2015 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 8th of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 108; 14 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 19.2; 49,076 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.58×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 34; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 Q5 2016 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2015 Audi Q5?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi Q5 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (21 of 108 complaints). Owners also complain about the frame and body structure and the steering. 34 of the 108 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 7 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, emissions system, steering and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2014 scores 71 and the 2016 scores 78.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-18-01 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 74
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil21 complaints
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion16 complaints
Steering: stopped working15 complaints

How the 2015 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	0.55×	−7
Everyday problems	0.66×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.92×	−9
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 108 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 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 108.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
21 complaints (19%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 21 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
16 complaints (15%)
Rust or corrosion. 6 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Steering: stopped working
15 complaints (14%)
A feature that stopped working, locking up and parts breaking or coming apart. 12 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
9 complaints (8%)
A failure and damage. 8 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
8 complaints (7%)
A leak, overheating and warning lights. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
4 complaints (4%)
Loss of braking, a failure and unusual noises. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Engine failure
3 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (3%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
2 complaints (2%)
A bad smell and mold.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak.
Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Tires: flat tire, wrong size fitted
2 complaints (2%)
Flat tire, wrong size fitted and parts breaking or coming apart.
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.

Reported Once (23)

Show the 23 problems reported once

PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
CV axles
Engine: reduced power or limp mode
Engine mounts: early wear
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Headlights: low beam reach too short
High-pressure fuel pump: a leak
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Mirrors: view blocked by mirror
Noise (cause not stated)
Burning odor (cause not stated)
Cruise control: works on and off
Headlight level sensor: parts breaking or coming apart
Solenoid failure
Suspension components (not named): early wear
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Side blind zone alert: stopped working
Side or curtain airbags: damage
Stall (cause not stated)
Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Valve train: damage
Windshield: shattering or cracking
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage

How the 2015 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 This year	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	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

2015 Audi Q5 Recalls

Seven recalls cover the 2015 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.
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.
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.
Seat-Mounted Air Bag Inflators May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V045000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 28, 2016. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 80% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 1 more recalls

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
NHTSA 15V452000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 20, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2016, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2015 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2015 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, emissions system, steering and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-01
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
The problem:
Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
Who qualifies:
3.0 TDI Gen 2 A6, A7, A8 and Q5, engine codes CPNA or CPNB, fixed under the emissions recall. No model years are named. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-09
3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
The problem:
Because of a manufacturing issue, the exhaust gas temperature sensor in the EGR cooler can malfunction now and then. The check engine light comes on, and emissions may be affected.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the sensor and replaces it under the extended warranty if it is faulty.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2014 and 2015 Audis with the 3.0 TDI diesel, engine codes CNRB, CPNA or CPNB. The faulty sensor must have turned the check engine light on and kept it on.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 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-24-04
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)

2015 Audi Q5 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2015 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 2015 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD, hybrid SUV AWD and SQ5 SUV AWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2015 Q5, from its seven recalls, five 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
Air Bag Inflator May Rupture Due to Corrosion NHTSA 17V001000
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 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-18-01: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
AWA-16-09: 3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
AWA-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
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.

High oil consumption
Frame and body structure
Steering
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.