2016 Audi Q5

Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steering problem.

NHTSA ID

11751001

Incident

May 20, 2026

1) Rear subframe supports differential, axels, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires 2) If rear suspension fails , above noted assemblies will fall out of the car 3) Yes, dealer and independent garage have inspected and condemned 4) Manufacturer is aware of the problem, 5) No warnings or messages appeared, 6/29/26 at garage for oil change, garage was installing a subframe for another q5 so he was familiar with the issue

NHTSA ID

11747832

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge of becoming a common issue seen in 2010-2017 Q5s. So much so, there's a law firm investigating it like DiCello Levitt - could be a design flaw, there is a plastic covering known to trap moisture and debris. I also don't live in an area that gets much snow, some years we don't have any and I get monthly car washes.

NHTSA ID

11738767

Incident

May 6, 2026

Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.

NHTSA ID

11735390

Incident

May 3, 2026

I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2016 Audi Q5. The vehicle previously underwent recall 20Z8/20W9, which addresses fuel pump flange cracking that can cause fuel leaks and fuel vapor odors. Despite this recall repair being marked as completed, I am now experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. This appears to be the same condition the recall was intended to fix. When I called the authorized Audi dealership (Audi San Jose), I was told I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs because the recall had already been completed and is no longer covered. I believe this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11735198

Incident

May 1, 2026

I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated and I sought a diagnostic from the dealer which cost me $249. Audi has acknowledged this condition as a defect in other vehicles by issuing Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles), which covers carbon buildup in the secondary air injection ports. However, Audi denied U19 coverage for my vehicle solely because my VIN is not included in the warranty extension population. This condition results in increased emissions which impact the environment and which will cause the vehicle to not pass the emissions inspection required for registration. Audi has not provided any technical explanation distinguishing my vehicle from those covered under U19, despite identical fault codes, failure mechanism, and required repair procedure. The repair involves removal and cleaning of carbon buildup in the cylinder head secondary air ports and is quoted at approximately $2,500.

NHTSA ID

11714224

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a loud gunshot. I got off the exit pulled over and I saw that my sunroof was shattered. On my Audi Q5 2016.

NHTSA ID

11711731

Incident

Jan 18, 2026

While driving and when parked, a strong odor of gasoline enters the cabin and garage. This poses a significant risk of fire and health hazards from fumes. The issue relates to the fuel system. The vehicle was previously serviced for the 2017 fuel system recall, but the problem has reappeared. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it could result in a fuel leak and possible fire. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer during this recurrence, but it has been persistent and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during the problem.

NHTSA ID

11681153

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.

This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.