2013 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 2013 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
- Engine3333.0%
- Steering1818.0%
- Electrical99.0%
- Body & structure88.0%
- Brakes66.0%
- Powertrain (other)66.0%
- Fuel system66.0%
- Visibility33.0%
- Interior & seats22.0%
- Driver assistance22.0%
- Exterior lighting22.0%
- Other / unspecified22.0%
- Suspension22.0%
- Airbags11.0%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My audi uses 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. The dealership wants to charge to find the problem. Audi should fix the problem at no charge. I bought the vehicle in February 2023. Was told there were no issues with the car.
Car was telling me to add 1 qt of oil about every 1500-2000 miles, even after a recent oil change. So I took it to the place I purchased the car from and they replaced the timing chain gasket thing. About a week later the same issue came back. So I took it to Audi to have the same thing replaced. And about a month later the issue came back. Took it back to Audi and they said now the Engine speed sensor seal is leaking oil. I’ve did some research and I’ve found that there is a manufacturing engine defect that causes this reoccurring issue and most Q5 owners have stopped spending money on repairs and just tops off the oil when asked.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
When at highway speed, the vehicle veered hard to the left without any driver input, causing the car to cross several lanes of traffic and hit a concrete divider at ~65mph. The driver fractured her back, and one of three children in the car experienced injury. The vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance. The driver (my wife) indicated that a similar incident happened at low speed in a parking lot, but it resolved after shut down and restart of the engine. It is my understanding that the vehicle is currently either at or on the way to a Copart lot.
Driving and warning light came on “steering defective do not drive.” Power steering and use of wheel went out, and wheel would not turn or move in the middle of driving down the street.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The recalls were not completed and the dealership is charging for recall work.
COOLANT PUMP BECAME BLOCKED IN MY 3.0 ENGINE VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT. THIS MAY BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM TO THE 2.0 VEHICLE, FOR WHICH THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN 2 RECALLS. MY AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING FUSES REPEATEDLY (DAILY TO WEEKLY) LAST YEAR AND THE MECHANIC THINKS IT MAY BE A RELATED ISSUE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Took vehicle in for state safety inspection. Found heavy rust on subframe nearly all the way through. Was told if it gets any worse it will not pass inspection next time. Apparently there are plastic rock shields on subframe that trap water causing it to rust. Took it to dealer and they want to charge close to $4000 to replace. This seems like an engineering defect. The vehicle is kept in a garage and doesn’t have any other rust on it.
The rear subframe has plastic "stone guards" to protect the frame from being damaged in off-road conditions. Where these stone guards are attached, the subframe has rotted/rusted large holes. Water and salt from winter seasons can get trapped behind these guards. A subframe on a vehicle at this age should NOT have complete holes rotted through. Let alone a vehicle brand such as Audi, known for quality. The rear subframe connects the rear suspension and AWD drivetrain to the unibody of the vehicle. This is a major safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer; my Audi dealer denied this could happen. I am part of a few Audi groups/forums with others facing the same issues, and Audi replacing the subframe under the corrosion warranty. This is a widespread issue amongst the forums. There are no warnings or symptoms as of yet. I noticed the holes 3/17/24. The vehicle has been somewhat sufficient to operate. I just don't want to be traveling down the road with my family in the vehicle if the subframe collapses. I am afraid to fully remove the stone guards as others on the forums claimed that Audi would do nothing for them after removing the guards. Being that they are "protection".
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BRAKE THROTTLE OVERRIDE ON VARIOUS VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN REMOVING THE LEFT FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THERE WAS A DELAY WHEN THE RIGHT FOOT WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR. THE DELAY CAUSES THE INABILITY TO MERGE QUICKLY INTO TRAFFIC.
MY BRAKES HAVE LOST HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SEVERAL TIMES. THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP. I SEEN A 2018 RECALL BUT MINE DOES SAME.
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
VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP ON CITY STREET UNTIL IT REACHES 2500 RPM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP SAID CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I WAS TOKD WILL NEED NEW ENGINE.VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. ONLY 45000 MILES.
INCIDENT DATE: 5/9/20 MILEAGE: 70,290 MILES SUMMARY: I REVERSED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, SHIFTED MY CAR INTO DRIVE, AND MY CAR ABRUPTLY HESITATED, DECELERATED, RESISTED, AND JERKED UPON ENGAGING THE GAS PEDAL; A SERIES OF MULTIPLE WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS SIMULTANEOUSLY FLASHED ON THE OBD SCREEN WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR CONTINUED TO DECELERATE, JERK & HESITATE.MESSAGES REFERENCED HYBRID, MALFUNCTION, ELECTRONIC, INOPERABLE, LOSS OF ABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING, STEERING POWER, DANGER, HAZARD, ENGINE, STABILIZATION, DRIVING, POWER. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN TO CROSS A 4 LANE INTERSECTION OF MOVING TRAFFIC. UPON PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TO CROSS THE TRAFFIC INTERSECTION, MY CAR WOULD HESITATED TO ACCELERATE, AND MORE ABRUPTLY JERKED AND HESITATED - LIKE I WAS DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT WAS STALLING OUT/STUCK IN THE WRONG GEAR.THE MORE I TRIED TO ACCELERATE ACROSS THE 4 LANES OF MOVING TRAFFIC, THE MORE SEVERELY THE CAR RESISTED, JERKED, HESITATED, AND FLUCTUATED IN POWER. I COULD'VE BEEN T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SERIOUSLY INJURED, AS THE SPEED LIMIT ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS TRAFFIC INTERSECTION IS 45MPH. I WAS INFORMED BY THE AUDI DEALERSHIP THAT I NEED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION DUE TO 'INTERNAL PARTS FAILURE.' I WAS ALSO INFORMED THE 'CONDITION AND LEVEL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID' REQUIRES AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE PROVIDED BY THE DEALERSHIP: P0AB900,P060A00,P279700,U040200. ACCORDING TO AUDI, MY CAR NOW NEEDS A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION AND HAS 'BURNED' TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO AN 'INTERNAL PARTS FAILURE' AT 70,290 MILES.THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND LABOR IS APPROX $27K. I RECENTLY LEARNED THE TRANSMISSION MECHATRONICS WAS REPLACED BY ANOTHER AUDI DEALERSHIP IN AUG 16' AND THE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22KMILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JAN 17', WITH APPROX. 26KMILES. MORE DETAIL IN PDF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil leak/ and tire suspension icon keeps coming on after i fixed it
The recalls were not completed and the dealership is charging for recall work.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI BOISE AT 208-377-5400 (LOCATED AT 8400 FRANKLIN RD, BOISE, ID 83709) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000.
THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM WHEN IT RAINS. THE INTERMITTENT SETTING ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IS INEFFECTIVE AND I BELIEVE DANGEROUS AS VISIBILITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRED. DURING MODERATE RAINY PERIODS, THE INTERVAL, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE SENSED BY DEVICES IN THE WINDSHIELD RESPONDS ERRATICALLY, WITH INTERVALS VARYING FROM OVER 30 SECONDS TO ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS AND THEN INTERVALS IN-BETWEEN. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING WHEN PASSING TRUCKS ON LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAYS WHERE THE PASSING TIME CAN BE EXTENDED BY TRAFFIC. REQUESTS FOR REPAIR OF THIS ERRATIC OPERATION HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND NO RESOLUTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEAD RESTRAINTS PUSH BOTH THE DRIVE AND THE PASSENGERS HEADS FORWARD AND IT CAUSE NECK PAIN. I CANNOT ADJUST THE HEAD RESTRAINT AND IT IS HIGHLY UNCOMFORTABLE. STOP MAKING THE MANUFACTURERS PRODUCE THESE HEAD RESTRAINTS. LET THEM MAKE ADJUSTABLE ONES AGAIN.
WE HAVE KEY LESS ENTRY CAR. MY WIFE PUT MY SON IN CAR SEAT, PUT HER PURSE WITH KEYS AND CLOSED THE BACK DOOR AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO ENTER FROM FRONT DOOR THE CAR WAS LOCK, MY SON GOT LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR, EVEN WHEN THE KEY WERE INSIDE. CALLED THE AUDI CUSTOMER CARE, THEY SAID WHEN THE KEYS ARE INSIDE THE CAR IT, NOT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN. *TR
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
The contact owns a 2013 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot after depressing the brake pedal the vehicle began to accelerate independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into the park. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure multiple times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,834.
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
1. ADAPTIVE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING. WARNING LIGHT FLASHING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. " ADAPTIVE LIGHT DEFECTIVE" SYMBOL FLASHING. 2. AC/HEATING FAN "SQUEALING" LOUDLY. BEGAN ABOUT A MONTH AGO.
AT ISSUE IS THE REPLACEMENT OF A DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT ON THE 2013 AUDI Q5 WHICH FAILED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS UNDER 60K MILES. AUDI ENGINEERING IMBEDDED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT INTO THE HEADLIGHT UNIT. WHEN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT FAILS, THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT UNIT MUST BE REPLACED - SERVICE ESTIMATE OF $1,695.00. MY RESEARCH SHOWS DEALERSHIP SERVICE ESTIMATES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT TO BE $85.00 OR LESS FOR OTHER VEHICLES. I FEEL AUDI'S ACTIONS WERE FISCALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND I RESENT AUDI FORCING CUSTOMERS LIKE MYSELF TO PAY SUCH AN EXORBITANT COST FOR THIS SAFETY REPAIR DUE TO AUDI'S BLUNDER. AUDI WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BUT DID NOTHING TO NOTIFY ME OF THIS PENDING EXPENSE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TIRE PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILED TO ALERT THAT THE LEFT REAR (DRIVER'S) SIDE TIRE DEVELOPED A SLOW LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE TIRE WAS DRIVEN WITH DANGEROUSLY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE TIRE WAS RUINED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TPMS DID REGISTER A TIRE PRESSURE FAULT WHEN A NEW TIRE WAS MOUNTED.
2013 AUDI Q5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM MONITOR MOUNT CONFIGURATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE ASSUMED WHEN HE WAS HAVING THE VEHICLE BUILT, THE REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM DVD MONITORS WOULD BE MOUNTED IN THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT HEAD REST, LIKE THEY NORMALLY WERE IN OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED FROM GERMANY, BACK TO THE US. HE DISCOVERED THE REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM DVD MONITORS WERE MOUNTED ON SOME STURDY BRACKETS THAT WERE PROTRUDING FROM THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS APPROXIMATELY FOUR INCHES TO SIX INCHES OUTWARD AND DIRECTLY TOWARD THE FACES OF THE PASSENGERS WHO OCCUPIED THE REAR SEATS. *JB
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
I was doing maintenance on car. Had new tires and alignment done. The alignment tech found rotted out rear sub-frame underneath plastic covers. Said that it was unsafe to drive. Had it fixed there. Mechanic had another Q5 on rack, he said it had exact same problem. Tried to find used parts, ALL had rot through the frame. Found a part in Texas that was clean and bought it to replace. Asked Audi USA to reimburse me for the cost as they have a supposed 12 yr rust through warranty. They told me no because it only applies to body parts and that I didn't get it done at an audi dealer. The plastic cover is the issue as it keeps the moisture locked into the part. Audi A6s have the same frame but no cover and they don't rot. This is a dangerous situation and Audi is looking the other way.
The rear subframe has plastic "stone guards" to protect the frame from being damaged in off-road conditions. Where these stone guards are attached, the subframe has rotted/rusted large holes. Water and salt from winter seasons can get trapped behind these guards. A subframe on a vehicle at this age should NOT have complete holes rotted through. Let alone a vehicle brand such as Audi, known for quality. The rear subframe connects the rear suspension and AWD drivetrain to the unibody of the vehicle. This is a major safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer; my Audi dealer denied this could happen. I am part of a few Audi groups/forums with others facing the same issues, and Audi replacing the subframe under the corrosion warranty. This is a widespread issue amongst the forums. There are no warnings or symptoms as of yet. I noticed the holes 3/17/24. The vehicle has been somewhat sufficient to operate. I just don't want to be traveling down the road with my family in the vehicle if the subframe collapses. I am afraid to fully remove the stone guards as others on the forums claimed that Audi would do nothing for them after removing the guards. Being that they are "protection".
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my vehicle to Audi South Austin on 6/1/22 regarding my A/C and back up camera not working, continuous oil consumption issue, passenger air bag light turning on, and RPM higher than normal while idling. Christina Turner told me that the wait for my car to be service was 3-4 weeks. She quoted me a price of $275 for each diagnostic test. I mentioned a recall regarding the auxiliary heater and she told me that the recall had previously been completed. I asked her if there was a warranty and she mentioned that it was 12 months/ 12,000 miles and that my vehicle was over that time frame. I have took my vehicle serval times to Audi South Austin regarding the oil and coolant consumption. The first service was on 12/5/20regarding an oil change, multi point inspection, and coolant topped off. I was told if I had any issues with the oil or coolant consumption to let them know. I took my vehicle to Audi North Austin on 2/8/21 regarding my coolant and oil consumption. The told me that I had an oil and coolant leak. When I mentioned the recall of the coolant pump, they told me that the oil leak caused the coolant leak and wouldn’t be covered. I notified Audi South Austin regarding the issues and asked them why they didn’t notice the oil leak during the oil change and inspection. They told me that they would do the recall issue and charge me approximately $5,000 for the oil leak. After showing them the invoice from Audi North of the oil charge being approximately $1,500, they offered the same amount. I have returned to Audi South Austin regarding the oil consumption and oil marks on the side of my car and they technician tells me that it’s normal for my make and model to consume oil and that I would just have to add oil. I’m worried that there is an electrical issue regarding the auxiliary recall and could catch fire while I’m driving. I also have 2 children and it’s difficult driving in 96 degrees weather without A/C and having to wait 3-4 weeks.
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 .