2011 Audi Q5 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Audi Q5, 3% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,250 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384772, filed 2020-12, 94,250 miles“1) The rear structural subframe (crossmember) has completely rotted, perforated, and failed due to severe corrosion. The factory-installed plastic underbody rock shields trapped road salt and water, causing the frame to rust from the inside out. The corrosion has spread, completely fusing and compromising the rear suspension mounting points and the rear differential brackets. The vehicle is fully available for physical inspection upon request. …”
NHTSA complaint #11759438, filed 2026-08“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 complaint #11655321, filed 2025-04“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11755002, filed 2026-08Related service bulletins
- 11030983Mar 24, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
- 11013709Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information when noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft are reported.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 25 | 12% |
| 2017 | 2 | 5% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 8 | 8% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Audi Q5
67 complaintsEngine
42 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Audi Q5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology