Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2014 Audi Q5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2014 Audi Q5. Most complaints involve engine (36) and steering (17). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Apr 2018
Owner complaints
106
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Apr 11, 2018NHTSA 18V229000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Oct 5, 2017NHTSA 17V622000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 3, 2017NHTSA 17V298000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

106 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2013 – Aug 2026
  1. Engine36
  2. Steering17
  3. Fuel/propulsion system12
  4. Structure10
  5. Electrical system9
  6. Suspension7
  7. Power train6
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Air bags3

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

By model year

Complaints for each Q5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200931
2010100
2011143
20124
201392
2014106
2015100
201678
201742
2018209
201953
202037
2021103
202420
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

36 reports
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding a progressive engine defect. Beginning as early as 2019 (approximately 84,000 miles), I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption and related engine concerns to authorized Audi dealerships. These complaints continued over several years. At no point was I informed that these symptoms could be associated with a known defect pattern or progressive engine failure. The condition has now escalated to a severe engine malfunction. The vehicle began exhibiting engine misfires, flashing check engine light, EPC warning, and unstable operation. The dealership confirmed misfire fault codes and oil contamination affecting the ignition system. Engine replacement was initially recommended. Excessive oil consumption leading to internal contamination and misfires presents a significant safety hazard. Loss of engine power or sudden failure while driving can create dangerous conditions, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. Despite the long history of reported symptoms, Audi of America has declined to provide assistance, citing only warranty status and failing to address the defect progression. The vehicle has now been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2026EngineODI 11726072

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

12 reports
“Post fix EDR cooler failure causing coolant fluid loss " enough complaints pressure on Audi Reference EA189 emissions fix Subject: Goodwill Assistance Request – 2014 Q5 TDI EGR Cooler – VIN [XXX] Audi Customer Experience Team, I am writing to request goodwill assistance for my 2014 Audi Q5 TDI, VIN [XXX] , with 105,000 miles. Vehicle Issue The car is losing engine coolant with no external leaks. Symptoms are consistent with a failed EGR cooler: low coolant warnings every few weeks, white smoke on cold starts, and no puddles or visible leaks. This is a documented failure mode on the 3.0L TDI V6 engine, especially after the emissions modification. Warranty Background - Original in-service date: [XXX] - Emissions modification completed: 2018 - Current mileage: 105,000 I understand the EGR cooler is a covered component under the TDI Extended Emissions Warranty as an emissions-related part. While the 10-year time provision from the in-service date expired [XXX], I am well under the 120,000-mile limit. The 4 years/48k miles from the 2018 modification also places the failure directly within the spirit of the extended coverage. Basis for Goodwill Request The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 13, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11730892
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q5
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
233026$3,600392
Q5
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202722$3,600395
Q5
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive
182621$3,800429
  • Q5
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    23 city · 30 hwy · $3,600/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Q5
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Q5
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Audi Q5 SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 8079
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Q5 questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Audi Q5 have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Audi Q5 problems?

Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (36), steering (17), fuel/propulsion system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Audi Q5 get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Audi Q5 at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Audi Q5?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Audi Q5 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026