2016 Audi Q5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 Q5 years
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 77 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and a complaint index of 53, ranking 8th worst among 16 model years. Engine problems dominate at 48% of complaints, giving it a "Caution" rating relative to other Q5 years.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21.5 city / 28.5 hwy
Top 2016 Audi Q5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine37 (48%)
- Other11 (14%)
- Electrical System10 (13%)
- Steering10 (13%)
- Fuel System9 (12%)
- Airbags5 (6%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (5%)
- Lane Departure3 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
What owners report
- Side mirrors reportedly block the driver's view during left turns, contributing to crashes at intersections.
- Owners report the engine revving or lurching forward unexpectedly while shifting into park or slowing to a stop, in some cases striking objects.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in rear-end and frontal collisions despite significant vehicle damage.
- Owners describe brake pedal behavior where the vehicle accelerated instead of stopping, leading to loss of control.
- An electrical fault caused a rear hatch warning light along with non-functioning brake lights and door lock signals, requiring repeated dealer visits.
2016 Audi Q5 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine342,867 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.
- NHTSA 17V622000Oct 5, 2017Electrical System216,913 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
- NHTSA 17V298000May 3, 2017Fuel System240,487 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
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 replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
2016 Audi Q5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28.5 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Q5 has a complaint index of 53 and ranks 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Caution" rating relative to other Q5 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2016 Audi Q5?
- Engine issues account for 48% of complaints (37 of 77), with a median failure mileage of 39,450 miles. Electrical system and steering issues each account for 13% of complaints.
- Does the 2016 Audi Q5 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Audi Q5, covering the engine coolant pump, electrical auxiliary heater connector, fuel pump flange, airbag inflator, and a related engine coolant pump software update.
- How does the 2016 Q5 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 53 is worse than 2013 (27), 2015 (47), and 2017 (0), but better than 2012 (80) and 2018 (100), which are rated "Avoid."
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Audi Q5?
- EPA rates the 2016 Audi Q5 at 24 mpg combined (21.5 city / 28.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650.