2016 Audi Q5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,721miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Audi Q5, 13% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,721 miles.
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.
“Power steering Control Module failure at cold temperatures. Knows to be an issue on many Audi cars between 2011-2016. This caused my power steering to fail suddenly. My safety was impacted because i lost the ability to steer while driving. The vehicle and the steering rack is available for inspection at any time. Problem continues to be in effect. There are warning messages and lights on the instrument cluster along with fault codes significant for power steering module failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11508930, filed 2023-02“Back in 2017 there was a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 regarding the fuel pump. Audi's solution to this recall was to replace the fuel pump if it had any cracks, but if there weren't any cracks their protocal was to just put a protective shield on the fuel pump. Since my car was only a year old, all that Audi did was the protective shield. A few weeks ago, my car started smelling like leaking fuel. After a couple days I took it to Audi since there had been a recall. My car has less than 63,000 miles on it and according to service persons that have looked at my car, it is in excellent condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #11645256, filed 2025-02“The entire steering system failed. While the car was in motion, the steering wheel completely locked up and could not be turned even a degree. This caused extreme safety concern as the road was curving but the car could not be steered. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic and then by an Audi dealership service department. The entire steering component was then replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11512533, filed 2023-03“1) The Electromechanical Steering Unit is producing an error light on my instrument panel, and yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) If the steering unit fails, the results could be catastrophic for myself and others. 3) Yes, in multiple cases/places. There is a recall for this part in Canada. Also, an extended warranty was granted by Audi of America for this part for numerous 2011-2016 Audis, including the Q5, so long as they are under 10 years / 125,000 miles, which mine is. …”
NHTSA complaint #11571840, filed 2024-02“Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when coming to stop. Had vehicle towed to dealership because unable to drive. Had to replace power steering rack with adaptions. The j500 electromechanical power steering control module integrated into the steering rack was was electrically faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #11628068, filed 2024-11Related service bulletins
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11028405Jan 13, 2026This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11027350Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles.
- 11025340Oct 17, 2025This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
- 11023767Sep 25, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009347Sep 18, 2024This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009362Sep 16, 2024This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 10251660Mar 12, 2024This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.
- 10250555Feb 19, 2024This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
- 10250554Feb 19, 2024This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 12% |
| 2019 | 7 | 13% |
| 2018 | 11 | 5% |
| 2017 | 4 | 10% |
| 2016 | 10 | 13% |
| 2015 | 14 | 14% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 18 | 20% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi Q5
26 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectrical system
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