2015 Audi Q5 Problems
Compared with other Audi Q5 years
Typical for this model
49/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 12 of its 100 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Excessive engine oil consumption (20 complaints, median 100,228 mi).
- 6 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2017
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
- 100filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in 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 2015 Audi Q5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 Audi Q5 report two things most often: the engine using a lot of oil, and the power steering suddenly losing assist, sometimes with a "do not drive" warning. Oil-use complaints tend to appear after about 70,000 miles and get worse over time; steering complaints often show up in cold weather, and some are traced to the steering rack. Rusted rear subframes and various cooling-system leaks are also frequently mentioned.
- Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption
- 20 complaints (20%)
- median 100,228 mi at 6.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe the low-oil warning coming on between services, then needing to add a quart as often as every few hundred to a thousand miles. Some say the dealer first called the oil use normal for the mileage, and later oil-consumption tests led to reports of worn piston rings, damaged pistons or cylinder compression loss. Complaints mention the vehicle has no dipstick, so the level can only be tracked through the dash indicator, and that repairs quoted ranged from piston work to engine replacement. Often first noticed from roughly 70,000 to 120,000 miles and tends to worsen with use.
What to check: Ask for oil-change and top-off records and whether an oil consumption test was ever done; check the dash oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell on the oil.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been dealing with an oil consumption issue on my 2015 Audi Q5 for a good part of this year. I service my vehicle regularly and oil consumption had never been an issue until the engine light came on in march. I live in fl during the winter months so I took the vehicle to Audi of melbourne on march 12, 2020, odometer reading 75,755. At that time, they completed part 1 of an oil consumption test and informed me to return the vehicle if the engine light came on or I drove 1,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342409, filed 2020-07, 75,755 miles“Oil consumption - check engine add oil lights come on every 200 to 300 miles add a quart of oil then again after 200+ miles add another quart. Audi will not acknowledge there is a problem and recall. I have 108k miles 90% highway. 5 year 80k warranty it started after 80k miles. I have spent $3k the past six months without replacing the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11378172, filed 2020-12 - Steering
Power steering loss with warning message
- 13 complaints (13%)
- median 39,500 mi at 4.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2024
Owners describe a warning such as "steering malfunction, do not drive" appearing at startup, along with heavy steering effort or a wheel that is hard to turn. Several say the message cleared after the car sat or warmed up, and dealers either replaced the steering rack or asked the owner to wait until it happened again. Others report losing assist while driving at low speed, and one mentions a joint in the upper steering shaft. Reported from about 11,000 to 126,000 miles, frequently in very cold weather or after a cold start.
What to check: Start the car cold and confirm the steering feels normal with no warning chime; ask whether the steering rack or steering shaft has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down a long gravel driveway going 15-20mph and I went around a slight left curve. After the left curve the road becomes strait. My car steering wheel locked, I could not move the steering wheel to the left and I could not get out of the curve. The car continued to head right no matter how hard I pulled on the steering wheel to go left. It would not budge. The car continued going right, off the driveway and into several trees. The wheel was still locked at this point. …”
NHTSA complaint #10763123, filed 2015-09, 8,000 miles“Car worked fine with no signs of any issues or concerns. I stopped at a light and the car turned off as the start-stop system normally does. However when the light went green, the car would refuse to start flashing Steering Malfunction, Do not drive ... I'm at a light on a highway, what do you mean do not drive ! The power steering was completely lost and it seems because of it, the entire system would refuse to allow the car to even start. …”
NHTSA complaint #11545298, filed 2023-09 - Engine cooling
Coolant leaks and overheating (water pump, radiator)
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 71,500 mi at 8.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Complaints describe coolant pooling under the car, low-coolant or "pull over immediately" messages, and the engine overheating with steam or smoke. Mechanics in the reports typically traced it to the water pump or the radiator, and some owners linked the leak to the electric coolant pump recall for this engine, though their vehicle was not covered. Some also report misfires. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 140,000 miles.
Recall 18V229000Recall 17V002000
What to check: Check coolant level and look for dried coolant residue or staining around the water pump and radiator; ask whether the coolant pump recall was performed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“About a month ago after a drive where the engine got up to operating temperature I received a warning on the dashboard saying shutoff engine and check coolant level it is low. This problem continues to happen, spontaneously, while I'm driving. Also, the problem continues to occur despite coolant levels being within normal parameters.”
NHTSA complaint #11414711, filed 2021-05, 76,669 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11701580, filed 2025-11 - Body and structure
Rusted rear subframe
- 12 complaints (12%)
- median 82,351 mi at 9.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report heavy corrosion on the rear subframe, sometimes found during a routine oil change or inspection, and in several cases the car was described as failing a safety inspection or being unfit to drive until the subframe was replaced. Some say the surrounding area looked otherwise clean, and one complaint points to a plastic cover under the subframe that holds salt and moisture. Typically found from about 75,000 to 135,000 miles, and complaints suggest it is more likely in areas where road salt is used.
What to check: Get underneath and inspect the rear subframe and crossmember for rust scale or flaking, especially on cars from cold or salted-road regions, and ask for an inspection report.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The subframe in the Audi Q5 has plastic that is connected to the bottom of the subframe which traps salt, water and dirt which can lead to premature rusting and failure. Because this is where a lot of the suspension and other components are attached to, when this fails during operation of the vehicle, it can lead to loss of control and increase the chance of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11772781, filed 2026-10“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11681486, filed 2025-08 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Sunroof water leaks and cracked glass
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 32,598 mi at 4.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2023
Some owners describe water getting into the cabin through the sunroof, soaking the trunk, carpets and the foam around the side air bag inflator. Others report the panoramic sunroof glass cracking or shattering with a loud pop, and dealers in those reports did not always offer a fix. Leaks and glass breakage appear at low mileage, in some cases under 15,000 miles.
What to check: Look for water stains or damp carpet in the trunk and footwells, check that the sunroof drains are clear, and confirm the sunroof air bag canister recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Approximately 10:45 am my husband (the driver) and I (the passenger) were driving west on co hwy 86 just leaving franktown, co and had crossed over the cherry creek bridge when the panoramic sunroof in our 99 day old 2015 Audi Q5 exploded outwards. The outside temp was approx. 35 degrees, light winds, windows up, sunroof closed / sun shade opened half way, and vent for outside air was on; no cars ahead or behind us; no large chunks of debris on the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660936, filed 2014-11, 4,264 miles“While driving my front panel sunroof exploded. There is no other way to describe what happened. There was a loud pop. Loud enough to make my ears ring and then the glass was everywhere. I noticed a recall for this exact issue on the 2012 Audi Q5. I am driving a 2015 Audi Q5. There is no recall listed specifically for this issue on the 2015 model. A separate sunroof recall for drainage is listed, but not one for shattering sunroofs. My local Audi dealership didn't seem to concerned when I spoke with them...”
NHTSA complaint #11157325, filed 2018-12, 40,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with this model is worthwhile: have them check oil consumption, the rear subframe for rust, and the sunroof for leaks and drain function. Ask for service records showing whether open recalls and any related software or parts updates were completed.
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 100 consumer complaints for the 2015 Audi Q5. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 1,105 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 49 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.
- Engine38 38%
- Other or unknown14 14%
- Steering14 14%
- Fuel system12 12%
- Engine cooling8 8.0%
- Suspension8 8.0%
- Body and structure5 5.0%
- Electrical system4 4.0%
Also reported: Brakes (3), Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The add oil light on my vehicle started to come on as I was driving. Initially it was requiring oil added in between service appointments. I mentioned it at time of service and I was told this was normal at the dealership where I had all of the service on this vehicle done. When it started reading low oil at just under every 1000 miles I contacted dealer again who had me bring it in and they performed a scope of the system. I was told that it was not using too much oil and according to Audi it was within normal usage of oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363664, filed 2020-10, 111,000 milesOther or unknown: “The front windshield cracked from the inside from the pressure of my passengers foot. The passenger is a 130lb female with no extraordinary physical capability. The crack spread quickly and placed all the occupants in danger. There was zero impact on the outside of the glass. The crack could not be felt from the outside of the glass, only from the inside. This was the second time this has occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #10736188, filed 2015-07, 8,900 milesSteering: “I was driving on city streets and steering became very difficult. Turning corners at slow speed was very tough and jerky. Control of the car was very difficult the slower the speed. Highway wasn't too bad but you it still took more effort than was normally expected/experienced. Firestone service noted a opening in the upper steering shaft. They spray lubricated the shaft and it appears to be back to normal, but since there the shaft is open to weathering this is not a permanent fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11416344, filed 2021-05, 50,000 milesFuel system: “I have an Audi tdi that the diesel emissions recall was completed. I brought to the attention of my service advisor - dealer, that when the outside air temp is warm/hot and the vehicle is warmed up, there appears lag in the acceleration then suddenly there is a quick burst of speed where the vehicle catches up to the foot accelerator position. Lifting the foot off the accelerator aids in slowing down but I am concerned that if another family member gets in the car there might be a different understanding of what the vehicle is doing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11220182, filed 2019-06, 55,047 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 35,196 and 75,755 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 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 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: 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 2015 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 |
| Q5 Hybrid AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 26 | $3,150 |
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…
- 16V045000Jan 28, 2016Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Audi Q5 2015, Volkswagen Tiguan 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected…
Recall details for the 2015 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. 1,105 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.
- 11038024Sep 22, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning.
- 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.
- 11038026Sep 8, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the App Store for Android and Apple phones.
- 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).
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 2015 Audi Q5?
Owners of the 2015 Audi Q5 report two things most often: the engine using a lot of oil, and the power steering suddenly losing assist, sometimes with a "do not drive" warning. The issues reported most often: Excessive engine oil consumption; Power steering loss with warning message; Coolant leaks and overheating (water pump, radiator).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Audi Q5 have?
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2015 Audi Q5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Audi Q5 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 38 complaints (38% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 14.
Has the 2015 Audi Q5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Audi Q5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 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 2015 Audi Q5 get?
The EPA rates the 2015 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 2015 Audi Q5 reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,000 miles and the middle half falls between 35,196 and 75,755 miles; 41% 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.