2011 Audi Q5
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
- Complaints
- 143
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 143 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
47% · 67 reportsEngine
29% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I purchased a certified preowned Audi Q5 last March 2013. The vehicle was running fine. No problems or concerns.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-31
Also filed under Power train and structure
Audi q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags).
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-18
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electrical system
Fuel/propulsion system
17% · 25 reportsPower train
8% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While taking a left turn across traffic, the Audi Q5 3.2 transmission failed while shifting from 1ST to 2ND gear. The Audi Q5 stopped and would not continue to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-11-02
Electrical system
6% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While driving about 45 on the highway, a light came across my dash that said 'parking brake malfunction!' moments later my 2011 Audi Q5 came to a complete stop causing a 3 car pile up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-10
Also filed under Service brakes and structure
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011Complaint volume 143 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
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.
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2017-03-03Air bags, visibility17V001000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 67 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V660000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 17V001000 · Air bags, visibility
- Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V818000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Audi Q5 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Audi Q5?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Audi Q5 have?
- 5 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.