2017 Audi Q5: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (45% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My rear subframe is completely rotted out and the dealership I bought it from but a new inspection sticker sold it to me and told me it was perfect condition”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing the coolant to leak from the thermostat. This cost me $2,431.00.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“coolant is leaking from pump and tstat housings. pump was replaced in 2018 and 2019 by audi due to audi recall. now it is leaking after only 6 years. seems like faulty materials and creates hazardous situation. leaks confirmed via diagnostics by Premier1 auto and certified technician. first received low coolant indicator light in May. filled coolant. then within a couple of weeks it was significantly low again.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Oil consumption. Audi Q5 oil consumption in my car is not functioning properly. I have to put oil in it about every 3 weeks or less depending on how much I'm driving.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“The PCV valve malfunctioned and required an extensive repair bill to solve. I've learned that this very engine (3.0) is already a subject of a recall for this concern, but the recall cuts off at 2016 Audis, and mine is a 2017. Please update your recall list to include ALL Audi models with this 3.0 engine, as the problem is the same regardless of the year.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2024
“Steering is occasionally exhibits resistance when turning left or right. Steering becomes very stiff intermittently. I have taken the to a repair twice but the does not duplicate. The repair did a scan to see if there were any codes but none came up. We also have an ODB2 scanner and scan the vehicle right when problem occurred but no codes were displayed on my scanner. My wife has a long commute of 40 miles in each direction and I concerned. There should be a recall as I feel this is a safety issue.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2024
“The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally high whistling pitch sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had to add additional oil to the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2023
“Electromechanical steering rack failed as I was driving. It was hard to move my vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. They stated that water entered the electromechanical steering unit causing it to fail. Shouldn't these units be watertight? No other warning or symptoms before the incident. I also read online that Audi has numerous steering rack failure problems. It's a hazard.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2023
“The backup camera is failing to display the rearview when the vehicle is put in reverse. It will also show a black screen and no view when in reverse. There have been several times when placed into drive that the rear view camera is on despite being in drive or park mode.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2022
“I received a letter that my car was under a recall for the water pump I have a 2017 Q5 Audi which the dealer said needed a water pump bio waited until after my mileage went up then made me pay out of pocket rather then honoring the recall. This was criminal and I feel Audi should Reimburse me or get dealer to reimburse me for this scheme Audi is horrible and should be ashamed for allowing this to happen Audi should make good by this recall turnersville nj Audi is a ripoff scam I want reimbursement of This recalled waterpump I'm filing a complaint with the usdoj”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect within the gearbox, despite selecting the Park position, the vehicle may still unexpectedly roll.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the geabox in the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37K6.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Q5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Audi Q5 reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Audi Q5. The most complained-about area is engine (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Audi Q5 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 22,000 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Audi Q5 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.