2013 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 7th of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 92; 4 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 30.8; 28,594 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.82×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 29; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating

← 2012 Q5 2014 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2013 Audi Q5?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Audi Q5 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (18 of 92 complaints). Owners also complain about high oil consumption and the cooling system. 29 of the 92 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers six warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2012 scores 70 and the 2014 scores 71.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-07 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 74
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Steering: sticking or stiffness18 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil11 complaints
Cooling system: a leak10 complaints

How the 2013 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.73×	−9
Everyday problems	1.0×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.57×	−6
Recalls	0.97×	−6
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 92 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Audi Q5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 92.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
18 complaints (20%)
Sticking or stiffness, locking up and pulling or wandering. 3 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
11 complaints (12%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
10 complaints (11%)
A leak, a fire and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
7 complaints (8%)
A failure, early wear and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
5 complaints (5%)
Loss of braking, the system acting on its own and unusual noises. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (4%)
Rust or corrosion. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Sunroof: unusual noises
4 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
4 complaints (4%)
Damage. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Engine failure: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder, stalling and hesitation. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (3%)
A leak.
Fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (3%)
A fire. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, a loss of power and burning or using oil.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
A/C: works on and off
2 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Engine sensors or computer: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.

Show 2 more problems

Transmission: unusual noises
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and hesitation. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.

Reported Once (27)

Show the 27 problems reported once

Airbag warning light
Blower motor: unusual noises
Control module (unspecified): stopped working
Engine: surging
Exterior lights: stopped working
Fuel injector: a loss of power
Fuel pump: a leak
Headlights: stopped working
Screen and audio: unusual noises
Intake manifold or runner flaps failure
Mirrors: unusual noises
Oil pressure: warning lights
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Suspension (part not stated): warning lights
Paint and rust: damage
Parking brake: locking up
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
Rearview camera: stopped working
Seats
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
Timing belt failure
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
Tires: damage
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
Valve train failure
Windshield wipers: works on and off

How the 2013 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 This year	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	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

See every Q5 year

2013 Audi Q5 Recalls

Five recalls cover the 2013 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in April 2018: “Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V229000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt
Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt. The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V622000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 86% 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 17V298000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 3, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000 Recall 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.
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 17V001000 Recall 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.

2013 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has six warranty extensions for the 2013 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-04
Turbocharger failure
The problem:
The turbo can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain settlement class cars: 2013 to 2016 A4 sedan and allroad, 2013 to 2017 A5 and Q5, and 2012 to 2015 A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not. Each car's term depends on coolant pump work.
Coverage:
At least 14 months from April 12, 2021 or a coolant pump recall. No miles are stated. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2013 Audi Q5 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2013 Audi Q5. It has closed.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound standard to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. NHTSA's file lists Audi hybrid and electric models from 2013 to 2022, including the e-tron, A3 e-tron, Q5, A7 and A8. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and hybrid SUV AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2013 Q5, from its five recalls, six 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.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit NHTSA 18V229000
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt NHTSA 17V622000
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 17V298000
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000
Air Bag Inflator May Rupture Due to Corrosion NHTSA 17V001000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
AWA-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
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.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Steering
High oil consumption
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

All Q5 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.