This page covers 5 recalls, 74 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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 2016 Audi Q5 owner reports, with steering and engine cooling also drawing notable attention. On the engine side, owners frequently describe carbon buildup in the secondary air injection system, often triggering fault codes related to insufficient airflow, a pattern that shows up across multiple reports and typically surfaces during diagnostic work at a dealership. A smaller but recurring group of owners report a fuel odor entering the cabin while driving or parked, which they tie to a fuel system leak or seepage. Steering complaints round out the second tier, though the specific symptoms owners describe vary. A few isolated reports mention the panoramic sunroof shattering suddenly while driving, and separately, concerns about subframe corrosion discovered during routine inspections.
74
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 5 recalls, all carrying fire risk from four separate sources: a cracking fuel pump flange that can leak fuel, an overheating electric coolant pump, corroded auxiliary heater wiring that can melt, and a corroded side airbag inflator canister.
The fuel pump flange can develop cracks that allow gasoline to escape near potential ignition sources. The electric coolant pump, fitted on vehicles with the 2.0L turbocharged engine, can become blocked by debris and overheat to the point of catching fire. Separately, corrosion in the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater can cause the heater wiring to overheat and melt, also raising fire risk. On the safety equipment side, water from the sunroof drainage system can soak into the foam surrounding the side curtain airbag inflator canister, causing it to corrode. If that corroded canister ruptures during airbag deployment, metal fragments can be thrown into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury to the driver or passengers.
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.
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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 →
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.
