This page covers 5 recalls, 41 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Audi Q5.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2014 to 2017 Audi Q5 received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the Q5 earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, as was side pole crash performance. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2014 to 2017 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2017 Audi Q5 owners report, with excessive oil consumption being the most commonly described issue. Many owners say the engine burns through oil at an unusually high rate, some describing the need to add oil every few weeks, and several connect this to suspected piston ring wear. Water pump and coolant system failures come up repeatedly as well, with owners reporting coolant leaks from the pump and thermostat housing, often first noticed through a low coolant warning light. The fuel and propulsion system draws the next-largest cluster of complaints, though those reports are less specific in describing a single consistent symptom. Steering complaints round out the top three. On the cooling side, the pattern leans toward pump-related leaks appearing within the first several years of ownership.
41
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Audi Q5 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a corroded side curtain airbag inflator canister that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate recalls address fire risk tied to the 2.0L turbocharged engine's electric coolant pump. Debris from the cooling system can block the pump or cause it to short-circuit, leading to overheating and a potential fire under the hood. There is a separate fuel system fire risk as well: the fuel pump flange can crack and allow gasoline to leak, which raises the risk of ignition if the fuel contacts a heat source nearby.
On the drivetrain side, a manufacturing defect in the gearbox means the transmission may not fully engage Park when selected. Without the parking brake applied, the vehicle can roll away on its own, creating a crash risk for anything or anyone in its path.
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
A manufacturing defect in the gearbox can allow the vehicle to roll unexpectedly even when Park is selected.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the gearbox 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 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.
