2014 Audi Q5 Problems
Compared with other Audi Q5 years
Typical for this model
45/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Audi Q5 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 105 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling or sudden loss of power (22 complaints, median 61,841 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 105filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 53 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel AWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Audi Q5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the engine: excessive oil consumption that needs frequent top-offs, and stalling or loss of power that some say followed the oil use. Steering complaints are the second theme, mainly power-steering failure with a steering warning message after a restart, often in cold weather. Fuel pump leaks and rear subframe rust come up less often but are repeated across the sample.
- Steering
Power steering cuts out with a steering warning
- 14 complaints (13%)
- median 46,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the power assist dropping out, sometimes with the wheel becoming very hard to turn and a do-not-drive steering warning message on the dash. In many accounts it happens right after restarting the car following a short stop, and some say the warning cleared after the car sat. Dealers quoted in complaints replaced the steering rack or the electromechanical steering unit, and some owners report the cause could not be confirmed. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 50,000 miles, though some at much lower mileage, with several owners linking it to cold temperatures or a hot restart.
What to check: Ask whether the steering rack or steering control module has been replaced, and test the car after shutting it off and restarting, especially in cold weather. Several service bulletins address steering wheel vibration, which is a different symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the electronic power steering failed, almost causing a head on collision. My daughter was turning left when suddenly she was unable to properly steer. Thankfully, she was able to veer off the road safely. This part has been recalled on the Audi sq5, but not the Q5. According to my research, multiple Audi Q5 owners have complained about this serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11415388, filed 2021-05, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel would not exhibit any resistance and did not adjust to the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10575950, filed 2014-03, 5,000 miles - Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 79,950 mi at 8.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe adding engine oil far more often than expected, weekly to monthly in some accounts, with the oil-level warning coming on at minimum. Several say the low-oil light was the first sign, and some report the dealer later diagnosed worn pistons and rings or recommended engine replacement. Others note that service visits focused on topping up the oil rather than investigating the warning light. Reported from roughly 60,000 miles upward, with the earliest accounts in the 35,000-40,000 mile range, and occurring in normal driving rather than a specific climate.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell on the dipstick, and ask for service records showing how often oil was added between changes. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a compression or leak-down check can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle stopped while driving!!! Middle of the driving. Very dangerous. And it happened twice. With that as the headline, another known problem with this vehicle has been the engine oil needing to be filled literally every month. And time to time it resulted in “engine light” to come. So we kind of ended up in a “wolf cry” and really didn’t act. However, we did take care to Audi service for oil refill and they IGNORED to do the inspection on engine light well under 100,000 miles and 10yrs on warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11597723, filed 2024-06“This SUV has a 2.0 engine that consumes oil. I have to add a quart every 200-300 miles as the IP light indicates the engine is at the minimum oil level. This is not normal to be adding oil this frequently. Audi/VW has had problems in the past with vehicles that used excessive amounts of oil and a settlement was reached with owners. It seems they have not fixed the issue and I believe an investigation is needed and corrective action should be taken again by Audi/VW to make owners whole and to finally fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11421060, filed 2021-06 - Engine
Engine stalling or sudden loss of power
- 22 complaints (21%)
- median 61,841 mi at 6.5 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, sometimes at highway speed with the EPC or check engine light on, and needing a tow or a restart to continue. Complaints mention dealers diagnosing the timing chain as stretched, or pointing to internal engine damage, in some cases alongside excessive oil use. A few report the warning came on intermittently before the stall. Spread from about 35,000 to over 200,000 miles, with several accounts in the 35,000-75,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for records of timing chain or tensioner service, and have a scan for stored engine fault codes done before buying. Check whether the car has received the software-related service bulletins for rough running.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the car, car suddenly stopped... A lot of lights came on in the dashboard. There was a burning smell inside the car. Car wouldn't start after that and had to be manually pushed to the side of the road. Audi service inspected the car and said that engine had internal damage and I was asked to replace the engine. Car only had 35,000 miles on it. Warranty had expired just few months earlier. I had gotten service done every year at the same Audi service dealership and had gotten a service just a few weeks before this happened! …”
NHTSA complaint #11123277, filed 2018-08, 35,000 miles“Check engine light started coming on intermittently at 64683 miles. Car was taken to Audi dealer to trouble shoot. Diagnosed as cold start fuel performance fault caused by stretched timing belt. Out side of warranty and class action law suit Audi found at fault for earlier models for this.”
NHTSA complaint #11301235, filed 2020-01, 64,683 miles - Fuel system
Fuel odor and fuel pump leaks
- 8 complaints (8%)
- median 64,516 mi at 5.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners report a strong gasoline smell inside and outside the car, and in some cases fuel leaking under the vehicle or a fuel pump failure that led to lost power or a stall. Complaints describe dealers or independent shops diagnosing a leaking fuel pump or pump flange. Some owners mention that a recall covered the pump flange crack. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 1,000 miles to over 100,000 miles, in both parked and driving situations.
Recall 17V2980001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump flange recall (17V298000) was completed, and check for a fuel smell around the rear of the car and under the rear seat after fueling.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car is a really strong odor of fuel or gasoline in the cabin it's super severe and I don't know where it's coming fromdoesn't matter if it's running if I'm driving summer starting it it's it's just takes a little while for it to start to stink and then once it's been on for a couple minutes it starts to just wreak”
NHTSA complaint #11378271, filed 2020-12, 128,000 miles“Fuel pump while driving home after a road trip on the highway (in the left fast lane) my car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate when pressing on the accelerator. The ecp warning light came on and I had to ease the car to a stop on the left shoulder. After about 5+ minutes, I was able to start the car again and move it over to the right-hand lane when the car stuttered and shut off again. This time I was on the right shoulder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11111170, filed 2018-07, 70,032 miles - Body and structure
Rear subframe rust-through
- 13 complaints (12%)
- typically at 11.8 yrs old
- owner-quoted repair $6,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2023–2026
Complaints describe extensive corrosion and holes in the rear subframe found during servicing or inspection, with repair estimates in the thousands of dollars. Owners say the dealer declined to cover it, and in some accounts reported being told the car should not be driven. A related front subframe complaint describes similar rust perforation. Reported on vehicles roughly 6 to 12 years old, often in the 73,000-108,000 mile range, on cars driven in areas where road salt is used.
What to check: Have the car put on a lift and inspect the rear and front subframes for perforation and scale, particularly on cars from salt-belt states. Ask about any corrosion-related warranty claim history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I took my Audi Q5 TDI to the Garage for servicing and was told of heavy rusting on both sides of the rear subframe. The rusting is bad and can almost break the subframe It seems to be a known issue in Audi Q5 models, however, the dealership and Audi of America have refused to cover it as a manufacturing defect. The car has 88000 miles, and at this point, I think it may not be safe to drive. I am urging NTSB to review this issue and see if the issue can be resolved by the manufacturer at their cost.”
NHTSA complaint #11658523, filed 2025-05“This vintage 2014 Audi A5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.”
NHTSA complaint #11729264, filed 2026-04
Buying note. Look closely at oil consumption records and have the underside inspected for subframe rust before committing, since both come up repeatedly in owner complaints and can be expensive to address. Ask for the recall history, particularly the fuel pump and coolant pump campaigns, and confirm the steering assist works after a cold restart.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2014 Audi Q5. 53 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,389 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Audi Q5 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 45 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine36 34%
- Steering17 16%
- Fuel system12 11%
- Other or unknown11 10%
- Body and structure10 9.5%
- Electrical system9 8.6%
- Suspension7 6.7%
- Brakes4 3.8%
- Air bags3 2.9%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (3), Exterior lighting (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Engine cooling (2), Seats (2), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I have just been told today that Audi previously issued a recall, their number 19m1, for these cars including my car (2.0t engine) to reprogram the auxiliary coolant pump to prevent fires. Although I have had the car maintained by Audi, and have had other recalls performed before and after this period, I have never received this recall notice from Audi. My concern is that there are recalls that are apparently not being sent out. I've never had this recall mentioned by any dealership while I was there for other purposes, either. …”
NHTSA complaint #11104767, filed 2018-06, 16,000 milesSteering: “I approach a city intersection at the fort lauderdale airport and had no brakes, steering, or accelerator control. The vehicle was completely unresponsive. I flew through the inspection hitting the curb and launching my vehicle approximately 50' of distance over a drainage ditch slamming to a complete stop on the other side. The speed was at least 40-50mph at that moment, maybe faster since the vehicle just accelerated but would not brake or steer. I had my seatbelt fastened and airbags were deployed. The vehicle was totaled and the frame literally shattered on impact. …”
NHTSA complaint #11343683, filed 2020-08, 59,000 milesFuel system: “Drove on hawthorne boulevard close to torrance boulevard less than a mile away from Audi dealership when the car start to shake and almost got rear ended. I was able to pull aside and after few seconds the engine was working fine but a message on the board mentioning the auto stop start function was not working properly and the associated symbol turned on the dash. I took the car to Audi dealership and they confirm that the fuel pump needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10653600, filed 2014-11, 17,000 milesOther or unknown: “The def pump is bad on my Audi Q5 with 65k on it. The tech at the dealer reported that these pumps all seem to go on these tdis around the same mileage. I find it objectionable to have to pay $1,445 to replace a pump on a vehicle that doesn't meet current emission requirements.”
NHTSA complaint #11006603, filed 2017-07, 65,625 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 53 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 72,919 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Audi Q5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| Q5 HEV · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Audi Q5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Q5 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,700 |
| Q5 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Audi Q5 2013–2017, A5 2013–2017, A5 Cabriolet 2013–2017 +2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI…
- 17V622000Oct 5, 2017Electrical system › WiringCovers: Audi Q5 2013–2016, A4 Allroad 2013–2016, A5 2013–2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat…
- 17V298000May 3, 2017Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi Q5 2013–2017, Q7 2013–2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- 17V001000Jan 3, 2017Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Audi Q5 2011–2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister…
- 17V002000Jan 3, 2017Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: Audi Q5 2013–2017, A5 2013–2017, A6 2012–2015 +1 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an…
Recall details for the 2014 Audi Q5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,389 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038033Sep 8, 2026Body and structure. This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11036911Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- 11036934Aug 11, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- 11036921Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
Other model years of the Audi Q5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46 | 6,005 | 1 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 20 | — | 4 | 5 | 26 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 44 | — | 5 | — | 25 | 68 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 22 | 23,000 | 4 | — | 25 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 74 | 20,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 91 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 25 | 1,225 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2019 | 53 | 7,900 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 208 | 15,142 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 42 | 19,750 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 78 | 36,244 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 59 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 100 | 53,000 | 6 | 4 | 22 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 105 | 50,000 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 45 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 89 | 56,250 | 5 | — | 22 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 168 | 71,000 | 6 | — | 22 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 143 | 77,000 | 5 | — | 22 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 100 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 20 | 39 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 31 | 56,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
All Audi Q5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Audi Q5?
Owners of this model year most often write about the engine: excessive oil consumption that needs frequent top-offs, and stalling or loss of power that some say followed the oil use. The issues reported most often: Power steering cuts out with a steering warning; Excessive engine oil consumption; Engine stalling or sudden loss of power.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Audi Q5 have?
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2014 Audi Q5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Audi Q5 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 36 complaints (34% of the total), followed by steering with 17.
Has the 2014 Audi Q5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Audi Q5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Audi Q5 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Audi Q5 get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Audi Q5 (Q5, 2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Audi Q5 reported?
Among the 53 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 72,919 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.