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2015 Audi Q5: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 99 owner complaints and six recalls on file for the 2015 Audi Q5[1][2]. Engine draws the most reports, with 44 of the 99[3]., so check that every recall is closed before you buy[3][4].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Three mention a crash, one a fire and four an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[3] | 44 |
| Unknown or other[7] | 14 |
| Steering[4] | 14 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[8] | 12 |
| Suspension[9] | 8 |
| Electrical system[10] | 4 |
| Power train[11] | 4 |
| Structure[12] | 4 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the larger groups. These are themes in the sample, not a measure of all owners.
Engine. The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 71,500 miles[3]. One engine complaint involves a fire[3]. In the 12 engine texts we read, 10 come from owners waiting on a recall repair because the dealer did not have the parts yet[3]. Most of those owners said they had not had a failure[3].
Steering. Two steering complaints involve a crash, and the median mileage at failure is 39,500[4]. In the 12 steering texts we read, 10 describe a steering warning, a stiff or locked wheel, or lost power assist[4]. Five of the 12 mention cold weather[4]. Some say a dealer found a faulty steering rack[4].
Fuel and propulsion. Of the 12 texts we read, 5 describe fuel pump or fuel pump flange trouble, including worries about a recall repair[8]. Three describe heavy engine oil use[8].
Suspension. Of the 7 texts we read, 4 describe rust and cracking of the rear subframe[9]. Two describe wheel bearings that failed with loud noise[9]. The group has 8 complaints in all and none report a crash, fire or injury[9].
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year, newest first[2].
- Coolant pump replacement (18V229). Certain 2.0L turbo engines have an electric coolant pump that can clog with debris or short out from moisture[13]. A fire is the risk[13]. Audi was to notify owners, and dealers replace the pump free. The recall began September 14, 2018[13]. It comes on top of the software update in 17V002[13]. Owners in our complaint sample said parts were not available at first[3].
- Auxiliary heater wiring (17V622). Corrosion in the heater's electrical connector can make the wires overheat or melt, which raises the fire risk. Dealers replace the heater and update software if needed, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2017[14].
- Fuel pump flange (17V298). A flange on the fuel pump can crack and leak fuel. A leak near a spark raises the fire risk. Dealers replace the flange if it has cracks. If not, they apply a protective film. Both are free. The recall began July 3, 2017[15].
- Side air bag inflator (17V001). Water from the sunroof drain can soak the foam around the side head air bag inflator and corrode it. A corroded inflator could rupture and throw metal fragments at occupants, which could cause serious injury or death. Dealers inspect it and coat or replace it, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in March 2017[16].
- Coolant pump software (17V002). The same coolant pump clogging problem as 18V229, with a fire risk. The first fix was a software update that cuts power to the pump if it gets blocked, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin February 20, 2017[17].
- Seat air bag modules (16V045). This one covers a small group of cars built from January 13 to February 3, 2015[18]. Seat-mounted air bag inflators could rupture in a crash and throw metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016[18].
Ask a dealer to run the VIN for open recalls. Do not assume a used car has had all of these done.
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions for 2015. Ratings are in city, highway and combined MPG.
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, AWD[5] | 23 / 30 / 26 | $3,700 |
| Q5 Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, AWD[19] | 24 / 30 / 26 | $3,150 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium or E85, AWD[20] | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,750 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, AWD[21] | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 |
The EPA fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[5].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives this SUV (AWD) 4 stars overall[6]. Frontal is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[6]. NHTSA puts the rollover risk at 15.1%[6].
Engine and size
EPA test car data lists a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 211 hp[22] and a 3.0L 6-cylinder rated 240 to 272 hp depending on version[23].
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All versions share the same length, width, height and wheelbase. Curb weight changes with version.
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 31 | 6 |
| 2010 | 100 | 4 |
| 2011 | 143 | 5 |
| 2012 | 168 | 6 |
| 2013 | 92 | 5 |
| 2014 | 106 | 5 |
| 2015 | 99 | 6 |
| 2016 | 78 | 5 |
| 2017 | 42 | 5 |
| 2018 | 208 | 6 |
| 2019 | 52 | 5 |
| 2020 | 37 | 6 |
| 2021 | 103 | 8 |
| 2022 | 46 | 8 |
| 2023 | 57 | 6 |
| 2024 | 34 | 4 |
| 2025 | 46 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 | 0 |
The 2015 Q5 has 99 complaints and 6 recalls on file[2]. Six model years have more complaints: 2018 has 208, 2012 has 168, 2011 has 143, 2014 has 106, 2021 has 103 and 2010 has 100[2]. That puts 2015 seventh highest of the 18 model years listed[2]. For recalls, 2021 and 2022 have 8 each[2]. Several years, including 2015, have 6[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2015 Q5?
Merge the two air bag and fire sentences, and merge the steering and oil advice, to reach 5 sentences. The model year has 6 recalls, and four of them name a fire risk[13][14][15][17]. Two involve air bag inflators[16][18]. Ask for proof that each one was completed. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe steering warnings and waits for recall parts[4][3]. Test the steering on a cold start if you can, and ask about engine oil use[8]. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at the rear subframe is also sensible, since some suspension complaints describe rust there[9].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi Q5?
- By count, engine is the largest NHTSA complaint group with 44 of 99 complaints, then steering and unknown or other with 14 each[1][3][7][4]. In the steering complaints we read, owners describe warnings and stiff or lost power assist[4].
- How many recalls does the 2015 Audi Q5 have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2015 Q5[2]. They cover coolant pump, auxiliary heater wiring, fuel pump flange, side air bag inflators and seat air bag modules[2][13][14][15][16][17][18].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2015 Audi Q5?
- EPA lists 21 to 26 combined MPG depending on version[5][19][21]. The 2.0L premium or E85 version is rated 22 combined[20].
- How safe is the 2015 Audi Q5?
- NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side protection[6].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Audi Q5 (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi Q5 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 44 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Q5, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 18V229, filed April 11, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V622, filed October 5, 2017: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V298, filed May 3, 2017: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V001, filed January 3, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V002, filed January 3, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V045, filed January 28, 2016: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Q5 Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Q5, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Q5, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Audi Q5 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 211 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Audi Q5 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 to 272 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q5 5DR SUV 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 182 in, width 75 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,079 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q5 5DR SUV 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 182 in, width 75 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,354 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q5 5DR SUV HYBRID QUATTRO/TDI QUATTRO: length 182 in, width 75 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,431 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SQ5 5DR SUV 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 182 in, width 75 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,409 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov