CSR

Audi · NHTSA safety record

2015 Audi Q5

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 99 safety complaints about the 2015 Audi Q5 with the US government. Of those, 3 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 4 people were injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 38 complaints, 38% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 53,000 miles, the median across the 39 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers November 2014 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

99 complaints on file

99

Complaints

3

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

4

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 31% year on year: 9 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 13 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 38 · 38%
STEERING 14 · 14%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14 · 14%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12 · 12%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8 · 8%
SUSPENSION 8 · 8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4 · 4%
POWER TRAIN 4 · 4%
STRUCTURE 4 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 · 3%
VISIBILITY 3 · 3%
AIR BAGS 2 · 2%
0 15 31

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 99.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 13.

16 12 8 4
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2014 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2015 Audi Q5, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.1%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

18V229000 · April 11, 2018

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 342,867 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

17V622000 · October 5, 2017

The 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.
The risk
The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 216,913 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

17V298000 · May 3, 2017

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 240,487 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

17V002000 · January 3, 2017

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 342,867 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

17V001000 · January 3, 2017

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 234,057 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

16V045000 · January 28, 2016

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 734 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 injured · crash · towed · 10,000 miles

THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BLOCKED MY VIEW WHILE TAKING A LEFT TURN WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint 10808654. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured · 8,900 miles

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE INSIDE FROM THE PRESSURE OF MY PASSENGERS FOOT. THE PASSENGER IS A 130LB FEMALE WITH NO EXTRAORDINARY PHYSICAL CAPABILITY. THE CRACK SPREAD QUICKLY AND PLACED ALL THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER. THERE WAS ZERO IMPACT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS. THE CRACK COULD NOT BE FELT FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS, ONLY FROM THE INSIDE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER STATED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN A COINCIDENCE THAT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE SPOT AT WHICH MY PASSENGERS TOE WAS AND AT THE VERY SAME TIME UPON PUSHING TO SCOOT BACK IN THE SEAT. CONSIDERING I HAVE WITNESSED THIS EXACT SAFETY HAZARD TWICE WITHIN A YEAR RAISES MY

NHTSA complaint 10736188, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured

MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT A 3RD DEGREE BURN ACROSS HER THIGH BY GETTING A GROCERY BAG OUT OF 2015 AUDI Q5 -- WHILE HELPING HER MOM. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IN PARK. OCCURRED IN OUR GARAGE AT OUR HOME. THE EXHAUST STICKS OUT TOO FAR BY AN INCH OR SO. UNSAFE DESIGN FOR THE PUBLIC. RECALL IT!

NHTSA complaint 10985802. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 39,999 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. CROWN AUDI OF CLEARWATER (18940 US-19, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, (888) 727-0742) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,999.

NHTSA complaint 11174695. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11763272. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bernardi Audi’s technician confirmed the rear subframe is rotted through (Repair Order #XXX/ Diagnostic Video: [XXX]), making the vehicle unsafe to drive.Given that this structural perforation falls within the window of Audi’s 12-Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation, have requested assistance to cover cost from Audi. No responses received to Audi USA from 5 emails sent since XXX. Class Action lawsuit for rotten subframe and danger it creates in process but totally disregarded by Audi. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11757818. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle failed inspection due to premature rust perforation damage of rear subframe caused by a plastic cover trapping water against the metal. Vehicle otherwise passed inspection.

NHTSA complaint 11739494. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

82,351 miles

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely rusted and could not pass a safety inspection. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,351.

NHTSA complaint 11713660. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firehawk A/S, Tire Size: P235/55/R19, DOT Number: 1RBE793E9. The tires were purchased in 2022. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear driver’s side tire had a blowout. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was unsure if the tire was replaced or if the vehicle was driven to the residence nearby with the blowout tire still on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a tire specialty shop, where the rear driver’s side tire was replaced. On another occasion, while the contact's wife was driving at

NHTSA complaint 11711288, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police,

NHTSA complaint 11705718, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Audi Q5

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 42 1 —
2024 20 4 —
2023 43 5 —
2022 22 4 —
2021 74 8 —
2020 25 6 —
2019 52 5 —
2018 207 6 —
2017 42 5 —
2016 77 5 —
2014 105 5 —
2013 89 5 —
2012 168 6 —
2011 143 5 —
2010 100 4 —

Other 2015 Audi models

Every Audi on this site — 155 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst