2016 Audi Q5 Problems And Complaints

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Rating8.2

Ranked #6 in 

Midsize SUV
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$40,900 - $57,700
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2016 Audi Q5

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  • T

    Tiff

    26/09/2023

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... order and it’s been 7 months with another 4 more month estimated wait. Be ware that this is a common issue with this model! Also since I got it I’ve had to replace the side assist and battery with an additional out of pocket cost of almost a $1000 :(Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • J

    JSAtlanta

    17/01/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    For the first 65,000 miles, this vehicle was excellent. It is now just over 6 years old and has become an outright maintenance nightmare. I have owned multiple German cars (Mercedes, BMW) as well as as 2 VolRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • NR

    Nitto Rotta

    03/06/2019

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... I got this piece of junk. The 2016 has zero technology when compared to other cars in its class. The ride is rough. I had to take to the dealer a few times because of noises coming from the steering wheel when turning. It still makes the squeaky noise when I turn. It is a gas guzzler. I have nothing nice to say about the car, and whatRead More

    Source: edmunds

2016 Audi Q5 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

70

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 6, 2024

The luxury compact 2016 Audi Q5 is back for the year with minor feature changes. For the base price of MSRP $40,900, the Q5 comes with two varied engine options, namely the 2.0L turbo-4 and the V6 engine powering it through to the top of the segment. The Audi Q5 was also designed to get your towing duties done while ferrying you and your passengers comfortably. However, the vehicle’s reliability has not been in its favor in recent times.

The 2016 Audi Q5 has been recalled 5 times while a total of 37 complaints were recorded by the NHTSA to its name. The electrical system and the powertrain along with the powertrain cooling system were at fault most of the time according to the recorded reports. Audi also offers an average warranty package with the Q5, including a Limited warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles and a Powertrain warranty for the same period. The 2016 Q5 challenges the BMW X3, the Volvo XC60, and the Acura RDX in its segment.

2016 Audi Q5 user complaints and problems

Engine problems-

  • Random engine stall: One user complained about this issue on the 2016 Audi Q5. The owner stated that the vehicle stalled while driving multiple times. During the incidents, the vehicle was being driven at moderate speeds of around 40-45 mph which could’ve caused a crash.
  • Coolant pump issue: A lot of owners were concerned about the recall while several owners actually faced issues with the oil pump. On all occasions, the coolant pump failed and was replaced by the concerned dealerships. The coolant pump failure led to engine overheating but there was no warning sign illuminated on the instrument cluster. 
  • Excessive oil consumption: Several users complained about excessive oil consumption in their vehicles. In some reports, it was mentioned that the oil consumption increased as the vehicles covered more mileage. The affected vehicles required several top-ups of engine oil within a short period.
  • Sudden acceleration: Two users faced this issue with their vehicles. In both incidents, the vehicle was idling and was shifted into park mode. Suddenly, the vehicles accelerated on their own and crashed.

Mechanical problems-

  • Steering issue: A couple of owners faced problems with their vehicle’s steering system. On both occasions, the steering became too stiff to turn while the instrument cluster displayed a warning sign reading not to drive the vehicle and steering failure.

2016 Audi Q5 recalls

S.No.

Recall Date

NHTSA Campaign ID

Issues noticed

Additional remarks

Remedy

1

January 3, 2017

17V001000

Air Bag Inflator may Rupture due to Corrosion

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

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 begin in March 2017. 

2

January 3, 2017

17V002000

Coolant Pump May Overheat and cause Fire

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

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 on February 20, 2017.

3

May 3, 2017

17V298000

Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak

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

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 on July 3, 2017.

4

October 5, 2017

17V622000


 

Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector may Melt

 

The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2017.

5

April 11, 2018 

18V229000

The coolant Pump may Overheat or Short-Circuit

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

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2018.

Should you buy a used Audi Q5?

The 2016 Audi Q5 is a well-rounded package that can handle almost all your daily errands and long-distance trips with your family as well. The SUV did have some trouble recently that makes us skeptical about its image. However, the number of affected vehicles is not that high in comparison to the decent selling number of the vehicle. Going for a used Q5 would require extra attention to inspection and a trusted used car dealer.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

August 17, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11681153

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11681153

Incident Date:
August 17, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
WA1C2AFP6GA

Consumer Location:
LAS VEGAS, NV

Summary
While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a signif...

April 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11655859

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11655859

Incident Date:
April 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
WA1L2AFP2GA

Consumer Location:
PORT ORANGE, FL

Summary
Vehicle: 2016 Audi Q5 2.0 Premium Plus Date of Incident: March 31, 2025 I was in a front-end collision at...

April 1, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11652037

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11652037

Incident Date:
April 1, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
WA1L2AFP5GA

Consumer Location:
AUSTELL, GA

Summary
Paid for fuel pump when should b covered on recall

March 7, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11647069

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11647069

Incident Date:
March 7, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:

Consumer Location:
CHARLOTTE, NC

Summary
The vehicle had a oil leak that began in 2022 right after I bought the vehicle used. The light continued ...

March 4, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11646382

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11646382

Incident Date:
March 4, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
WA1C2AFP2GA

Consumer Location:
OMAHA, NE

Summary
I just purchased car and was told of no recalls

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