2011 Audi Q5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Audi Q5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2011 Audi Q5. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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. 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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. 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.
Owner complaints
143 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
1) The rear structural subframe (crossmember) has completely rotted, perforated, and failed due to severe corrosion. The factory-installed plastic underbody rock shields trapped road salt and water, causing the frame to rust from the inside out. The corrosion has spread, completely fusing and…
1) The rear structural subframe (crossmember) has completely rotted, perforated, and failed due to severe corrosion. The factory-installed plastic underbody rock shields trapped road salt and water, causing the frame to rust from the inside out. The corrosion has spread, completely fusing and compromising the rear suspension mounting points and the rear differential brackets. The vehicle is fully available for physical inspection upon request. 2) My safety and the safety of others on the road was severely put at risk because the structural integrity of the rear suspension is completely compromised. The rusted metal anchors could snap under driving loads, causing a catastrophic rear suspension collapse, loss of vehicle control, or a high-speed wheel separation on the highway. 3) Yes. The structural failure was independently confirmed by two independent automotive service centers and an authorized Audi dealership service center (Audi Dallas). 4) Yes. An authorized Audi dealership representing the manufacturer physically inspected the vehicle on the lift during a goodwill evaluation. They confirmed the extensive structural damage and issued an official diagnostic repair quote of $20,873.78 to completely rebuild the failed rear subframe, effectively totaling the vehicle. 5) No. There were absolutely no dashboard warning lamps, electronic messages, or obvious driving symptoms prior to the inspection. Because the factory plastic underbody shields completely hidden the metal frame from view, the structural rot developed entirely out of sight until the vehicle was placed on a mechanical lift.
- Suspension
During an inspection of my 2011 Audi Q5 at Audi Burlington, severe corrosion was discovered on the rear subframe, which supports rear suspension components. The corrosion was substantially worse than normal surface rust and may compromise the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension…
During an inspection of my 2011 Audi Q5 at Audi Burlington, severe corrosion was discovered on the rear subframe, which supports rear suspension components. The corrosion was substantially worse than normal surface rust and may compromise the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension mounting points. The condition was not readily visible during ordinary vehicle use because portions of the subframe are covered. The vehicle has been operated in the northeastern United States, where road salt is used. I was advised that the rear subframe requires replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $5,884. I am concerned that continued deterioration could result in separation or movement of a suspension mounting point and a loss of vehicle control. Audi has not issued a recall or offered to cover the repair. I am aware of similar reports involving Audi Q5 rear subframe corrosion and request that NHTSA investigate whether the design permits moisture, salt and debris to remain against the subframe and cause premature structural corrosion.
- Suspension
Rear subframe rust causing car to fail state inspection. This vehicle has been maintained well and always parked in garage. The rear subframe rusted most, then front subframe. This is a common compliant among Audi forum users.
- Electrical system
Rear driver side door will not unlock when keypad, nor inside unlock button is pressed. Once inside, door will not unlock in sequence with other doors when vehicle is shut off and it is time to exit the vehicle.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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). This Car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.
- Air bags
Accident head on collision with wall airbags didn't deploy
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle in his garage, he smelled a fuel odor outside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flange had cracked and needed to be…
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle in his garage, he smelled a fuel odor outside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flange had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advise the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was previously performed under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V818000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The contact stated that the dealership was able to resolve the issue.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the…
Audi offered a warranty extension for intake manifold & fuel injectors in certain 2008-2011 Model Year Audi Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine. Audi rejected our claim for a faulty fuel injector in our 2011 car citing that “vehicle does not have the extended warranty for fuel injectors and the information that was submitted was only for 2.0 TFSI Engine's with the Engine code of CBFA & CCTA. The engine in your vehicle is a 3.2 FSI with the Engine code CALB. So this warranty extension would not be applicable to your vehicle.” Our Audi dealership diagnosed our car with the same fuel injector issue listed by Audi in this warranty extension as well as stating that this is a very common issue with our make, model and year. Our Audi is a 2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared. Their letter does not stand to prove that a faulty fuel injector was not placed in our car that was built in 2011, the same year that they installed faulty fuel injectors in their 2.0 TFSI engines. Audi dealership diagnosed our car as suffering from misfire conditions that in turn cause the malfunction indicator lamp to appear. The dealership indicates that this is a common issue with Audis during our production year. This is the same issue that Audi listed in their warranty extension letter to consumers with 2.0 TFSI engines. Our car meets all the requirements in Audi’s warranty extension letter (2011 model, less than 120,000 miles, and less than 10 years when the malfunction indicator lamp appeared) except that our car is a 3.2 FSI vs 2.0 TFSI. Audi is not able show that they did not install a faulty fuel injector into our car. Fuel injector problems in cars with mileage under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years of age is very uncommon. This plus Audi’s history of installing faulty fuel injectors into cars built in our year lead us to believe that Audi also installed a faulty fuel injector into our car.
- Unknown or other
During a routine inspection my mechanic noticed the subframe of my 2011 Audi Q5 was rusted through in numerous spots. It seemed odd that a vehicle bought new and garaged since it was purchased had such extensive rust. Pictures of the rusted subframe were taken and shown to the local Audi dealer.…
During a routine inspection my mechanic noticed the subframe of my 2011 Audi Q5 was rusted through in numerous spots. It seemed odd that a vehicle bought new and garaged since it was purchased had such extensive rust. Pictures of the rusted subframe were taken and shown to the local Audi dealer. The dealer then asked to bring the vehicle in so they could take their own pictures. Contacted Audi NA and spoke with rep about problem. The phone call ended abruptly when the Audi NA rep refused to file a claim and hung up on me.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
Variable speed control problems- accelerates and decelerates irregularly.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car smells like gas, I took it to the dealership ans they said my fuel pump flange is leaking gas
- Engine · Steering · Suspension
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…
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. Now rear shock IS bad. Already spent over $3000 fine, the worst issue I have IS traction control light. the dealer (stealer) gave me estimate of $1700 to fix this. The last serious one on 12/23/20 while driving with 2 more passengers on busy are in houston near med.center, car engine lost power, shaking violently, then I drove very slowly at around 30 mph. This IS audi Q5 IS nightmare. nhtsa please do something, make audi settle these issues. thank you.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi Q5. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he started smelling fuel inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer karmart of maui (411 huku lii pl #103, kihei, hi 96753, (808) 419-7400) and the dealer was made aware of the failure.…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi Q5. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he started smelling fuel inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer karmart of maui (411 huku lii pl #103, kihei, hi 96753, (808) 419-7400) and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired by previous owner under nhtsa campaign number: 16v660000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
- Service brakes
Took my vehicle to the dealer for new brake pads brakes and rotors. upon leaving the car was making a loud noise on the right side. I called the dealer to complain and was told it will wear off. ext few times I drove the brakes failed. I called audi and brought my car back and now they want me to by back brakes and calli er for both sides when the work wasn't done properly to begin with.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car started to smell like gas and when I took it to the dealer the said it was the flange/ fuel pump and that the recall was already done but the same issue persist. the yet me drive home with gas pouring out of my car after seeing it and want to charge me 1800 for a recalled part. I was terribly scared and cannot drive an unsafe car.
- Engine
My wife and I had the vehicle services at audi of turnersville for $8000.00 at the service writers suggestion. We needed a new turbo with the accessories. After that the vehicle ran fine for a couple of weeks. On the beginning of the next month the vehicle started having problems again! Not starting well...and stalling during operation! *tr
- Engine
My car would not start and I had my car towed to fort myers audi. after the diagnostics they said the timing chain had failed and caused a cylinder head to crack and the turbo had issues as well. they told us that audi will cover the timing chain and only 50% of the cylinder head. the quote…
My car would not start and I had my car towed to fort myers audi. after the diagnostics they said the timing chain had failed and caused a cylinder head to crack and the turbo had issues as well. they told us that audi will cover the timing chain and only 50% of the cylinder head. the quote given for the cylinder head was $5,810 (with audi covering $2,905). to repair the turbo charger it will cost $2,175. looking on this website, I have seen several others having the same issue, with the same resulting problems. *Tr
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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…
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 of the door to be able to open while driving at high speeds. I have discussed this with audi corporate but they were more concerned about me being able to pay for this to be fixed than the issue itself. *tr
- Engine · Steering
I have been driving on the highway and city and it appears the steering IS sometimes stiff and then soft , I have checked the power steering fluid level and its full. This IS an issue because its hard to make turns as the steering wheel stiffens up. Another issue IS the car consumes about 1 quart of oil every 300 miles, it was part of a lawsuit settlement but the vehicle was never repaired
- Engine
My 2011 audi Q5 would not start one morning when trying to start the car in my garage (dec 2019). I had it towed to the fletcher jones audi dealership in chicago il where I have been a loyal customer since moving here in 2014. they performed a diagnostic and identified that the timing chain…
My 2011 audi Q5 would not start one morning when trying to start the car in my garage (dec 2019). I had it towed to the fletcher jones audi dealership in chicago il where I have been a loyal customer since moving here in 2014. they performed a diagnostic and identified that the timing chain tensioner had slipped, and may have caused "catastrophic" failure to my engine. they proceeded to ask for another $1,500 to diagnose the engine for the failure, and mentioned if if had failed it could be up to $10,000 to fix the problem. after a short bit of research, it turns out there IS a warranty that there was a recall issued for this problem and an extended warranty. my dealership never told me this, and was just expecting me to pay out of pocket. also, I had my car serviced there 4 different times since the recall had been announced. they never once informed me of this. I called to ask why they hadn't mentioned this warranty or this issue, and there was not a good answer. fletcher jones also said they check my vin every time I bring it in to see if there IS anything outstanding regarding recalls etc on the car, which means they could have alerted me to this multiple times when I brought the car in prior, but they did not. they could have prevented this issue. fast forward to now, audi will only cover 25% of the issue, and fletcher jones IS barely making an effort to help out on their end. I will be out nearly $5,000 to repair this problem, which IS no fault of mine and a catastrophic failure of engineering on the part of audi. it isn't right that audi does not fully cover this expense. and moreover, the dealership should have a duty of care to disclose them items such that we can take the steps to prevent them. fletcher jones did wrong by me by not disclosing this, and IS likely defrauding and manipulating more clients every day they remain in operation.
- Engine
Oil consumption issue while driving down the road. Under any acceleration, smoke comes out the exhaust. Uses about 1 quart of oil per 300 miles. Leak down test was done, showing leakage past piston rings. Resulting in a complete rebuild of engine costing me $5,000 plus. Vehicle has just about 100,000 miles.
- Power train
Transmission shift gears very bad, while breaking, from 2 gear to 1ST gear car "jumps" forward, I seen a lot of people complaining about it. Somethimes when I put in to reverse, it takes a minute until it start driving.
- Engine · Power train
Timing chain issue that caused it to jump, damaging the cylinder heads and valves. as I was proceeding to stop at at a light, the front end of the car began to shake and the engine seemed off. at a full stop, the engine sputtered again and then proceeded to die. The car wouldn't start, so I…
Timing chain issue that caused it to jump, damaging the cylinder heads and valves. as I was proceeding to stop at at a light, the front end of the car began to shake and the engine seemed off. at a full stop, the engine sputtered again and then proceeded to die. The car wouldn't start, so I could not proceed through the intersection. audi will not cover any damage that was caused and IS indicating they are not responsible for the issues with the timing chains. I've searched online and found many other lawsuits where this type of issue has been covered from audi.
- Engine
At about 63,000 miles my check engine light went on and I checked code and p0018 showed up. it failed emissions test subsequently for license renewal. I took in to dealership and first time they said a sensor was slightly loose and a little corrosion on. said it was fixed and meets manuf.…
At about 63,000 miles my check engine light went on and I checked code and p0018 showed up. it failed emissions test subsequently for license renewal. I took in to dealership and first time they said a sensor was slightly loose and a little corrosion on. said it was fixed and meets manuf. Specifications. light came back on 2 days later. just took in and they said it was the left side timing belt and $6,100 to fix. what troubles me IS that there was a recall for the same year audi but only for the 2.0. my car IS apparently the only 3.2 liter having this issue. no recall? it occurred at the same moment in time, around 65,000 miles. while I was appeased slightly by them offering to fix it for parts cost..... About $3,300, and the subsequent bill was a surprising (to the good) bill of $2327.25 including the necessary oil change, I just question the fact that there IS no pending recall on the audi Q5 3.2 liter. and unfortunately still a suspicious cost. everything was done amicably, as time was of the essence. but still feel shorted that my 3.2 doesn't fall into this recall.
- Engine
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002957This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11002955This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11002950This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002912This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002235This bulletin provides information when the door handle touch sensors for Audi advanced key are inoperative.
- 11002234This bulletin provides information when the exterior trunk handle is inoperative.
Every Audi Q5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.