Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Audi Q5 problems
Owners filed 106 complaints about the 2014 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between Nov 2013 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (36).
Complaints
106
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine36
- Steering17
- Fuel/propulsion system12
- Structure10
- Electrical system9
- Suspension7
- Power train6
- Service brakes4
- Air bags3
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Exterior lighting3
- Engine and engine cooling2
- 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 Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
9
2
1
5
20
11
7
9
7
7
5
15
7
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 7 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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…”
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…”
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…”
Structure
10 reports1 crash
“My Q5 has a defective subframe. The system is defective because plastic coverings on the subframes of Audi Q5s and SQ5s trap moisture and other elements, causing the subframe to rust, rot, and corrode undetected, which creates a dangerous safety hazard, the existence and extent of which is concealed by the plastic coverings. This results in a myriad of negative consequences for the Class Vehicles and their safe and reliable operation. The defect, which can only be discovered after removing the plastic covering on the vehicles’ steel subframe, leaves an affected Audi vulnerable to “structural instability.””
Electrical system
9 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“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”
Suspension
7 reports
“The rear sub frame has completely rusted through, on both driver and passenger sides. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. It is a 2014 q5 with 160k miles. There is a hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides due to a poorly designed cover that traps salt and other road debris leading to premature failure.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.