2012 Audi Q5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 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
- Airbags8544.0%
- Engine4724.4%
- Fuel system2311.9%
- Body & structure94.7%
- Visibility73.6%
- Powertrain (other)52.6%
- Electrical52.6%
- Suspension42.1%
- Driver assistance31.6%
- Brakes31.6%
- Steering10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
I had an accident on 4/15/2024. I blacked out and ran into an oak tree but none of my airbags deployed.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact purchased the vehicle at an auction, and while leaving the auction site and driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact jumped-started the vehicle, and after entering the freeway, the vehicle vibrated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted until the contact arrived at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle remained unrepaired for several days. The contact went to pick up the vehicle, and the independent mechanic stated that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that a week later, while diving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs had failed and caused the engine to fail. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had replaced the spark plugs and that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact was unsure if the spark plugs had been replaced. The independent mechanic refused to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
ON [XXX] AT [XXX], AT MY HOME, I PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY IN MY 2012 AUDI 2012 Q5, I DROVE THREE HOUSES DOWN, AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING SHATTERED GLASS ON MYSELF, MY THEN [XXX] SON, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. I CALLED AUDI FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A 3 TO 4 MONTH WAIT, ORDERED A ON REPAIRS. SO I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLED MYSELF. ON [XXX] MY 2012 AUDI Q5, WOULD NOT START, DASH FAULT INDICATED CRANKCASE/ CAMSHAFT NOT ALINGED. PUT VEHICLE IN A AUDI REPAIR SHOP (NOT DEALERSHIP) FOR REPAIRS. DAMAGE WAS CRANKCASE, TIMING CHAIN, AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER RESEARCH DONE FOUND THAT THERE WAS SIX RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE, ONE INVOLVING THE SUNROOF SHATTERING, AND THE OTHER INVOLVING THE CRANKCASE, TIMING CHAIN, AND TENSIONER. ON 04/15/2025 I CALLED AUDI AT 800-822-2834 ABOUT THE INCIDENTS, AND INQUIRING ABOUT THE SIX RECALLS, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SURE THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THE REPRESENTATIVE WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE DATES THAT A CASE WAS CLOSED BASED ON THE VIN OF MY VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD BEEN DONE, SHE STATED A CLAIM BEING CLOSED "USUALLY MEANT A REPAIR WAS DONE. BUT ONLY THE DEALERSHIP THAT OPENED THE CASE WOULD HAVE MORE INFORMATION. I REQUESTED THE DEALERSHIP INFORMATION, ADVISING THAT I WAS CONCERNED AS THUS FAR THE RECALL REPAIRS SEEM TO BE FAILING, AND THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL DEATH IF DEPLOYED. I REQUESTED A SUPERVISOR CALL BACK. ON 04/16/2025 I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM A SUPERVISOR NAME JUAN/ID 43248. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THE ISSUE WITH THE PREVIOUS RECALLS FAILING AND MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS, AND ASKED FOR THE DEALERSHIP NAME AND NUMBER THAT DID THE REPAIRS. HE REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE INFORMATION SIGHTING IT CONTAINED INFORMATION ON THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I SEEK TO CONFIRM THAT THESE REPAIRS WERE ACTUALLY DONE IN FEAR THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN, AND IF A AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED I AND PASSENGERS MAY END UP DEAD AS A RESULT. PLEASE ADVISE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The oil has been leaking for some years. I have taken it in several times, to be fixed and it is still leaking
The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection intake valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The oil warning light, the EPS warning light, TIPM warning, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel intake valve and the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
The vehicle sunroof exploded. On March 10th at approximately 12:15pm, while driving down the road from my residence in my 2012 Audi Q5, the sunroof blew up, without warning, causing shattered glass to fall inside the cab of the vehicle onto myself, and my then nine year old son, causing minor cuts, and small pieces of glass to be lodged into the skin of our arms, chest, and head . I called the Audi service ref repairs, and was told it would take three months, before the service department could look at and repair my vehicle, as they were backed up with repairs. I ordered a new sunroof windshield and did a self repair and calibration. I followed up with Audi, advising of the incident, and was told the SUNROOF was under a recall, but their records, this item had been address on my vehicle, no further assistance was offered.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HOUSING FOR THE SUNROOF CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WATER IS RUNNING DOWN THE HEADLINER AND A-PILLAR AND SOAKING THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AS IT DRAINS DOWN. AUDI QUOTED $3500 TO FIX THE ISSUE.
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. A SMALL CLIP THAT HOLDS IT ON WAS BROKEN SIMPLY ADJUSTING THE MIRROR. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE MIRROR WAS PUT BACK ON BUT IF I TOUCH IT OR ADJUST IT WILL FALL OFF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil leaking excessively + low oil pressure.
Low oil pressure
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE DIES WITH OUT NOTICE WHILE IN MOTION .RECEIVING WARNING NOT TO EXCEED 4000RPMS ,LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING WITH FLASHING EPC. *TR
TIMING CHAIN JUMPED AT 63,000 MILES. AND VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
The Audi technician discovered that the rear subframe had rusted through completely, which they deemed very unsafe and recommended replacing the subframe.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK (SLOWING DOWN, STEPPING ON BRAKE) WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. I PRESSED HARD ON THE ON BRAKE, IT WOULD NOT STOP. IT WAS BUCKING LIKE A BRONCO. IT WENT OVER THE CURB, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK. BY THEN I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET. IT TOOK OUT A 3-FT. TALL LIGHT ON THE LAWN BEFORE I THREW IT INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED IT.
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDDLE IS INADEQUATE AND ON MULTIPLE INSTANCES MY FOOT HAS GOTTEN STUCK. IT HAS GOTTEN STUCK WHILE ACCELERATING AND ALSO WHEN GOING TO MOVE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND ONTO THE BRAKE PEDDLE. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR AND PAD, I FOUND THE LOWER CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHING WAS STUCK. IT STUCK SO BADLY AND TOOK A LOT OF HAMMERING TO GET IT OUT. THE BUSHING WAS HEAVILY RUSTED. SINCE THE CALIPER WILL NOT MOVE WITH A STUCK BUSHING, THE OUTSIDE PADS WILL NOT FULLY ENGAGE WITH THE ROTOR TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRAKING FORCE. NOTICED THE INNER PAD IS ALMOST GONE WHILE THE OUTER PADS STILL HAVE 5MM LEFT. THE BUSHING IS SUCH A SMALL YET SAFETY CRITICAL PART, SHOULD BE MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. AUDI CHARGES MORE THAN $40 FOR SPARE, WITH THAT PRICE, ONE WOULD EXPECT BETTER QUALITY. YET IT SEEMS AUDI PUTS PROFIT ABOVE SAFETY.
BREAK MAKE LOUD SQUEAL SOUND AT LOW SPEED. I REPLACED WITH ROTOR AND PADS BUT THE NOISE CAME BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER. TRIED TO WORK WITH AUDI TO LET THEM PAY FOR ANOTHER SET OF ROTOR AND PADS, BUT THEY REFUSED. AUDI DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND NO SOLUTION AT THIS POINT. HOWEVER, MY WIFE COMPLAINED THAT THE NOISE IS CHANGING HER DRIVING BEHAVIOR, AS SHE TENDS TO BREAK LESS OR AT THE LAST SECOND IN ORDER TO LOWER THE NOISE. AT FIRST I DON'T BELIEVE IT, BUT I DROVE HER CAR ONE DAY AND QUICKLY ADAPTED TO IT AS THE NOISE IS SO BAD.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT THE STATIONARY MY STEERING IS VERY STIFF, AND IS VERY HARD TO TURN IT. I ALMOST HIT THE PARKED CAR AND THE PERSON STANDING NEXT TO IT WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT FROM THE PARKING LOT. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC IS THAT THE STEERING SHAFT IS HAS THE TENDENCY TO SEIZE UP AND LOOK AND IS VERY DANGERS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE AUDI USA AND THEY SAY IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THEY WON'T TAKE ANY ACTIONS TO FIX THIS. I AM PRETTY SURE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS. AUDI IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ACCORDING TO THE COMPLAINES ON Q5 THEY IMPROVED THE STEERING SHAFTS, BUT DON'T WON'T TO TAKE CARE OF THE PREVIOUS KNOWN ISSUE TO THEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF THE SURROUNDINGS AND FOR MY FAMILY SAFETY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, ACCORDING TO THEM WHEN I REPORT THE ISSUE THEY SAY THAT I DON'T HAVE STRONG CASE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER FRONT XENON / LED LIGHTS FLICKER AND WAVE WHEN HEADLAMPS ARE ON - NOT WHEN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE ON. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .