This page covers 6 recalls, 91 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Audi Q5.
21–26 mpg combined
9–11.2 L/100km
Small 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2013 Audi Q5 centers on engine and steering issues, with structural concerns also drawing attention. On the engine side, owners frequently report oil consumption and oil leaks, often accompanied by warning lights that return after attempted repairs. Steering complaints describe sudden, unintended pulling or veering at highway speeds, with some owners reporting the vehicle drifting significantly without driver input. The structural complaints focus heavily on rear subframe rust, owners describe discovering large holes corroded through the frame, often during routine inspections or tire work. A recurring detail is that plastic shields attached to the subframe appear to trap moisture and road salt, accelerating corrosion in those specific areas. Several owners report being told the vehicle was unsafe to drive until the subframe was replaced, and a number note difficulty sourcing used replacement parts free of the same rust damage.
91
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Audi Q5 has 6 recalls, and five of them involve fire risk: the electric coolant pump, the fuel pump flange, the side curtain airbag inflator canister, and the auxiliary heater wiring can all lead to fires or, in the airbag case, metal fragments striking occupants.
The coolant pump recalls affect 2.0L turbocharged engine models, where the pump can overheat or short-circuit and ignite a fire in the engine bay. A separate fuel system concern involves a fuel pump flange that can crack and leak gasoline, which can ignite if it contacts a heat source. The auxiliary heater's electrical connector can corrode internally, causing the wiring to overheat and melt, also raising the risk of fire. On the safety equipment side, water from the sunroof drainage system can soak into foam surrounding the side curtain airbag inflator, corroding the canister over time. If that corroded canister ruptures during deployment, metal fragments can be thrown into the cabin. All six recalls carry the same severity rating, making this a vehicle with a notably concentrated set of fire and occupant safety concerns.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric coolant pump in certain 2.0L TFSI engines can short circuit or overheat, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the pump and update its software. When available, they'll replace the pump and install updated software.
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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 electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris, causing overheating, or can short-circuit from moisture inside the pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric coolant pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion in the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater can cause heater wires to overheat or melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and update software as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump flange can crack, which may cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace cracked flanges or apply protective film to flanges without cracks, at no cost.
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 electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris in the cooling system, causing the pump to overheat.
What the fix does
Software will be updated to shut off power to the coolant pump if it becomes blocked with debris.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
