KnownCarProblems2011 Audi Q5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 143 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Audi Q5, most often about the air bags (47% of complaints, typically around 55,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Q5 model year since 2000 and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2011 Audi Q5 problems
Air bags
67 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.
We received a notice from Audi in april that our vehicle was recalled due to faulty air bags. After further investigation, we learned that the recall was actually announced on february 10, 2016. As of today, september 19, 2016 no remedy had been provided by Audi. When we discussed options with the dealership where we…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags) was received in march of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were…
Engine
43 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles.
At 79,000 miles engine needs to be replaced after timing belt and tensioner failed. This is the 2nd engine for this car. Timing belt destroyed pistons, rods and cylinders. Warning light went on, I took it to the dealer, and it fortunately exhibited the failure at the dealership.
Upon attempting to start the engine, the timing chain slipped causing pistons to hit intake valves, wrecking engine. Only 77,000 miles on vehicle. I do not qualify for class action settlement due to filing deadlines but am facing up to $14,000 in repair costs. It is unreasonable for an engine to fail catastrophically…
Fuel system
32 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 89,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that an abnormal fuel odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was so strong that the windows had to be rolled down while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The…
2011 Audi Q5 wouldn't hold idle, wouldn't accelerate on city street, stalled at a turn check engine light came on and it wouldn't start back up not even turn over. It had to be towed to the mechanic. Fuel pump electronics faulty, they replaced the fuel pump module. Audi has 96k miles.
Transmission
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles.
I purchased a certified preowned Audi Q5 last march 2013. The vehicle was running fine. No problems or concerns. I took the vehicle to an Audi dealer in february 2014 for an annual service and also in march 2014 for my yearly inspection/emissions testing. On april 2014, I had loss the vehicle due to an unknown fire…
I was driving my car around some blind curves when I heard a clank kind of sound and clicking and then lost power fortunately I was close enough I coasted home. I was very lucky. I could not get the engine to start and had it towed to the Audi dealer he said, engine no start no power: found engine cranks without…
Electrical
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 109,000 miles.
My Audi Q5 2011 check engine and epc light continue to light up my dash, vehicle has been diagnosed by the dealership not once not twice but more than three times. Continues to have the same and similar misfires and actually seems to be getting hotter than usual, the engine. I've seen several complaints about recalls…
My car has had electrical issues that the dealer has not been able to resolve. Things have gotten worse. Yesterday my son through a fit while driving on the freeway and opened the back door while I was going over 60 miles an hour and the door lock light was lit. I feel that under no circumstance should it be possible…
Other or unspecified
8 complaints · 6%My car has had electrical issues that the dealer has not been able to resolve. Things have gotten worse. Yesterday my son through a fit while driving on the freeway and opened the back door while I was going over 60 miles an hour and the door lock light was lit. I feel that under no circumstance should it be possible…
Visibility and wipers
4 complaints · 3%Front windshield washer non-operative. Dealer diagnosed as bad switch. Not covered by warranty, recall or campaign. (5) months out of warranty. Started as intermittent now not working at all. Vehicle will not pass ma state inspection as is.
The sunroof sunshade broke while retracting and blocked rear window causing a hazard. I had to tape it up as it is now only partially attached and I am unable to remove. It is taped so I can continue driving safetly. I was driving when this happened.
Suspension
4 complaints · 3%Audi Q5 94,000. I will never never buy Audi vehicle again. First started with oil leak, replaced valve cover gasket, then hood latch sensor (german genius). How in the world this bad sensor measures oil level. Rack and pinion leak, then timing cover gasket leak. Then my mechanic replaced driver side upper control arm.…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 Audi Q5 recalls
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20bj.
Full defect summary
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. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69r6. Note: this recall partially supersedes recall 16v-078.
Full defect summary
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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began november 9, 2016. Owners may contact audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20w9.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 golf, 2007-2010 passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 passat sedan and eos, 2009-2014 cc, 2009-2012 audi q5, 2010-2012 s5 cabriolet and 2010-2012 audi a5 cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2011 Audi Q5
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Audi Q5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (67 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); engine (43 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles); fuel system (32 complaints, typically around 89,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 Audi Q5 have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 19, 2018 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2011 a bad year for the Audi Q5?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Q5 model year since 2000, with 143 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.