NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 7 recalls, 96 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2015 Q5 owner reports, with a recurring pattern of excessive oil consumption, often a quart or more every few hundred miles, leading to warning lights, limp mode, and in some cases complete engine failure at relatively low mileage. Owners frequently report the EPC light and check engine light illuminating together, sometimes followed by stalling. Cooling system failures come up alongside the engine complaints, with owners describing sudden coolant loss, smoke, and overheating with little or no prior warning. Steering complaints make up the second-largest named category, though the narratives are less consistent in describing a single dominant symptom. A handful of owners also report rust-related structural concerns, particularly around the rear subframe, that affect the vehicle's ability to pass safety inspection.
96
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Audi Q5 has 7 recalls, with multiple serious fire risks and airbag inflator defects that can send metal fragments into the cabin during a crash.
Three recalls involve fire hazards from separate sources. The fuel pump flange can crack and leak fuel near potential ignition sources. On 2.0L turbocharged models, the electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris and overheat, raising the risk of fire. Separately, corrosion in the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater can cause the heater wiring to overheat and melt, also creating a fire risk.
Three recalls involve airbag inflators. Seat-mounted side airbag inflators can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments toward the driver and passengers. A related concern affects vehicles where water leaking through the sunroof drainage system soaks into foam surrounding the side head airbag canister, corroding the canister and creating the same rupture risk. The front seat-mounted airbags also have a separate inflator concern where excessive pressure during deployment can cause rupture or prevent the airbag from deploying at all.
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
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver and front passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators may rupture during a crash instead of deploying safely.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver and/or right front passenger seat airbag inflator may build up too much pressure when deploying. This could cause the inflator to burst and send fragments toward occupants, or damage the airbag module and prevent proper deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected driver and/or passenger seat side airbag modules with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
