2016 Audi Q5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,590miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Audi Q5, 13% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,590 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“This car has shut down while driving (in motion) three times, once while traveling at 45 MPH, once at 75 MPH on the highway and luckily the last time in a parking lot.. The first time was november 23, 2018. The engine stopped and we were able to drift over to the left shoulder. Thought is was a fluke because the car started up again. The next time driving on the highway it shut down again december 2, very scary. We brought it to Audi and the replaced a fuel composition sensor and said it was fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11166100, filed 2019-01, 42,581 miles“When starting new 2016 Q5 premium plus, warning light came on, indicating that rear hatch is open, causing rear brake lights to not function and door lock signal not to sound. Dealer replaced rear hatch latch and comfort control unit j393, after the third visit to them for the same complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10794647, filed 2015-11, 600 miles“In the last six months I have received four letters from Audi saying that there is a safety recall 19n4 about a electric after run coolant pump. In their letters they say this can lead to potential vehicle fire. Yet when I call Audi they tell me they have to place me on a list to have the problem fixed .I sure hope my wife and I don't die in a vehicle fire because this doesn't seem to be a priority for Audi. Why aren't they forced to fix this problem in a more expedient manner/”
NHTSA complaint #11181578, filed 2019-02“I received a letter from Audi USA today stating that there is a safety issue with the after run coolant pump failing and potentially causing the vehicle to catch fire. Audi says that there are no parts available to fix this problem yet, and will not be available until at least november. Until that time Audi says to park the vehicle outside at night so that if it does catch fire, it is less likely to burn down your house. I do not think this is a safe way to handle this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11102709, filed 2018-06“Side mirrors totally block vision at certain angles. I was stopped at a traffic light on a downtown street. Light changed and I made a left turn and crashed right into a car that was totally blocked from view by the side view mirror. It seems I was on the wrong side of the lane line, which I couldn't see either until I was able to crawl out of my car on the drivers side. This being unable to see lane lines and on coming cars has been a continual problem for me, particularly when turning left. The damage to my vehicle was over $10,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10915100, filed 2016-10Related recalls
- 17V622000Oct 5, 2017Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact…Covers: Audi Q5 2013–2016, A4 Allroad 2013–2016, A5 2013–2016
Related service bulletins
- 11035810Jul 9, 2026This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
- 11034643Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
- 11034634Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
- 11033492May 22, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11032165Apr 30, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11031051Mar 20, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
- 11030985Mar 17, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11030984Mar 2, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11029407Feb 17, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11029370Feb 17, 2026This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 21 | 46% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 10 | 23% |
| 2022 | 7 | 32% |
| 2021 | 27 | 36% |
| 2020 | 8 | 32% |
| 2019 | 13 | 25% |
| 2018 | 74 | 36% |
| 2017 | 4 | 10% |
| 2016 | 10 | 13% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 5 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 7 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi Q5
26 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Audi Q5
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology