NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints for the 2015 Audi Q5. Most complaints involve engine (38) and steering (14). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Ever since I have purchased the vehicle it has consumed alot of engine oil. I have to add engine oil every two months. I have reached out to Audi regarding the issue with no response or help.”
“I was driving down the road when the steering stop working and I could not control the direction that the tires moved. The direction of steering would not respond to my movements and I was unable to control the car. I was able to break and bring the car to a stop, however, if I were moving at a much faster speed this would have been extremely dangerous. I brought the car to our mechanic and we were informed that the tie rods were broken, the threading on the attachment pieces was completely rusted out and the threads were bare. The piece simply came apart and was malfunctioning. No warning signs or service lights came on in the vehicle before this happened and we had no indication that there would be an issue with the steering when operating the vehicle. Our mechanic told us this was one of the most dangerous things he's ever seen happen in a car and that our life was at risk. We regularly have our car inspected and serviced and there was no indication that this would happen. Our car had a major engine problem in August 2023 and was at the Valenti Audi Dealership in Waterbury, CT, during that time the car was inspected and we were not told the tie-rods had any problems.”
“The cooling system failed without warning! As I’m driving on the highway my vehicle began smoking! I smelled a burnt smell! Upon getting off the highway , I noticed my coolant had leaked almost completely out! I check my vehicle every morning before work as I drive through three counties to get to work and my coolant was full as I had just topped it off that morning! Upon inspection it was found from a local mechanic to be the water pump! My truck was fine last month upon getting a n inspection.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,600 | 392 |
| Q5 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 395 |
| Q5 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 429 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 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.
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (38), steering (14), fuel/propulsion system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2015 Audi Q5 at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Audi Q5 4 out of 5 stars overall.