2016 Audi Q5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 33%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Audi Q5, 33% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I pulled into a parking space and put the car in park. As I did so, the engine revved and the car lurched forward striking a tree. The air bags deployed and the car was written off by the insurance company. I had noticed a couple of times before that the engine would rev as I was slowing to a stop, but had never had any issues with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11258747, filed 2019-09, 36,488 miles“Bought it 7 weeks ago, 44,000 miles. Severe oil consumption problem I'm finding out everyone knows about already with Audi turbos and was previously a class action. I'm putting oil in every other day and feel the pistons missing when I drive in the morning.”
NHTSA complaint #11373463, filed 2020-11, 44,000 miles“While on an extended trip at freeway speed in the vehicle, the add oil indicator light flashed on the dash .on may 11 2018, I took the vehicle in to rusnak Audi in pasadena, ca. They told me that a new sensor was required , as the oil was at normal level, and replaced it with a new one. In jan of 2021 I took a short trip at freeway speed with the vehicle the add oil lamp flashed on again. I again brought the vehicle into rusnak Audi in pasadena, ca. On april 22, 2021. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414651, filed 2021-04, 14,000 miles“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“The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.”
NHTSA complaint #11573564, filed 2024-02Related service bulletins
- 11035797Jul 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11029368Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11027356Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11016532Mar 12, 2025This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11012476Dec 5, 2024This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
- 11009928Oct 8, 2024This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 13% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 7 | 16% |
| 2022 | 4 | 18% |
| 2021 | 17 | 23% |
| 2020 | 4 | 16% |
| 2019 | 10 | 19% |
| 2018 | 31 | 15% |
| 2017 | 19 | 45% |
| 2016 | 26 | 33% |
| 2015 | 38 | 38% |
| 2014 | 36 | 34% |
| 2013 | 33 | 37% |
| 2012 | 47 | 28% |
| 2011 | 42 | 29% |
| 2010 | 5 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi Q5
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 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