Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Audi Q5 problems

Owners filed 78 complaints about the 2016 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between Nov 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (26).

Complaints
78
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine26
  2. Steering10
  3. Electrical system10
  4. Fuel/propulsion system9
  5. Engine and engine cooling8
  6. Air bags6
  7. Vehicle speed control4
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Visibility/wiper4
  10. Power train3
  11. Lane departure3
  12. Suspension2
  13. Structure2
  14. Seat belts1

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
20151
20165
20171
201811
20197
20206
20213
20228
202315
20246
20257
20268

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

26 reports1 crash1 fire
“I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated and I sought a diagnostic from the dealer which cost me $249. Audi has acknowledged this condition as a defect in other vehicles by issuing Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles), which covers carbon buildup in the secondary air injection ports. However, Audi denied U19 coverage for my vehicle solely because my VIN is not included in the warranty extension population. This condition results in increased emissions which impact the environment and which will cause the vehicle to not pass the emissions inspection required for registration. Audi has not provided any technical explanation distinguishing my vehicle from those covered under U19, despite identical fault codes, failure…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2026EngineODI 11714224

Steering

10 reports
“Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steering problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026SteeringODI 11751001

Electrical system

10 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“On [XXX] at around 8:55-8:59 I finalized the paperwork for a purchase of a car, received the keys, drove out of the dealership and by 9:02 the check engine light came on and the car shook. On [XXX] at around 2:22 pm, as I was driving, the car shook, pulled up to red light and the car would not move. It shook, rattled and died. The EPC light came on. I owed the car back to the dealership. I noticed that parts of the car next to the muffler and the tailpipe were belong held together with making tape. I received a call from the dealership from Tony. He said the car was fixed by the owner. No clear verification that the dealership owner is as trained or licensed mechanic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11600664

Fuel/propulsion system

9 reports1 fire
“1) Rear subframe supports differential, axels, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires 2) If rear suspension fails , above noted assemblies will fall out of the car 3) Yes, dealer and independent garage have inspected and condemned 4) Manufacturer is aware of the problem, 5) No warnings or messages appeared, 6/29/26 at garage for oil change, garage was installing a subframe for another q5 so he was familiar with the issue”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11747832

Engine and engine cooling

8 reports2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact checked the oil and coolant levels and became aware that the coolant level was very low. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after filling the coolant reservoir the odor went away. The contact stated that the odor returned, and the coolant level was very low. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2023Engine and engine coolingODI 11543397

Air bags

6 reports4 crashes
“Vehicle was in a head-on collision at a speed of approximately 30-35 mph. Both airbags in the front compartment failed to deploy while the airbags in the vehicle that made the illegal u-turn deployed. I suffered injuries to my chest and neck as a result of direct impact to the steering wheel. Vehicle purchased through McDonald Audi.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11771731
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.