with a broken steering rack and a dead battery. Come to find out, the steering rack is another issue going on with Audi vehicles. These are very serious and life threatening situations, especially with noxious fumes from gasoline which is highly flammable. Audi needs to reimburse me the $2,700 for the fuel pump replacement cost that I would not have incurred if my fuel pump had actually been replaced in 2017, instead of a band-aid being put on it, which was negligence on Audi's part. By not replacing the fuel pump, I ended up with a gas leak in my car, my car dangerously breaking down in the middle of the road and having to be towed and ultimately a very costly repair for me of which Audi doesn't want to own any responsibility in.

ENGINE — Filed 11/28/2024

Audi had Valves and pistons fail on the highway at 75mph on Nov 28,2024 at 117000 miles Had the vehicle since 2021 and 17000 miles. Complained to the dealerships at the last 3 oil changes about excessive oil consumption. They told us not to worry about it, full aware that they had lost a lawsuit over this very issue. We were never informed about this lawsuit, and now Audi refuses to fix THEIR problem. We are very lucky when the engine blew up that there was no one behind us, otherwise it would have been a major highway accident. Now Audi wants $18,000 to replace the engine.

STEERING — Filed 07/18/2024

Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when coming to stop. Had vehicle towed to dealership because unable to drive. Had to replace power steering rack with adaptions. The j500 electromechanical power steering control module integrated into the steering rack was was electrically faulty.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/15/2023

ON OCTOBER 15 2023 AT AROUND 5.30 PM ME AND MY WIFE ARE COMING BACK FROM MY DAUGHTER"S HOUSE IN BASKING RIDGE NJ ,TO MY HOUSE IN WARREN NJ WHICH IS ONLY about 7 MILES. ITS LOCAL AREA WITH SPEED LIMIT AROUND 35 MILES/HR Z0NE .I WAS DRIVING ON MOUNT AIRY ROAD , SAW A RED LIGHT AT A DISTANCE, AND ALSO SAW A COUPLE OF CARS STOPPED AT LIGHT, AND SLOWLY APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TO MY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE, INSTEAD ACCELERATED VERY FAST, AND AT THAT MOMENT I STEERED THE CAR TO THE LEFT,TO AVOID HITTING ANY CARS IN FRONT OF ME,WHICH CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE BARRIER. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE AMBULANCES CAME, AND RUSHED ME AND MY WIFE WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES AND FRACTURES TO ICU MORRIST0WN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. THE CAR HAS ONLY ABOUT 35,000 MILES. WE SLOWLY ARE RECOVERING WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY . THIS INCIDENT DEFINITELY CHANGED OUR LIVES, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT VEHICLE"S UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED ME TO CRASH.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/04/2022

Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire and determined that the vehicle caused the fire (See attached report). Then, AMICA Insurance Company had [XXX] from NEFCO do an investigation. He verbally told us that he thought it was the car that started the fire, but he was told by the insurance company attorney to not make a written report (See attached email). AMICA had the vehicle brought to SD Lyons Facility in Seekonk, MA to investigate the vehicle's charred remains. Audi's representatives were also present. No physical evidence was found to prove that the car caused the fire. [XXX], Fire Investigator, in his attached email to us indicated that this does not mean the fire did not originate at the vehicle but that they could not find any physical evidence from the burnt remains of the car. In addition, there are eye witnesses, since the garage door was open. Our neighbors across the street saw what seemed to be small flames flickering near the right rear side of the car, which would flare up and decrease. Soon there after the car was consumed in fire. The description given sounds like a possible rule leak. This vehicle was purchased at Audi Nashua in NH and was regularly serviced by this dealership. NO INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/18/2022

Confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. On Tuesday October 19th, 2022, at 11 am, I drove my 19 year old niece, a student at Uni San Francisco, to a transit station about 2 hours from my home. When we got out of the car to say goodbye I felt quite dizzy, sleepy, and a bit nauseous. I got back in the car and drove about an hour towards home and felt so dizzy that I stopped and got out of the car to get some food, just incase that was the issue. I walked around at a shopping center for about 4 hours until I felt a bit better. I got back in the car and drove another hour home. As soon as I got out of the car at home, about 7:15 pm, it was very apparent that the dizziness had returned. I called my Dr the next morning and she sent me to the ER for a blood gas test which confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. I called my niece and she confirmed she felt the same symptoms upon arrival at the transit station.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/09/2020

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUDI AT FULL STOP WHEN STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY VEHICLE TRAVELING AT SPEED SUFFICIENT FOR THEIR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT ACCIDENT RESULTED IN BOTH BEING HOSPITALIZED WITH INJURIES. DRIVER WITH EYE AND ABDOMINAL INJURIES FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED CONCUSSION FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO SHATTER IT, PLUS SUSTAINING NUMEROUS MUSCLE AND JOINT SPRAINS FROM IMPACT WITH DASHBOARD.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/20/2019

I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV AS I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP, BUT HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 09/04/2019

FIRST OF ALL I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH 35 YEARS OF SERVICE..TWENTY FIVE YEARS AS A CERTIFIED ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR. MY EXPERIENCE WITH SAFETY HAZARDS IN REFERENCE TO MOTOR VEHICLES I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON THE Q5 (2016)ARE WAY TOO BIG AND OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISUAL FIIELD ESPECIALLY THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS BLIND SPOT ALMOST INVOLVED MYSELF IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/05/2016

I HAVE A 2016 AUDI Q5 AND RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS SINGLE-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND MOVED MY FOOT TO BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD OVER A COUPLE OF BOULDERS THROUGH THE TREES FLIPPING ONCE AND ROLLING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. I, MIRACULOUSLY, CAME OUT OF THE INCIDENT UNSCATHED. THREE WEEKS EARLIER MY BROTHER-IN-LAW BORROWED MY CAR AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BECAUSE IT SURGED FORWARD ON HIM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHEN HE WENT TO BRAKE. I DISMISSED HIS COMMENTS, THINKING HE WAS NOT USED TO MY CAR. TURNS OUT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A CONNECTION TO BOTH OF OUR EXPERIENCES AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI CORPORATE, BUT WANTED TO REGISTER THIS INCIDENT.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE — Filed 09/07/2016

SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I COULDN'T SEE EITHER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF MY CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS BEING UNABLE TO SEE LANE LINES AND ON COMING CARS HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS OVER $10,000. I AM CERTAIN I WAS GOING UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE I WAS ONLY GOING TO TRAVEL ONE BLOCK FROM WHERE I WAS TURNING. THE CAR I HIT WAS DRIVABLE. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED.

AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 06/30/2016

"TAKATA RECALL" AND VISIBILITY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 6/30 DRIVING 2016 AUDI Q5 TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. BEFORE MAKING THE TURN I ENSURED NO ONE WAS COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AS I HAD A SOLID GREEN LIGHT. WHEN I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THEN SUDDENLY A CAR FROM NO WHERE CAME AND HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN A SPEED OF AT LEAST 45 MPH. MY CAR WAS DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL METERS AND FINALLY STOPPED ON THE SIDEWALK AND THE FRONT PART IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH MY FRONT LIGHTS AND HOOD ARE TOTALLY DAMAGED.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 02/11/2016

THE MIRRORS ON MY AUDI Q5 ARE TOO HIGH AND BIG. THEY COMPLETELY OBSTRUCT MY VIEW WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. I EITHER HAVE TO LOOK BELOW OR ABOVE THEM SOMEHOW TO SEE. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 02/11/2016. I STOPPED AT 4 WAY STOP AND MADE A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOP SIGN, AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT. I HIT A SMALL SPORTS CAR THAT WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED FROM MY VIEW. DID NOT SEE THE CAR UNTIL HE WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. AT THAT POINT IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRAKE AND I HIT HIM. THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR COMPLETELY BLOCKED THE CAR FROM BEING SEEN. THIS COULD BE MUCH WORSE AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN A PEDESTRIAN IN THE CROSSWALK. AUDI NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE AND AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS COMPLAINT.