2012 Audi Q5
This year had more than double the complaints of 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
- 168
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 168 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
51% · 85 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I had an accident on 4/15/2024. I blacked out and ran into an oak tree but none of my airbags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-30
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the driver became distracted and crashed onto another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-24
Takata recall - we are first-time parents and had infant twin boys. We had bought this car for more room and safety and then the recall happened.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-30
Engine
28% · 47 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On [xxx] at [xxx], at my home, I pulled out of driveway in my 2012 Audi 2012 Q5, I drove three houses down, and the sunroof exploded sending shattered glass on myself, my then [xxx] son, and into the cabin of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-17
Entering my garage, about halfway in the car suddenly accelerated forward; I had my foot on the brake while entering and immediately pushed down hard, the car skidded and stopped; I immediately put the car in neutral and the engine revved up to...
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-16
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Fuel/propulsion system
12% · 20 reportsStructure
5% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Power train
3% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2012Complaint volume 168 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2012-08-07Visibility12V299000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, manufactured from June 21, 2011, through December 9, 2011. Some vehicles may be equipped with a front sunroof glass panel that is…
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 7, 2012. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
-
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.
-
R
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.
-
R
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.
-
R
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.
-
R
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
2012 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 85 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V299000 · Visibility
- 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 2012 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Audi Q5 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi Q5?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 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.