2015 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 2015 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
- Engine4340.2%
- Steering1413.1%
- Fuel system1211.2%
- Suspension87.5%
- Visibility54.7%
- Electrical43.7%
- Body & structure43.7%
- Powertrain (other)43.7%
- Driver assistance32.8%
- Brakes32.8%
- Exterior lighting21.9%
- Airbags21.9%
- Other / unspecified21.9%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
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
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi Dealership Service Center, and State Farm claims representative. 5.Were there any warning lamps, message or other systems of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appear? When did first appeared a problem EPC light goes off and on January 17, 2023, loss of engine power, oil/coolant leaks, and etc.
Engine consumed a quarter of oil every 300 miles. The EPC light and engine light illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode. I had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic.Vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic and will need a new engine. Engine only has 85,000 miles and oil was changed every 5000 miles.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the road when the steering stop working and I could not control the direction that the tires moved. The direction of steering would not respond to my movements and I was unable to control the car. I was able to break and bring the car to a stop, however, if I were moving at a much faster speed this would have been extremely dangerous. I brought the car to our mechanic and we were informed that the tie rods were broken, the threading on the attachment pieces was completely rusted out and the threads were bare. The piece simply came apart and was malfunctioning. No warning signs or service lights came on in the vehicle before this happened and we had no indication that there would be an issue with the steering when operating the vehicle. Our mechanic told us this was one of the most dangerous things he's ever seen happen in a car and that our life was at risk. We regularly have our car inspected and serviced and there was no indication that this would happen. Our car had a major engine problem in August 2023 and was at the Valenti Audi Dealership in Waterbury, CT, during that time the car was inspected and we were not told the tie-rods had any problems.
We have never had an issue with the vehicle until we recently faced very cold Temps (-10 to -20). Was driving the vehicle, with no issues, and stopped to get gas. Upon restarting the vehicle it displayed a power steering error with a do not drive. The steerling lost all power steering function and was extremely hard to turn. We let the vehicle sit and restarted it 3-4 times and on the fourth try, the error went away and there was no further issues with the power steering on this (first) occasion. This has now happened intermittently since the first occurrence (even with very cold Temps) but with no regularity. Not sure if this is a malfunction or if there is something in need of replacement. It is extremely concerning.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The cooling system failed without warning! As I’m driving on the highway my vehicle began smoking! I smelled a burnt smell! Upon getting off the highway , I noticed my coolant had leaked almost completely out! I check my vehicle every morning before work as I drive through three counties to get to work and my coolant was full as I had just topped it off that morning! Upon inspection it was found from a local mechanic to be the water pump! My truck was fine last month upon getting a n inspection.
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles, I visited a second Audi dealer who acknowledged that this was a common problem in this engine type. They quoted me $16,000–$20,000 for a full engine replacement, stating they could not replace pistons alone. At 80,000 miles, my car now consumes 1 quart of oil every 200 miles. The oil warning light comes on frequently. I am forced to carry oil and top off multiple times per week. This is not normal wear for a luxury vehicle with regular maintenance. This condition creates multiple safety risks: •Sudden engine seizure or power loss if oil runs too low, especially while driving at highway speeds. •Loss of steering/brake assist due to oil pressure failure. •Increased fire risk from leaks or overheating. •Frequent roadside stops to add oil, risking exposure to traffic. •Distraction while driving due to monitoring oil levels. •Environmental hazard from oil spills. The engine remains available for inspection. The vehicle has only been inspected by Audi dealerships. Audi should be held accountable for a defect that compromises safety and reliability at relatively low mileage. I urge NHTSA to investigate and take appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear subframe rusted out at only 85,000 miles
2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme nature of corrosion and cracking found on the subframe assembly this should be considered a high priority warning for Audi Q5 owners. A total failure of all rear suspension and drivetrain components may result.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that water also soaked into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister. The contact stated there was mold in the rear passenger’s and driver’s side seats and inside the trunk. The contact stated that the battery and electrical equipment were under water and covered in mold. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was inspected and determined that water had leaked through the sunroof and the surrounding foam needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V001000 (Visibility, Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed at the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Driving on the highway the panoramic sun roof window shattered. Sounded like an explosion. Glass shattered and flew throughout car and blew away. Posed hazard to those in car as the glass shattered. Could have caused hazard if driver did not maintain control due to sudden sound and sudden incidence. Extremely dangerous.
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
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi Dealership Service Center, and State Farm claims representative. 5.Were there any warning lamps, message or other systems of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appear? When did first appeared a problem EPC light goes off and on January 17, 2023, loss of engine power, oil/coolant leaks, and etc.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue was confirmed and Audi Quoted me $8000 to repair because of bent valve heads Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi of Louisville Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No they came on AFTER the car started shaking violently on the interstate I am still waiting on a second quote of getting this engine repaired from another certified repair center. I will attached what I paid for the diagnostics report. Per the manual on this car, you should CHANGE your timing belt at 100,000 K miles- Not have to replace your engine because it breaks prematurely at 70,000 miles. This is terrible for this quality of car and price!! I am furious!!
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle failed inspection due to premature rust perforation damage of rear subframe caused by a plastic cover trapping water against the metal. Vehicle otherwise passed inspection.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely rusted and could not pass a safety inspection. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,351.
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
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi Dealership Service Center, and State Farm claims representative. 5.Were there any warning lamps, message or other systems of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appear? When did first appeared a problem EPC light goes off and on January 17, 2023, loss of engine power, oil/coolant leaks, and etc.
Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the les Schwab it can damage the vehicle and decrease the performance of the function of the vehicle which also impacts the speedometer reading and also the mileage tracking adding additional strain on the vehicle as well as decreasing its value faster. The vehicle is an all-wheel drive car and have the incorrect size is a safety concern as well as increasing the amount of mile that are driven that are artificial, also messing with the speedometer reading to have to go 10 mile over the limit to make it go the correct speed, this makes the computer think the vehicle is driving more mile than it is. I have informed the dealer of the issues, and they have refused to help and state that there is nothing to be concerned about. This information was not disclosed to me when purchasing the vehicle.
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
System does no longer work. Audi Montgomery inspected the vehicle and deamed that both side blind spot warning components have failed. People come to trust the system and when it fails they would lane change, not be warned and cause an accident. Dealer comfirmed failed components. Opened a concern with Audi USA and was told I am responsible for repairing the failed system. 6/19/2025.
VEHICLE RANDOMLY DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR NO APPARENT REASON, I.E. DRY CLEAR ROAD CONDITION, NO FAULT LIGHT OR ISSUES WITH ABS/TRACTION CONTROL, NO FAULT CODES, ETC. *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
I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine light icons display. I'm constantly checking the oil indicator level to see how much is still in the and then add add once it shows thats its extremly low. I have to do this everytime I am about to use the car. This can be dangerous at times since there's no indication that its very low and its not seen unless you go into the "car" section that shows the level, it has no alert display for the level. All required diagnostic and maintenance services have been performed with the dealer. When inspecting the brake issue they always come back with no findings say that no issue could be found, howeve when I'm driving it, it sqeeks and makes a grinding sound all the time. This has been going on for quite a few years. As for the oil consumption issue, this isssue has been in recent years and both times this has been looked into by the dealer I was informed that its not covered under any manufacturers warranty and would cost me approx. $10,000.00 for them to repair it or I could trade it in. This is a very expensive luxury car and at this low milage shouldn't have these types of issue. I've seen on various car sites that both the oil comsumption and piston issue is a known issue with this model Audi and that issue occurs aournd 60,000 miles but was rectified for the models that came after 2015. I wish I had know this before making this purchase. Now the driver seat adjusting panel is broken, this came out of no where about four weeks ago with no warning. I haven't received any recall notifications since my Audi Care coverage expired, not sure why this would stop because I didn't continue this service.
Complete hydraulic brake failure while on an interstate going 75mph. No warning, just sudden loss of regular and emergency brakes. I was able to cross 4 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder where I waited absolutely terrified of being rear-ended for the two hours it took for a tow truck to arrive. My repair place was shocked at the problem, considering the car was 8 years old with low mileage. They found the only after-market part in the entire country and repaired it for under $2000 when they initially thought it would be $6000.
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
Level sensor on left rear suspension failed, causing headlights to be pointed downward and not safely lighting the road ahead. The sensor failed due to poor design, metal-to-metal ball and socket linkage in a corrosion-assured location under the car. When the metal-to-metal ball and socket corroded and froze, resulting load caused the sensor linkage to break. A search of Audi forums indicates that this problem is not uncommon, and this same sensor design is used in other Audi models and variants.
VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ONLY PROJECT AND ILLUMINATE A VERY SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN, ANIMAL, OR DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY BECAUSE OF THIS SHORTCOMING.
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
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that water also soaked into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister. The contact stated there was mold in the rear passenger’s and driver’s side seats and inside the trunk. The contact stated that the battery and electrical equipment were under water and covered in mold. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was inspected and determined that water had leaked through the sunroof and the surrounding foam needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V001000 (Visibility, Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed at the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V001000 (VISIBILITY, AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED, BUT THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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
Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufacturer size was not met and that it can cause a danger on my 2015 Audi Q5 premium plus. The tire size that was on the vehicle that was purchased is 255/35ZR19, the manufacturers size is 235/55R19 per the les Schwab it can damage the vehicle and decrease the performance of the function of the vehicle which also impacts the speedometer reading and also the mileage tracking adding additional strain on the vehicle as well as decreasing its value faster. The vehicle is an all-wheel drive car and have the incorrect size is a safety concern as well as increasing the amount of mile that are driven that are artificial, also messing with the speedometer reading to have to go 10 mile over the limit to make it go the correct speed, this makes the computer think the vehicle is driving more mile than it is. I have informed the dealer of the issues, and they have refused to help and state that there is nothing to be concerned about. This information was not disclosed to me when purchasing the vehicle.
I was driving down the road when the steering stop working and I could not control the direction that the tires moved. The direction of steering would not respond to my movements and I was unable to control the car. I was able to break and bring the car to a stop, however, if I were moving at a much faster speed this would have been extremely dangerous. I brought the car to our mechanic and we were informed that the tie rods were broken, the threading on the attachment pieces was completely rusted out and the threads were bare. The piece simply came apart and was malfunctioning. No warning signs or service lights came on in the vehicle before this happened and we had no indication that there would be an issue with the steering when operating the vehicle. Our mechanic told us this was one of the most dangerous things he's ever seen happen in a car and that our life was at risk. We regularly have our car inspected and serviced and there was no indication that this would happen. Our car had a major engine problem in August 2023 and was at the Valenti Audi Dealership in Waterbury, CT, during that time the car was inspected and we were not told the tie-rods had any problems.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firehawk A/S, Tire Size: P235/55/R19, DOT Number: 1RBE793E9. The tires were purchased in 2022. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear driver’s side tire had a blowout. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was unsure if the tire was replaced or if the vehicle was driven to the residence nearby with the blowout tire still on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a tire specialty shop, where the rear driver’s side tire was replaced. On another occasion, while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver heard an abnormal sound before rear passenger’s side tire had a blowout. No warning lights were illuminated. A passerby assisted the contact's wife in changing the tire. On another occasion, while the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side front tire had a blowout. The contact changed the flat tire once the vehicle was driven back to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the inside of the tire, where the bead of the tire meets the rim, was cracked. The contact noticed tire crazing all over the tire, and that the inside of the tires showed deep cracks. The contact stated that the other two tires showed the same failure. The tire manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown.
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 .