Audi Q5 years to avoid
The Audi Q5 years to avoid are 2018, 2012, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2008 is the cleanest year on record.
1,861
Total complaints
33
Recall campaigns
2008–2026
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Q5 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | High complaint rate | 323 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 203 | |
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 194 |
Every Q5 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 96 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 34 | 4 | |
| 2023 | 71 | 5 | |
| 2022 | 26 | 4 | |
| 2021 | 109 | 8 | |
| 2020 | 37 | 6 | |
| 2019 | 79 | 5 | |
| 2018avoid | 323 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 57 | 5 | |
| 2016 | 104 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 124 | 6 | |
| 2014 | 135 | 5 | |
| 2013 | 107 | 5 | |
| 2012avoid | 203 | 6 | |
| 2011avoid | 194 | 5 | |
| 2010 | 122 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 35 | 6 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Audi Q5 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Q5 years to avoid are 2018, 2012, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2008.
What is the best year for the Audi Q5?
By complaint volume, 2008 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Q5 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Audi Q5 have?
Across all model years, the Q5 has 33 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,861 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.