Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Audi Q5 Hybrid problems

Owners filed 95 complaints about the 2014 Audi Q5 Hybrid with NHTSA between Nov 2013 and Aug 2025. The most-cited component is engine (35).

Complaints
95
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine35
  2. Steering17
  3. Fuel/propulsion system11
  4. Electrical system9
  5. Structure6
  6. Power train5
  7. Service brakes4
  8. Suspension3
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)3
  10. Vehicle speed control3
  11. Exterior lighting3
  12. Engine and engine cooling2
  13. Air bags2
  14. Seats2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20131
20149
20152
20161
20175
201820
201911
20207
20219
20227
20237
20245
202511

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

35 reports
“Under Recall 19N4, the electric coolant pump was replaced in July 2019 at 73,496 miles. That replacement pump failed prematurely in March 2025 at 109,628 miles — lasting only 36,132 miles. This was a safety-related recall part intended to fix a known defect with the original pump. Audi refused to provide goodwill reimbursement for this premature failure. I am reporting this to request further investigation and possible expanded remedy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2025EngineODI 11678346

Steering

17 reports1 crash
“The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. The problem was independently reproduced and confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Audi dealership. Both establishments have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to this specific issue. The manufacturer (Audi of America) has been made aware of the issue through their dealership network. They have acknowledged the defect by offering a "goodwill" repair to replace the subframe, confirming their awareness of this failure mode. However, the manufacturer has made this safety-critical repair contingent on the owner first paying for several thousand…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11678953

Fuel/propulsion system

11 reports
“The car has a known "oil consumption issue" that has led to engine failure that Audi has failed to take responsibility for. This is a 2104 Audi Q5. The car is in San Francisco and available for inspection. The car vibrates and can't be safely driven at highway speeds, if the engine suddenly lost power on the highway it could be a major safety issue for the driver and other drivers. The dealer has reproduced the issue and diagnosed it as needing new Pistons and Rings at 99,000 miles (but it has had this issue since in the 60,000 mile range, they just said keep adding oil). It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, just the dealers. I'm sure some warning lights came on, but could not say which ones or when.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2023Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11557145

Electrical system

9 reports1 crash1 fire
“Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11670746

Structure

6 reports1 crash
“2014 Audi Q5 TDI with 115000 miles. Rear subframe inspected individually, by independent shop, and by Audi dealership. Found to have severe rust with perforation underneath where plastic debris covers are mounted. It is currently installed on vehicle at time of complaint. The failure of the subframe can disable the vehicle while driving, disconnect the axle and surrounding components, and cause an accident with one or more vehicles on the road. Audi has a 12 year/unlimited mileage warranty but claims it is not covered under warranty. Repair is quoted around ~$6000 including parts and labor.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2025StructureODI 11672270

Power train

5 reports
“THIS IS A TDI. THE CAR HAS 53,000-MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ONLY SERVICED BY THE LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP. WHILE OPERATING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH THE "AUTO STOP/START" ENGAGED, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHEN STOPPED AND WHILE CRUISING, THE OCCURRENCE IS VERY INTERMITTENT. WHEN STOPPED, TO RE-ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, YOU MUST USE THE BRAKE (TO PREVENT ROLLING) AND MANIPULATE THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BETWEEN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND SPORT SETTING. WHEN DRIVING, YOU MUST MANIPULATE THE TRANSMISSION LEVER BETWEEN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND SPORT SETTING. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON CITY STREETS SINCE ABOUT 52,000-MILES (THREE-MONTHS AGO). CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2018Power trainODI 11078578
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.