RoadVitals

2011 Audi Q5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
142
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Audi Q5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

67
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Accident head on collision with wall airbags didn't deploy

NHTSA ID 11504366 · filed Jan 30, 2023

TAKATA RCALL NOT DONE

NHTSA ID 11219507 · filed Jun 12, 2019
All 67 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Audi q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags). This Car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.

NHTSA ID 11636788 · filed Jan 18, 2025

Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the information that was submitted was only for 2.0 TFSI Engine's with the Engine code of CBFA & CCTA. The engine in your vehicle is a 3.2 FSI with the Engine code CALB. So this warranty extension would not be applicable to your vehicle.” Our Audi dealership diagnosed our car with the same fuel injector issue listed by Audi in this warranty extension as well as stating that this is a very common issue with our make, model and year. Our Audi is a 2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared. Their letter does not stand to prove that a faulty fuel injector was not placed in our car that was built in 2011, the same year that they installed faulty fuel injectors in their 2.0 TFSI engines. Audi dealership diagnosed our car as suffering from misfire conditions that in turn cause the malfunction indicator lamp to appear. The dealership indicates that this is a common issue with Audis during our production year. This is the same issue that Audi listed in their warranty extension letter to consumers with 2.0 TFSI engines. Our car meets all the requirements in Audi’s warranty extension letter (2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared) except that our car is a 3.2 FSI vs 2.0 TFSI. Audi is not able show that they did not install a faulty fuel injector into our car. Fuel injector problems in cars with mileage under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years of age is very uncommon. This plus Audi’s history of installing faulty fuel injectors into cars built in our year lead us to believe that Audi also installed a faulty fuel injector into our car.

NHTSA ID 11481103 · filed Aug 25, 2022
All 43 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Audi q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags). This Car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.

NHTSA ID 11636788 · filed Jan 18, 2025

The contact's wife owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle in his garage, he smelled a fuel odor outside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flange had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advise the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was previously performed under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V818000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The contact stated that the dealership was able to resolve the issue.

NHTSA ID 11492317 · filed Nov 4, 2022
All 32 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION SHIFT GEARS VERY BAD, WHILE BREAKING, FROM 2 GEAR TO 1ST GEAR CAR "JUMPS" FORWARD, I SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. SOMETHIMES WHEN I PUT IN TO REVERSE, IT TAKES A MINUTE UNTIL IT START DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 11252024 · filed Aug 28, 2019

TIMING CHAIN ISSUE THAT CAUSED IT TO JUMP, DAMAGING THE CYLINDER HEADS AND VALVES. AS I WAS PROCEEDING TO STOP AT AT A LIGHT, THE FRONT END OF THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE SEEMED OFF. AT A FULL STOP, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AGAIN AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DIE. THE CAR WOULDN'T START, SO I COULD NOT PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. AUDI WILL NOT COVER ANY DAMAGE THAT WAS CAUSED AND IS INDICATING THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUES WITH THE TIMING CHAINS. I'VE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHER LAWSUITS WHERE THIS TYPE OF ISSUE HAS BEEN COVERED FROM AUDI.

NHTSA ID 11240507 · filed Jul 29, 2019
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear driver side door will not unlock when keypad, nor inside unlock button is pressed. Once inside, door will not unlock in sequence with other doors when vehicle is shut off and it is time to exit the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11654307 · filed Apr 13, 2025

Audi q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags). This Car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.

NHTSA ID 11636788 · filed Jan 18, 2025
All 8 reports naming electrical

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SUNROOF SUNSHADE BROKE WHILE RETRACTING AND BLOCKED REAR WINDOW CAUSING A HAZARD. I HAD TO TAPE IT UP AS IT IS NOW ONLY PARTIALLY ATTACHED AND I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE. IT IS TAPED SO I CAN CONTINUE DRIVING SAFETLY. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID 11229390 · filed Jul 4, 2019

PANORAMIC SUNROOF START LEAKING WATER WHEN RAIN AND PANORAMIC FOAM SWELLS, FOAM BECOMES RUSIED AND BUILDS CORROSION.

NHTSA ID 11055868 · filed Dec 21, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS- ACCELERATES AND DECELERATES IRREGULARLY.

NHTSA ID 11439251 · filed Nov 3, 2021

TAKATA RECALL! THE ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND THE PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ONE OF THE DOORS HAVE TROUBLE LOCKING AND THE OTHER CAN'T SENSE THE REMOTE FOR UNLOCKING, IT NEEDS TO OPEN MANUALLY FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON.THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR WEEKS AND EXPENDED 2K WITH CHANGING THIS AND THAT BUT NOTHING WAS FIXED. THE ISSUE IS STILL EXISTS. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON!

NHTSA ID 11058463 · filed Jan 4, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR NEW BRAKE PADS BRAKES AND ROTORS. UPON LEAVING THE CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I CALLED THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN AND WAS TOLD IT WILL WEAR OFF. EXT FEW TIMES I DROVE THE BRAKES FAILED. I CALLED AUDI AND BROUGHT MY CAR BACK AND NOW THEY WANT ME TO BY BACK BRAKES AND CALLI ER FOR BOTH SIDES WHEN THE WORK WASN'T DONE PROPERLY TO BEGIN WITH.

NHTSA ID 11355375 · filed Sep 16, 2020

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 ON THE HIGHWAY, A LIGHT CAME ACROSS MY DASH THAT SAID 'PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION!' MOMENTS LATER MY 2011 AUDI Q5 CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP CAUSING A 3 CAR PILE UP. MY CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED IN JUNE AND GOTTEN NEW BRAKES AT THAT TIME AS WELL.

NHTSA ID 11139404 · filed Oct 10, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AUDI Q5 94,000. I WILL NEVER NEVER BUY AUDI VEHICLE AGAIN. FIRST STARTED WITH OIL LEAK, REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKET, THEN HOOD LATCH SENSOR (GERMAN GENIUS). HOW IN THE WORLD THIS BAD SENSOR MEASURES OIL LEVEL. RACK AND PINION LEAK, THEN TIMING COVER GASKET LEAK. THEN MY MECHANIC REPLACED DRIVER SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM. NOW REAR SHOCK IS BAD. ALREADY SPENT OVER $3000 FINE, THE WORST ISSUE I HAVE IS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. THE DEALER (STEALER) GAVE ME ESTIMATE OF $1700 TO FIX THIS. THE LAST SERIOUS ONE ON 12/23/20 WHILE DRIVING WITH 2 MORE PASSENGERS ON BUSY ARE IN HOUSTON NEAR MED.CENTER, CAR ENGINE LOST POWER, SHAKING VIOLENTLY, THEN I DROVE VERY SLOWLY AT AROUND 30 MPH. THIS IS AUDI Q5 IS NIGHTMARE. NHTSA PLEASE DO SOMETHING, MAKE AUDI SETTLE THESE ISSUES. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID 11384772 · filed Dec 24, 2020

I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CITY AND IT APPEARS THE STEERING IS SOMETIMES STIFF AND THEN SOFT , I HAVE CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL AND ITS FULL. THIS IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE ITS HARD TO MAKE TURNS AS THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENS UP. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE CAR CONSUMES ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 300 MILES, IT WAS PART OF A LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED

NHTSA ID 11312004 · filed Feb 28, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

During an inspection of my 2011 Audi Q5 at Audi Burlington, severe corrosion was discovered on the rear subframe, which supports rear suspension components. The corrosion was substantially worse than normal surface rust and may compromise the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension mounting points. The condition was not readily visible during ordinary vehicle use because portions of the subframe are covered. The vehicle has been operated in the northeastern United States, where road salt is used. I was advised that the rear subframe requires replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $5,884. I am concerned that continued deterioration could result in separation or movement of a suspension mounting point and a loss of vehicle control. Audi has not issued a recall or offered to cover the repair. I am aware of similar reports involving Audi Q5 rear subframe corrosion and request that NHTSA investigate whether the design permits moisture, salt and debris to remain against the subframe and cause premature structural corrosion.

NHTSA ID 11755002 · filed Aug 5, 2026

Rear subframe rust causing car to fail state inspection. This vehicle has been maintained well and always parked in garage. The rear subframe rusted most, then front subframe. This is a common compliant among Audi forum users.

NHTSA ID 11655321 · filed Apr 17, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE SUNROOF SOUNDS LIKE IT IS NOT PROPERLY SEALED, EVEN THOUGH ITS CLOSED.

NHTSA ID 11183743 · filed Mar 3, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 ON THE HIGHWAY, A LIGHT CAME ACROSS MY DASH THAT SAID 'PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION!' MOMENTS LATER MY 2011 AUDI Q5 CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP CAUSING A 3 CAR PILE UP. MY CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED IN JUNE AND GOTTEN NEW BRAKES AT THAT TIME AS WELL.

NHTSA ID 11139404 · filed Oct 10, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

RECEIVING LEFT HEADLIGHT DIPPED ERROR. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH AUDI ACROSS MODEL RANGE POSSIBLY DUE TO DESIGN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11034313 · filed Oct 18, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE DELAMINATED HALF WAY AROUND THE TIRE

NHTSA ID 11156010 · filed Dec 4, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .