This page covers 7 recalls, 168 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Audi Q5.
20–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Audi Q5 centers on the sunroof and the engine. The airbag category, the highest-volume bucket, appears to be largely driven by sunroof complaints routed through that classification, as owners consistently describe the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, sending glass into the cabin without any prior warning or impact. On the engine side, owners frequently report oil leaks and low oil pressure, with several noting the problem persisted across multiple repair attempts. A smaller group of owners describes the engine stalling unexpectedly at low speeds, sometimes without any warning lights appearing on the dashboard.
168
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Audi Q5 has 7 recalls, the most serious being driver's frontal airbag inflators that can rupture or explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially causing serious injury or death.
A separate airbag concern involves the side head airbag inflator canisters: water from the sunroof drainage system can soak into the surrounding foam, corrode the canister, and cause a similar rupture with metal fragments striking occupants. On the fuel system side, the fuel pump flange can crack and allow gasoline to leak near potential ignition sources, raising the risk of a fire. A prior repair attempt using butyl tape as a temporary fix for this fuel leak may not have held, so vehicles that received that interim repair remain at risk.
The remaining recalls involve the front sunroof glass panel on certain vehicles, which can shatter in very cold temperatures. Broken glass can fall onto occupants or distract the driver, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange may develop leaks. Earlier repairs used a temporary tape fix while permanent parts were being developed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and apply butyl tape as a permanent repair at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure and explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with a new one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water from the sunroof drainage system can soak into foam around the side head air bag inflator canister, causing it to corrode and weaken. The corroded inflator may fracture and break apart without deploying the air bag, sending fragments into the cabin.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the foam, inspect the inflator, and coat or replace it as needed to prevent corrosion, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange may crack, causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the flange and replace it if cracked, or clean it and install a protective rubber band if intact.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up too much internal pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front sunroof glass panel may break in extremely cold weather conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front sunroof glass panel at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front sunroof glass may have been made incorrectly and could break during very cold weather while driving, causing distraction or scattering glass inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front sunroof glass panel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
