2016 Audi Q5
The Verdict
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (40 complaints) and body (21 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 80/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Audi Q5, consider the 2012 model year which has 94% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2012 has 94% fewer complaints
View the 2012 Audi Q5 dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Worst Problems
Complaints
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall
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.!
I just purchased car and was told of no recalls
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.
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.
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.
The vehicle engine no longer works. The coolant line broke without warning, and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle no longer works
On [XXX] at around 8:55-8:59 I finalized the paperwork for a purchase of a car, received the keys, drove out of the dealership and by 9:02 the check engine light came on and the car shook. On [XXX] at around 2:22 pm, as I was driving, the car shook, pulled up to red light and the car would not move. It shook, rattled and died. The EPC light came on. I owed the car back to the dealership. I noticed that parts of the car next to the muffler and the tailpipe were belong held together with making tape. I received a call from the dealership from Tony. He said the car was fixed by the owner. No clear verification that the dealership owner is as trained or licensed mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My Q5 requires an additional quart of oil approximately every 500-1000 miles since purchased in early August . Services included two oil changes, replacement of pan gasket and fill tube O-ring. No drips on the ground, just a minimum level reading every 30 days. That definitely should not be happening without some plausible explanation other than "That's what German cars do. I have a BMW and the same issue." It was not disclosed that I would have to purchase a monthly supply oil motor oil in addition to the cost of the vehicle.
The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.
1) The Electromechanical Steering Unit is producing an error light on my instrument panel, and yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) If the steering unit fails, the results could be catastrophic for myself and others. 3) Yes, in multiple cases/places. There is a recall for this part in Canada. Also, an extended warranty was granted by Audi of America for this part for numerous 2011-2016 Audis, including the Q5, so long as they are under 10 years / 125,000 miles, which mine is. However, when I have gone into my local Audi and also called Audi of America, they said my vehicle is not included in this extended warranty and there is no recall on the part. 4) Yes, my car has been inspected by my local Audi. 5) Yes, the warning lamp continues to be displayed. No other symptoms have occurred.
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.
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