Is the 2009 Audi Q5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Audi Q5 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Audi Q5?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Audi Q5 have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Audi Q5

▲ Better than typical

2009 Audi Q5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:09.863Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2009: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	0
2009	31
2010	100
2011	143
2012	168
2013	89
2014	105
2015	100
2016	78
2017	42
2018	209
2019	53
2020	25
2021	74
2022	22
2023	44
2024	20
2025	46
2026	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

52% · 16 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was in an accident where I hit a herd of elk. My car was totaled. The airbags did not deploy and they definitely should have. It was hit on the front, and both front sides. There is no way the airbags shouldnât have deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-02-17

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Audi Q5. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The contact's vehicle spun around and crashed into a light pole. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-18

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Audi Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18V082000 (Air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-16

Fuel/propulsion system

16% · 5 reports

Engine

6% · 2 reports

Suspension

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing wheel bearing.

Vehicle speed control

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2010-01-22Air bags09V484000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 Q5 passenger vehicles manufactured between November 25, 2008 and June 4, 2009. A left and/or right a-pillar trim cover clip may not have been…

Remedy: Volkswagen will inspect the clip in the middle of the left and right a-pillar covers and replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on January 22, 2010. Owners may contact Audi at…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-10-31Air bags16V376000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-11-09Fuel system, gasoline16V660000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-03-10Air bags16V078000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-02-23Air bags18V082000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-12-28Fuel system, gasoline18V818000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V484000 · Air bags
Recall 16V376000 · Air bags
Recall 16V660000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
Recall 18V818000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Audi Q5 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Audi Q5 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Audi Q5?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Audi Q5 have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.