Are engine problems common on the 2016 Audi Q5?

Yes. NHTSA lists 37 engine complaints out of 77 total complaints for the 2016 Audi Q5, which is 48% of all complaints for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Audi Q5 engine?

Yes, two recalls affect the engine area: campaign 18V229000, reported April 11, 2018, involving the coolant pump, and campaign 17V002000, reported January 3, 2017, involving a software update to the coolant pump power supply.

At what mileage do 2016 Q5 engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 39,450 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Audi Q5.

Did the 2016 Audi Q5 engine recall cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA complaint data for the engine area on the 2016 Q5 lists 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.

Was there a parts shortage for the Q5 engine recall?

Multiple owners reported that dealers confirmed parts for recall 18V229000 were unavailable, leading to delayed repairs beyond a reasonable time.

2016 Audi Q5 Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 37 of 77 total complaints on the 2016 Audi Q5, or 48%. Two recalls (18V229000 and 17V002000) cover the coolant pump tied to engine fire and stalling risk. Median mileage at failure was 39,450 miles.

Engine complaints: 37; 48% of 77
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 39,450 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report unintended engine revving or surging when slowing to a stop or shifting into park, sometimes leading to a crash.
Several owners describe delays getting the recalled after-run coolant pump replaced because parts were unavailable, leaving the engine and fire risk unresolved for months.
Some owners were told to park outside at night due to a potential fire risk from the failing after-run coolant pump before parts existed.
A few owners describe intermittent throttle control problems at slow speeds, where acceleration does not respond when trying to pass another vehicle.
One owner reported mushy brakes combined with the engine continuing to rev instead of idling down during deceleration.

When 2016 Audi Q5 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 15, 2016, latest Jan 29, 2026.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2016 to Jan 2026; peak Jun 2018 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Audi Q5

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 17V002000Jan 3, 2017Engine342,867 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.

Engine complaints by Q5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (9%)
201144 (31%)
201249 (29%)
201335 (39%)
201440 (38%)
201545 (45%)
201637 (48%)
201721 (50%)
201844 (22%)
201912 (23%)
20206 (24%)
202119 (26%)
20227 (32%)
20237 (16%)
20241 (5%)
20259 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2016 Audi Q5?: Yes. NHTSA lists 37 engine complaints out of 77 total complaints for the 2016 Audi Q5, which is 48% of all complaints for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Audi Q5 engine?: Yes, two recalls affect the engine area: campaign 18V229000, reported April 11, 2018, involving the coolant pump, and campaign 17V002000, reported January 3, 2017, involving a software update to the coolant pump power supply.
At what mileage do 2016 Q5 engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 39,450 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Audi Q5.
Did the 2016 Audi Q5 engine recall cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA complaint data for the engine area on the 2016 Q5 lists 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.
Was there a parts shortage for the Q5 engine recall?: Multiple owners reported that dealers confirmed parts for recall 18V229000 were unavailable, leading to delayed repairs beyond a reasonable time.