CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Audi Q5 has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (26 reports).
2016 Audi Q5 recalls
Electric coolant pump can overheat or short, raising fire risk
The electric coolant pump in these vehicles, which use the 2.0L Turbo FSI engine, can become blocked by debris from the cooling system and overheat, or it can short-circuit because of moisture inside the pump.
Corroded heater connector can melt wires and cause fire
Corrosion inside the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater can cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack and Leak Fuel, Raising Fire Risk
A fuel pump flange on certain gasoline-powered vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Sunroof leaks can corrode side air bag inflator, risking fragments
Water from the sunroof drainage system can seep into the foam around the side head air bag inflator canister.
Coolant Pump Can Overheat and Cause a Fire
Some vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo FSI engine may have an electric coolant pump that can become blocked by debris from the cooling system.
Most common 2016 Audi Q5 problems
Problem areas named in the 78 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 26 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Steering | 10 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
What owners report
Vehicle was in a head-on collision at a speed of approximately 30-35 mph. Both airbags in the front compartment failed to deploy while the airbags in the vehicle that made the illegal u-turn deployed. I suffered injuries to my chest and neck as a result of direct impact to the steering wheel. Vehicle purchased through McDonald Audi.
Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure. According to a search of the NHTSA records, this is a known issue with these cars. (NHTSA Campaign 15V452000, Audi Action Code 48M1. If I had been on a highway or busy street, the sudden failure would have likely caused an accident. The car was towed to Windemere Automotive in Naples, Florida. The steering rack was defective and replaced, at a cost of $4700. Letter written to Audi of America, INC about this incident. I received no response. This event occurred with no warning, an no previous hint of a steer
1) Rear subframe supports differential, axels, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires 2) If rear suspension fails , above noted assemblies will fall out of the car 3) Yes, dealer and independent garage have inspected and condemned 4) Manufacturer is aware of the problem, 5) No warnings or messages appeared, 6/29/26 at garage for oil change, garage was installing a subframe for another q5 so he was familiar with the issue
My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge
Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as itâs a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.
2016 Audi Q5 questions
Does the 2016 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2016 Audi Q5: Electric coolant pump can overheat or short, raising fire risk; Corroded heater connector can melt wires and cause fire; Fuel Pump Flange May Crack and Leak Fuel, Raising Fire Risk; Sunroof leaks can corrode side air bag inflator, risking fragments; Coolant Pump Can Overheat and Cause a Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q5?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (26), Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical System (10).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Audi Q5 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.