repaired · 2020 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
Risk. A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
2016 Audi Q5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 78 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi Q5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-622 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 16, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Audi Q5 has problems
78 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Engine2 crash/fire/injury
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
10Steering
9Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
8Engine and engine cooling
6Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
4Visibility/wiper
4Service brakes
4Vehicle speed control
137 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 4 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 2 |
| 7 other systems | 13 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2016 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.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Air bags: side/window
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2018 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
Risk. If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
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
2016 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
2016 Audi Q5 safety ratings
2016 Audi Q5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
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.
I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow…
Audi had Valves and pistons fail on the highway at 75mph on Nov 28,2024 at 117000 miles Had the vehicle since 2021 and 17000 miles. Complained to the dealerships at the last 3 oil changes about excessive oil consumption. They told us not to worry about it, full aware that they had lost a lawsuit…
The vehicle engine no longer works. The coolant line broke without warning, and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle no longer works
Own a 2016 Q5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.