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.
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, with multiple fire risks among the most serious: a cracked fuel pump flange can leak fuel near ignition sources, and an electric coolant pump on 2.0L turbocharged models can overheat or short-circuit if blocked by debris.
Two other recalls carry equal weight. A gearbox defect can allow the vehicle to roll even when the transmission is shifted into Park, creating a rollaway risk if the parking brake is not also applied. On the safety equipment side, water from a blocked sunroof drain can soak into the foam around the side curtain airbag inflator canister, corroding the canister over time. If that corroded inflator ruptures during a crash deployment, metal fragments can be thrown into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to the driver and 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
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.
