2016 Audi Q5: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2016 Audi Q5
On the 2016 Audi Q5, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 19 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 32,500 miles. Overall it scores 74 out of 100, high risk for a 2016.
High risk for a 2016 — 88th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. 104 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2016 Audi Q5
Owners have reported 30 named failure modes on the 2016 Audi Q5, and the three most-reported carry 37% of everything filed.
Other engine problem leads with 19 reports and about 0.6 per 1,000 vehicles.
Excessive oil consumption follows with 10 reports, median 85,000 miles.
Other electrical problem follows with 9 reports, median 600 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (35), electrical (13) and airbag (8).
The mileage the reports cluster at
32 of the reports on the 2016 Audi Q5 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 32,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 84% by 50,000 miles and 91% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, which alone holds 22% of the dated reports.
50% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 30. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 15 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.30, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, excessive oil consumption at $900–$6,500, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
42% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 19 | 6 | — | 39k | — | 0.6 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 10 | 2 | — | 85k | — | 0.3 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 9 | 1 | — | 600 | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 5 | 2 | — | 5k | — | 0.2 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 4 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 4 | 2 | — | 23k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 3 | 2 | — | 43k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 3 | 2 | — | 36k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 3 | 2 | — | 31k | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 3 | 2 | — | 20k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 2 | 1 | — | 40k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Overheating | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 2 | 2 | — | 29k | — | 0.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 1 | — | 9k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 21k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 5 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 0.2 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2016 Audi Q5 draws about 3.1 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 81st percentile of complaint rates among 2016 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 33,436 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2016 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
I purchased a new epa compliant audi q5 diesel on march 28th 2018. The vehicle had the epa emissions repair completed. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle I experienced an intermittent throttle control issue. It primarily occurs at slow speeds. When driving slowly, if I suddenly accelerate, such as passing around a vehicle in front of me, the throttle will not work, despite my pressing on the gas pedal. I have to remove my foot from the gas pedal and reapply it to get throttle response. I believe this is an unsafe situation and should be addressed by audi. I've had the vehicle to the dealership that sold me the vehicle twice and they could not identify the problem. The issue has occurred at least 12 times. I was recently able to replicate it twice in a controlled setting, however, I was unable to replicate it at the dealership. The dealership found no associated codes with a scan.
Other electrical problem
When starting new 2016 q5 premium plus, warning light came on, indicating that rear hatch is open, causing rear brake lights to not function and door lock signal not to sound. Dealer replaced rear hatch latch and comfort control unit j393, after the third visit to them for the same complaint.
Recalls on the 2016 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2016 Audi Q5, affecting an estimated 115,527 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover engine and engine cooling:cooling system, electrical system:wiring, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump and visibility:sun/moon roof assembly. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
342,867 vehicles 2018-04-11- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
- Consequence
- A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
216,913 vehicles 2017-10-05- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
- Consequence
- The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
240,487 vehicles 2017-05-03- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
234,057 vehicles 2017-01-03- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
- Consequence
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
342,867 vehicles 2017-01-03- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
- Consequence
- If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2016 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2016 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2016 — 88th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 17 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2024 comes out best at 60 and 2018 worst at 77, with 2016 itself at 74.
If the model year is negotiable, 2024, 2009, 2022, 2011 and 2014 score lower than 2016 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2013–2017 generation specifically, 2014 is the strongest year at 71 and 2016 the weakest at 74.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2013-2017 generation, 2014 Audi Q5 scores best at 71 and 2016 Audi Q5 worst at 74.
Where these figures stop being useful
104 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 104 reports, 32 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 31% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q5?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (19 reports, median 40,000 miles), excessive oil consumption (10 reports, median 85,000 miles) and other electrical problem (9 reports, median 600 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2016 Audi Q5 reliable?
It scores 74 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 88th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2016 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Audi Q5 is best?
Within the 2013–2017 generation, 2014 scores best at 71 out of 100 and 2016 worst at 74. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed