2011 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 14th of 16 Q5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 143
- 53 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 38.4
- 23,434 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.0×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 31
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2011 Audi Q5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2011 Audi Q5 is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 14th of the 16 Q5 years we score.
The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (14 of 143 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel pump and the timing chain or camshaft. 31 of the 143 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and airbags. For comparison, the 2010 scores 73 and the 2012 scores 70.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-15-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 70
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 8 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil14 complaints
- Fuel pump: a leak12 complaints
- Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart12 complaints
How the 2011 Q5 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.93× | −16 |
| Everyday problems | 1.2× | −8 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 1.1× | −6 |
| Score | 70 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2011 Q5. If it were exactly average, its 23,434 cars would draw about 3.4 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 143 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Audi Q5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
14 complaints (10%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
12 complaints (8%)
A leak, shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart
12 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and stalling. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
6 complaints (4%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
6 complaints (4%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and failure or loss of drive. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
4 complaints (3%)
Failure or loss of drive and stalling. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (3%)
Rust or corrosion.
Fuel injector failure
4 complaints (3%)
A failure and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 109,000 miles.
Engine: rough running or misfires
3 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires and a loss of power.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
A bad smell.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and hard starting.
Steering: warning lights
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, sticking or stiffness and a leak.
Valve train: damage
3 complaints (2%)
Damage. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Show 13 more problems
Alternator or charging: hard starting
2 complaints (1%)
Hard starting and a failure.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (1%)
Loss of braking.
Engine (misfire codes): stalling
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling and rough running or misfires.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure.
Fuel system: warning lights
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a bad smell.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure that needed a new part.
Cylinder head: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage and shattering or cracking.
Fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling.
Sunroof: unusual noises
2 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Turbocharger failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure.
Reported Once (23)
Show the 23 problems reported once
- PCV valve or crankcase breather: rough running or misfires
- Ball joints and control arms failure
- Blower motor: stopped working
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Climate controls: stopped working
- Cooling system: a leak
- Engine overheating
- Headlights: warning lights
- Hood latch failure
- Screen and audio: stopped working
- Instrument cluster: works on and off
- Electrical system (part not stated)
- Front drive chain and support: a loss of power
- Fuel pressure regulator failure
- Windshield washer system: stopped working
- Parking brake: the system acting on its own
- Stability control (ESC): warning lights
- Struts or shocks failure
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
How the 2011 Audi Q5 Compares With Other Years
The other Q5 years of the 1st generation, 2009 to 2017, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Good | 73 | 0.80× | 20.1 | 6 | Control module (unspecified): damage |
| 2017 | Excellent | 81 | 0.36× | 10.7 | 5 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2016 | Good | 78 | 0.44× | 13.0 | 5 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2015 | Good | 74 | 0.58× | 19.2 | 7 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 71 | 0.80× | 26.5 | 6 | Steering: locking up |
| 2013 | Good | 74 | 0.82× | 30.8 | 5 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2012 | Good | 70 | 0.72× | 28.6 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 This year | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 38.4 | 5 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 | Good | 73 | 0.77× | 33.8 | 4 | Fuel pump: a leak |
| 2009 | Good | 74 | 0.68× | 29.2 | 6 | Fuel pump: a leak |
2011 Audi Q5 Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2011 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in November 2018: “Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak
The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V818000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 19, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V082000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 30, 2018. By the third quarter of 2020, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air Bag Inflator May Rupture Due to Corrosion
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V001000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V660000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V078000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 10, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 59% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2011 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2011 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- The problem:
- A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-14-03
2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- The problem:
- The turbocharger on the 2.0 TFSI engine can malfunction. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the turbocharger and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, code CAEB. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 7 years or 70,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-04
High oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
- The problem:
- The 2.0T engine can use too much oil. Pressure inside the engine can raise oil use, for example in stop-and-go traffic with long idling.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer does oil consumption repairs for free. The Service Adjustment replaces a crankcase pressure valve and the front crankshaft seal and bolt, and updates engine software.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 with the CAEB 2.0T engine. Cars without an earlier Service Adjustment could have it done within 18 months of January 28, 2015, at any age or mileage.
- Coverage:
- 8 years or 80,000 miles from the in-service date, or 12 months or 12,000 miles from a Service Adjustment if later, each whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- The problem:
- The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2011 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2011 Q5, from its five recalls, eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak NHTSA 18V818000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
- Air Bag Inflator May Rupture Due to Corrosion NHTSA 17V001000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 16V660000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016 NHTSA 16V078000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- AWA-14-03: 2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- AWA-15-04: high oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
On the Test Drive
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- High oil consumption
- Fuel pump
- Timing chain or camshaft
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next