2017 Audi Q5 Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 01/19/2026

Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing the coolant to leak from the thermostat. This cost me $2,431.00.

STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 05/14/2026

My rear subframe is completely rotted out and the dealership I bought it from but a new inspection sticker sold it to me and told me it was perfect condition

ENGINE — Filed 06/02/2025

Oil consumption. Audi Q5 oil consumption in my car is not functioning properly. I have to put oil in it about every 3 weeks or less depending on how much I’m driving.

ENGINE — Filed 01/01/2026

Piston rings failure, large oil consumption and water pump leaking

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/13/2025

On 12/13/25 around 8:00am in the morning. I was driving between 20-25 MPH and started to brake for the corner stop sign. I applied the break as I normally would however, the car continued to roll and did not respond to my applying pressure to the brake pedal. No matter how much pressure I apply to the brake the car continued to coast without stopping. I continued to press hard on the break and even pumped the break. After 2 to 3 yards of coasting, the car stopped. I continued to drive the car for another 0.5 miles and the same break problem occurred again. There are no lights indicating problems on my dashboard. The weather was clear and sunny in the morning. There was no rain. There was no snow. All the roads were dry. I took the car to my dealership and they could not find anything wrong. The brake pads were well within the normal safety range at 8 mm. There was no computer system malfunction. They could not give me an explanation. The Audi dealership’s head mechanic said that because my front brake pads and rotor, and my back brake pads were replaced at Pep Boys two years ago that this could be a reason for the brake failure. although he was not 100% sure of this. He suggested that I pay $3500 for Audi to replace the current rotors and brake pads despite the original determination that there were nothing wrong with them. The auto mechanic test drove the car with me after the diagnostic evaluation. He could not detect any problems with the brakes no screeching sounds no noises. The anti brake system was working well. to this day, I still do not feel safe driving this car for fear that the incident with the brake failure will happen again.

ENGINE — Filed 06/23/2025

coolant is leaking from pump and tstat housings. pump was replaced in 2018 and 2019 by audi due to audi recall. now it is leaking after only 6 years. seems like faulty materials and creates hazardous situation. leaks confirmed via diagnostics by Premier1 auto and certified technician. first received low coolant indicator light in May. filled coolant. then within a couple of weeks it was significantly low again.

ENGINE — Filed 04/18/2024

The PCV valve malfunctioned and required an extensive repair bill to solve. I've learned that this very engine (3.0) is already a subject of a recall for this concern, but the recall cuts off at 2016 Audis, and mine is a 2017. Please update your recall list to include ALL Audi models with this 3.0 engine, as the problem is the same regardless of the year.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/10/2024

My SUV had stopped heating/defrosting and vehicles car charging ports appear to not be working any longer. It was discovered that my coolant pump was blocked with debris. The heat has returned, still no power to the charge points in vehicle. While driving on highway, my vehicles dash started to light up instructing me to turn off engine coolant low (electric). However, my H C coolant gauge was just below midpoint. It appears to be a bit faulty. Nonetheless, I pulled off highway and asked a local car supplier store and mechanic shop to look, they reported that it appears to be leaking coolant inside the vehicle puddling the coolant in the undercarriage of the vehicle not leaving any visible signs of leaks on driveway. Please advise.

STEERING — Filed 01/15/2024

Steering is occasionally exhibits resistance when turning left or right. Steering becomes very stiff intermittently. I have taken the to a repair twice but the does not duplicate. The repair did a scan to see if there were any codes but none came up. We also have an ODB2 scanner and scan the vehicle right when problem occurred but no codes were displayed on my scanner. My wife has a long commute of 40 miles in each direction and I concerned. There should be a recall as I feel this is a safety issue.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2023

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally high whistling pitch sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had to add additional oil to the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 06/01/2023

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q5. The contact stated that vehicle was serviced in 2017 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) by the dealer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, fumes was detected inside the vehicle. The contact stated that he checked the vehicle and became aware that fuel was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump flange needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the warranty for the repair was 12-months. The contact stated that the fuel flange was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repair was completed in 2017 and that the warranty was for 12-months. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

ENGINE — Filed 09/30/2022

Catastrophic engine failure, Audi Q5 2017 2.0 Turbo, suddenly stopped/disabled on State highway traveling approximately 45 mph September 2022. Engine re-started after waiting period, then moved to shoulder while experiencing limp mode with EPC light and low oil pressure light activated just prior to engine sutting off again. Vehicle 66,539 miles at time of incident, had just received complete vehicle diagnostic in December 2021 (8 months prior, 7,406 miles incurred) at Audi Tucson and successfully passed complete engine inspection. Vehicle towed to Audi Chandler with diagnostic recommendation to replace complete engine due to piston failure (long block replacement estimated at $16,881.79). Since engine failure, multiple attempts to resolve with Audi USA customer service have been unsuccessful, finally stating “all issues start and end with the dealer”. For customers nationwide, there appears to be no issue resolution with Audi USA customer service - they do not authorize any repairs based on this statement. Vehicle is disabled with no current recourse for replacement of same engine as Audi has discontinued manufacturing 2.0 Turbo engines for this model, per Audi dealership.

STEERING — Filed 01/04/2023

Electromechanical steering rack failed as I was driving. It was hard to move my vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. They stated that water entered the electromechanical steering unit causing it to fail. Shouldn't these units be watertight? No other warning or symptoms before the incident. I also read online that Audi has numerous steering rack failure problems. It's a hazard.

STEERING — Filed 12/23/2022

Power steering component completely failed. No issues previously. No warning.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/22/2022

I was driving on the highway with no vehicles or overhead obstruction when the sunroof shattered.

ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2022

I received a letter that my car was under a recall for the water pump I have a 2017 Q5 Audi which the dealer said needed a water pump bio waited until after my mileage went up then made me pay out of pocket rather then honoring the recall. This was criminal and I feel Audi should Reimburse me or get dealer to reimburse me for this scheme Audi is horrible and should be ashamed for allowing this to happen Audi should make good by this recall turnersville nj Audi is a ripoff scam I want reimbursement of This recalled waterpump I’m filing a complaint with the usdoj

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/01/2022

The backup camera is failing to display the rearview when the vehicle is put in reverse. It will also show a black screen and no view when in reverse. There have been several times when placed into drive that the rear view camera is on despite being in drive or park mode.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/19/2022

On the same day the 5 year warranty expired, the car stopped working. The car was towed to the dealer, and diagnose was gas pump failure. 3 months after, the same problem. After 1 month waiting for the car to be fixed, again the same problem. Now the dealer is saying they just figure there was a problem with a computer part that was associated to the gas pump. The car could have failed while i was driving, a life threatening problem,

STEERING — Filed 09/17/2021

1st occurrence(9/17/21): While traveling the power steering failed. I stopped roadside to check to make sure there were no issues with tires. I resumed traveling and found steering to be stiff and over steer(feeling as if the wheels tilted) when turning left or right. After stopping for approximately 20 minutes I returned to my vehicle to resume my trip. The stirring operated normally. 2nd occurrence(9/27/21): Approximately three weeks later the power steering completely failed and remained that way until I returned to my residence. Since there was no recall listed and the original warranty has expired I called a repair shop to have the vehicle checked(first available appointment was two weeks out but I could leave the vehicle and they would do an assessment if they could fit it in their schedule. 3rd occurrence(9/30/21): Power steering failed but I was able to maintain control. The power operated the following day but travel was limited. I hope an assessment can be completed within the next two days. I did purchase an extended warranty through the dealership. Note: each event occurred during favorable weather conditions(no rain, ice, snow or storms of any kind).

ENGINE — Filed 08/05/2021

thermostat housing leaking at the top edge and the coolant pump leaking, replaced thermostat housing and coolant pump assembly. vehicle is available for inspection upon request. the coolant reservoir would empty every time I drove the car or let it sit, the vehicle did let me know with an alert when the fluid was too low. I had to continually keep fluids in it so that the vehicle did not overheat. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and he sent me to the dealership for the correction. the dealership corrected the issues by replacing the thermostat housing with coolant pump assembly. The vehicle has not been inspected after the repair. This issue began on 8/5/21 and was repaired on 8/11/21 this was the first opening for the dealership. The total cost was $1,688.77.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 11/12/2020

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS ABRUPTLY WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO EACH GEAR AS YOU SLOW CAUSING AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE BRAKING. THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF DRIVE SELECT MODE (COMFORT, AUTO, OR SPORT). THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BEHAVIOR ACROSS AUDI OWNER FORUMS FOR VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMBINATION (3.0L SUPERCHARGED V6 MATED TO ZF 8HP TRANSMISSION). ADDITIONALLY, THERE'S A FREQUENT LONG DELAY FOR THE REVERSE CAMERA IMAGE TO DISPLAY ON THE SCREEN WHEN SELECTING REVERSE. IT CAN TAKE UP TO 7-10 SECONDS. IF THERE IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE AVAILABLE, AUDI DEALER ADVISES IT WILL COST MONEY TO HAVE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN I WOULD IMAGINE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD HANDLE AS A TSB, REGARDLESS OF YEAR OR MILEAGE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY — Filed 05/18/2020

THE ROOF OF MY 2017 AUDI Q5 IS GLASS, AND IT MAKES A CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE AUDI SERVICE CENTER TO BE SERVICED, AND THE SUNROOF FRAME ALONG WITH ALL OF THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2019. AS OF TODAY, THE RATTLE IS STRONGLY PRESENT AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS ONGOING, AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. THE GLASS ROOF COULD LITERALLY SHATTER AND RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT AN INVESTIGATION COULDN'T BE CONDUCTED BECAUSE A TWO YEAR DEADLINE THAT I MISSED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 15K MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALSO REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FROM AUDI, AND MY REQUEST WAS REJECTED. AS OF MAY 2020, THE AUDI SERVICE CENTER MANAGER FACILITATED ANOTHER REPLACEMENT REQUEST ON MY BEHALF. *TR

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/01/2019

HIT A STATIONARY HONDA CRV ON BLACK ICE AT APPROX 45-50 MPH. IMPACT WAS STRAIGHT ON FRONT OF OUR CAR AND REAR OF THE CRV. OUR BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED, NONE OF OUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. OUR VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM THE REAR BY A JEEP WRANGLER AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED. STILL NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN A 31 CAR PILE UP ON I-68 NEAR EXIT 29. WE ARE VERY LUCKY THERE WERE NO KNOWN INJURIES OTHER THAN STIFFNESS AND SORE SPOTS. OCCUPANTS WERE DRIVER 52 YRS OLD AND FRONT PASSENGER 17 YRS OLD.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/24/2019

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

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE — Filed 09/26/2017

WE REAR-ENDED A SEMI TRUCK WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AS TRAFFIC BEGAN TO SLOW . THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF OUR VEHICLE WAS BADLY DAMAGED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE PRETENSIONERS ON THE DRIVERS SEATBELT DID NOT ENGAGE . THE SPEED AT WHICH WE WERE TRAVELING IS UNKNOWN BUT LIKELY MORE THAN 15 MILES PER HOUR AND LESS THAN 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER LOOKED AWAY FROM THE ROAD BRIEFLY AND REAR-ENDED THE TRUCK AHEAD . WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT OUR AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT DID NOT ENGAGE. THE DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE PASSENGERS KNEES WERE JAMMED INTO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.