2012 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 15th of 16 Q5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 168
- 72 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 28.6
- 33,618 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.72×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 28
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 6
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2012 Audi Q5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2012 Audi Q5 is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 16 Q5 years we score.
The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (28 of 168 complaints). Owners also complain about the timing chain or camshaft and the cooling system. 28 of the 168 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 6 recalls. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, steering and airbags. For comparison, the 2011 scores 70 and the 2013 scores 74.
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
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 8 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil28 complaints
- Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart9 complaints
- Cooling system: a leak7 complaints
How the 2012 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 | 0.60× | −8 |
| Everyday problems | 0.98× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.7× | −11 |
| Recalls | 1.2× | −6 |
| Score | 70 |
What Owners Report
We read all 168 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 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
28 complaints (17%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 28 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a loss of power and stalling. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
7 complaints (4%)
A leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
7 complaints (4%)
A leak. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Turbocharger: fault code
5 complaints (3%)
A stored fault code and a loss of power. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (2%)
Rust or corrosion. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Oil pressure: warning lights
4 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
4 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (2%)
Failure or loss of drive, the car not starting and a loss of power. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Transmission: slipping
3 complaints (2%)
Slipping and failure or loss of drive.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Brakes: unusual noises
2 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and early wear.
Engine: stalling
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Show 6 more problems
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
The car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (21)
Show the 21 problems reported once
- Airbag warning light
- Ball joints and control arms: early wear
- Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
- Several warning lights at once
- Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
- Engine air intake failure
- Fuel economy: high fuel use
- Headlights: works on and off
- High-pressure fuel pump: unusual noises
- Key fob: stalling
- Passenger airbag sensor failure
- Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
- Crankcase: damage
- Cylinder head failure
- Fuel intake valve: stalling
- Oil pan failure
- Problem (not described) (cause not stated)
- Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
- Steering: sticking or stiffness
- Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
- Windshield wipers: stopped working
How the 2012 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 This year | Good | 70 | 0.72× | 28.6 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 | 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 |
2012 Audi Q5 Recalls
Six recalls cover the 2012 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.
Sunroof Glass Panel
Should the sunroofs glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could cut and injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 12V299000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 28, 2012.
2012 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2012 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, steering 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-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-21-03
Electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- The problem:
- The electromechanical steering unit can malfunction. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a malfunctioning steering unit, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2012 to 2015 A4, Q5, SQ5 and A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 125,000 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.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
- The problem:
- 2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
- The fix:
- Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2012 Q5, from its six 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
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.
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-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
On the Test Drive
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
- Listen for whistling and watch for reduced-power warnings.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- High oil consumption
- Timing chain or camshaft
- Cooling system
- 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