2016 Audi Q5 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Audi Q5, 44% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 44,000 mi.

Engine complaints
23
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
44,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine20
Engine and engine cooling3

Engine complaints across Audi Q5 years

12009172011281720132230201523122017319201941820214720231620251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k160k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V229000Apr 11, 2018342,867 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V002000Jan 3, 2017342,867 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

    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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jan 29, 2026NCEngine
    I am reporting a defect related to carbon buildup in the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on my 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Supercharged (engine code CTUC). My vehicle has been diagnosed by an Audi dealer with DTC P0491 – Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow, and restricted secondary air flow has been confirmed through Audi-authorized diagnostics. This failure mode is described in TSB 2014569 and TSB 2014665/4. I discovered this when the check engine light illuminated…
    NHTSA complaint #11714224 · source
  2. Filed Jan 12, 2025MIEngine
    Audi had Valves and pistons fail on the highway at 75mph on Nov 28,2024 at 117000 miles Had the vehicle since 2021 and 17000 miles. Complained to the dealerships at the last 3 oil changes about excessive oil consumption. They told us not to worry about it, full aware that they had lost a lawsuit over this very issue. We were never informed about this lawsuit, and now Audi refuses to fix THEIR problem. We are very lucky when the engine blew up that there was no one behind us,…
    NHTSA complaint #11635505 · source
  3. Filed Aug 22, 2024MDEngine
    The vehicle engine no longer works. The coolant line broke without warning, and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle no longer works
    NHTSA complaint #11610166 · source
  4. Filed Jul 9, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngine
    On [XXX] at around 8:55-8:59 I finalized the paperwork for a purchase of a car, received the keys, drove out of the dealership and by 9:02 the check engine light came on and the car shook. On [XXX] at around 2:22 pm, as I was driving, the car shook, pulled up to red light and the car would not move. It shook, rattled and died. The EPC light came on. I owed the car back to the dealership. I noticed that parts of the car next to the muffler and the tailpipe were belong held…
    NHTSA complaint #11600664 · source
  5. Filed Jun 28, 2024TXEngine
    My Q5 requires an additional quart of oil approximately every 500-1000 miles since purchased in early August . Services included two oil changes, replacement of pan gasket and fill tube O-ring. No drips on the ground, just a minimum level reading every 30 days. That definitely should not be happening without some plausible explanation other than "That's what German cars do. I have a BMW and the same issue." It was not disclosed that I would have to purchase a monthly supply…
    NHTSA complaint #11597585 · source
  6. Filed Feb 23, 2024ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    The side assist went out and I had it replaced at the dealership. I paid out of pocket for this cost. The engine had been burning oil then started causing problems while driving prompting me to take into the dealership. I was informed that the engine is in backorder and it’s been a year since I’ve been waiting. I purchased the car used with around 79,000 miles on it around February 2023.
    NHTSA complaint #11573564 · source
  7. Filed Sep 21, 2023ALEngine
    continually having to add a quart of oil to the vehicle and rear tail pipes have turned soot black from oil burning out the tailpipe. I purchased the vehicle and i was having to have the oil changed a lot. then i noticed that the oil light was on every 500-1000 miles and i was constantly having the oil changed. i researched and the oil should not be changed that often. i took to dealership twice to no avail. i took it back with the same issue. they kept the vehicle almost…
    NHTSA complaint #11545837 · source
  8. Filed Sep 8, 2023100,000 miVAEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact checked the oil and coolant levels and became aware that the coolant level was very low. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after filling the coolant reservoir the odor went away. The contact stated that the odor returned, and the coolant level was very low. The contact had not…
    NHTSA complaint #11543397 · source
  9. Filed Aug 27, 2023NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    SUV has major blind spot on side view mirrors. Also, consume excessive amounts of engine oil. Audi needs to include the Q5 2016 year in a class action lawsuit. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!
    NHTSA complaint #11540996 · source
  10. Filed Aug 17, 2023VAEngine
    Engine shuts off while driving at highway speeds. No engine warning light comes on, just complete lack of power. Need to pull off, put car in park and restart. Happens more often in colder weather, but is very sporadic. Audi said it was fuel issue. It is not. Jundreds of gas fill-ups with all different brands. This has been happening for years, and began within months of purchasing the car. It is getting more and more frequent. There is no fault code associated with it when…
    NHTSA complaint #11539102 · source
  11. Filed May 22, 202340,900 miMNEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, there was a loud whistling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the breather valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,900.
    NHTSA complaint #11523175 · source
  12. Filed May 2, 2023VAEngine
    This vehicle guzzles oil. On average, I have to add a quart of oil every 200 - 300 miles. No leaks are evident but always see white smoke from tail pipes.
    NHTSA complaint #11520039 · source

Other 2016 Audi Q5 problem areas

  • Steering (10)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (8)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Electrical System (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Brakes (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (1)

Back to all 2016 Audi Q5 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology