VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi Q5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Audi Q5 sits mid-pack among Q5 years: 100 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 83, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 34 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

100

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Q5 years?

See all Q5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi Q5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3434%
Other1212%
Electrical System1010%
Steering99%
Fuel System88%
Airbags55%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Speed Control44%
Brakes44%
Driver Assistance33%
Transmission22%
Body & Structure22%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2016 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.

I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV AS I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 20, 2019 · crash

The vehicle had a oil leak that began in 2022 right after I bought the vehicle used. The light continued to come on indicating low oil. Eventually, they found a leak in the pistons. They were replaced. Again in 2023 a leak was found near and around the upper timing gasket and vacuum pump. Now 2025,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 26, 2025

SIDE MIRRORS TOTALLY BLOCK VISION AT CERTAIN ANGLES. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNTOWN STREET. LIGHT CHANGED AND I MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A CAR THAT WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. IT SEEMS I WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LANE LINE, WHICH I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2016 · crash

The entire steering system failed. While the car was in motion, the steering wheel completely locked up and could not be turned even a degree. This caused extreme safety concern as the road was curving but the car could not be steered. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic and then…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 10, 2023

Component: 2016 Audi Q5 Available for inspection : UNKNOWN Safety risk: YES The car was just driven and parked in the garage, approximately 30 minutes prior to our discovery of the fire. My wife and I had to escape the fire. UNKNOWN YES The Town of Sterling, MA fire department investigated the fire…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 4, 2022 · fire

2016 Audi Q5 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi Q5 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q5: 100 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Q5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), other (12 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi Q5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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 2016 Audi Q5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.