Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Audi Q5 problems

Owners filed 100 complaints about the 2015 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between Nov 2014 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (38).

Complaints
100
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine38
  2. Steering14
  3. Fuel/propulsion system12
  4. Suspension8
  5. Engine and engine cooling8
  6. Structure5
  7. Power train4
  8. Electrical system4
  9. Service brakes3
  10. Visibility3
  11. Wheels2
  12. Exterior lighting2
  13. Air bags2
  14. Visibility/wiper2

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
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
20141
20153
20161
20177
201812
201912
20209
20215
20228
202313
202412
202511
20266

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

38 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026EngineODI 11763272

Steering

14 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2024Steering, WheelsODI 11568626

Fuel/propulsion system

12 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11701580

Suspension

8 reports
“2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme nature of corrosion and cracking found on the subframe assembly this should be considered a high priority warning for Audi Q5 owners. A total failure of all rear suspension and drivetrain components may result.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2025SuspensionODI 11681486

Engine and engine cooling

8 reports2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an independent mechanic, who determined that water pump had failed. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11663041

Structure

5 reports
“The subframe in the Audi Q5 has plastic that is connected to the bottom of the subframe which traps salt, water and dirt which can lead to premature rusting and failure. Because this is where a lot of the suspension and other components are attached to, when this fails during operation of the vehicle, it can lead to loss of control and increase the chance of an accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026StructureODI 11772781
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.