2015 Audi Q5Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 100 owner complaints about the 2015 Audi Q5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-045 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.

2015 Audi Q5

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2015 Audi Q5 has problems

100 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine381
Steering142
Fuel/propulsion system120
Suspension80
Engine and engine cooling80
Structure50
Electrical system40
Power train40
Service brakes30
9 other systems151

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2015 Audi Q5 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

87%repaired · 2020 Q2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 18V-229 · Apr 11, 2018 · 342,867 vehicles · 298,681 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2018 Q4

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 17V-298 · May 3, 2017 · 240,487 vehicles · 222,477 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2018 Q2

Air bags: side/window

Recall 17V-001 · Jan 3, 2017 · 234,057 vehicles · 216,446 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
92%repaired · 2018 Q2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 17V-002 · Jan 3, 2017 · 342,867 vehicles · 314,329 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2017 Q4

Air bags: side/window

Recall 16V-045 · Jan 28, 2016 · 734 vehicles · 587 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2015 vs. every other Q5 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Q5 median. How we score

'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2015 Audi Q5 safety ratings

2015 Audi Q5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2015 Audi Q5 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2015 Audi Q5 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2015 Audi Q5 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Q5 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.
Complaint 11763272 · Sep 10, 2026
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…
Complaint 11705718 · Dec 17, 2025
Engine consumed a quarter of oil every 300 miles. The EPC light and engine light illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode. I had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic.Vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic and will need a new engine. Engine only has 85,000 miles and oil was changed…
Complaint 11702822 · Dec 3, 2025

Own a 2015 Q5?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.