2012 Audi Q5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,056miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Audi Q5, 4% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,056 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The driver's side mirror has a very large housing and causes a blind spot just to the left of the driver's side. I have had 2 near misses, one with almost hitting a car and one with almost hitting a pedestrian. They were in the blind spot when I began to make a left turn, from a stop, and did not see them. I was on a city street, stopped and then began to make a left turn on both occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #11084046, filed 2018-04, 65,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11297567, filed 2020-01, 8,056 miles“This is a design defect. The side mirrors are too large and placed in a location on the window that creates a blind spot and in particular the driver's side there are instances when you can not see a car coming at you from the left, or of you are turning left you cannot see if there is an island. While we have not had an accident, it is a hazard and should be rectified. This has given rise to a number of near accidents and I have tried to get audio to listen to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10471218, filed 2012-08, 1,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11388595, filed 2021-01, 81,831 miles“Wipers stop- the wipers have off , intermittent , slow, fast. When the wipers are in slow and the car comes to a stop (such as a red light, stop sign, pedestrian, turning across traffic) the wipers stop! While the car is stopped they may start in 5 sec, 10 sec , 20 sec (based on rain sensor?) or when you start moving & reach 2-3 miles per hour (how do you start moving when you can't see?). If you need to move & they have not started to wipe, you must move the lever so you can see to start moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458603, filed 2012-05, 5,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V299000Jun 28, 2012Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 audi q5 vehicles, manufactured from june 21, 2011, through december 9, 2011. Some vehicles may be equipped…Covers: Audi Q5 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11036915Aug 11, 2026This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
- 11023734Sep 10, 2025This bujlletin provides information regarding the GFF test plan required for A/C compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
- 11016505Mar 4, 2025This bulletin provides information regarding the GFF test plan required for A/C compressr replaements regardless of the concern.
- 11005911Jul 11, 2024This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 10250232Feb 6, 2024This bulletin provides information for when there are noises from the headliner/sunroof area.
- 10240152Jul 19, 2023This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required when replacing the A/C compressor.
- 10239686Jul 19, 2023This bulletin provides information for when exterior glass cleaning is needed.
- 10240212Jul 17, 2023This bulletin provides information for when the washer solvent level warning is on.
- 10238241Jun 14, 2023This bulletin provides information for when an unpleasant odor is coming from the heating and ventilation system.
- 10238221Jun 14, 2023This bulletin provides information for when an unpleasant odor is coming from the heating and ventilation system.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 9% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 5 | 5% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi Q5
85 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Audi Q5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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