VehicleVerdict

2014 Audi Q5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 134 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Q5 year — the 2014 model ranks #4 of 19 Q5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 38 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

134

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Q5 years?

See all Q5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Audi Q5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3828%
Steering1713%
Fuel System129%
Electrical System129%
Other118%
Body & Structure97%
Suspension75%
Transmission64%
Brakes43%
Airbags32%
Lighting32%
Speed Control32%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats21%
Seat Belts11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2014 Audi Q5 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V229000EngineApril 11, 2018 · 342,867 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

17V622000Electrical SystemOctober 5, 2017 · 216,913 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

17V298000Fuel SystemMay 3, 2017 · 240,487 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.

17V001000AirbagsJanuary 3, 2017 · 234,057 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.

17V002000EngineJanuary 3, 2017 · 342,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

Consequence

If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Timing chain, turbocharger and high pressure fuel pump has to be replaced for the car with 75000 miles on it. Was advised by the shop supervisor that it’s caused by faulty engine. That this type of damage is highly unlikely for the car under 100000 miles. Turbocharger is under extended warranty…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 8, 2022

I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 19, 2020 · crash

I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 19, 2020 · crash

MY CAR IS A REALLY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR GASOLINE IN THE CABIN IT'S SUPER SEVERE AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S COMING FROMDOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RUNNING IF I'M DRIVING SUMMER STARTING IT IT'S IT'S JUST TAKES A LITTLE WHILE FOR IT TO START TO STINK AND THEN ONCE IT'S BEEN ON FOR A COUPLE MINUTES IT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 6, 2020

THE DEF PUMP IS BAD ON MY AUDI Q5 WITH 65K ON IT. THE TECH AT THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THESE PUMPS ALL SEEM TO GO ON THESE TDIS AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE. I FIND IT OBJECTIONABLE TO HAVE TO PAY $1,445 TO REPLACE A PUMP ON A VEHICLE THAT DOESN'T MEET CURRENT EMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 19, 2017

2014 Audi Q5 — common questions

Is the 2014 Audi Q5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 134 complaints put the 2014 model at #4 of 19 Q5 years. It is one of the Q5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Q5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (38 complaints), steering (17 complaints), fuel system (12 complaints).

Does the 2014 Audi Q5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Audi Q5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q5 years to avoid are 2018, 2012, 2011, 2014. The cleanest record among Q5 years belongs to 2008.

How safe is the 2014 Audi Q5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Audi Q5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.