2016 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 2nd of 16 Q5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 83
- 12 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 13.0
- 54,413 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.44×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 28
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2016 Audi Q5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi Q5 is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 16 Q5 years we score.
The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (12 of 83 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the cooling system. 28 of the 83 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 74 and the 2017 scores 81.
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 78
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil12 complaints
- Steering: loss of steering control12 complaints
- Cooling system: a leak9 complaints
How the 2016 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 | 0.43× | −6 |
| Everyday problems | 0.46× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.59× | −7 |
| Recalls | 0.89× | −6 |
| Score | 78 |
What Owners Report
We read all 83 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 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 83.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
12 complaints (14%)
Burning or using oil. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 117,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
12 complaints (14%)
Loss of steering control, warning lights and sticking or stiffness. 7 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
9 complaints (11%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and overheating. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
5 complaints (6%)
Stalling, a failure that needed a new part and rough running or misfires. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Mirrors: view blocked by mirror
4 complaints (5%)
View blocked by mirror. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
3 complaints (4%)
Rust or corrosion and a failure.
Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Fuel system: a bad smell
2 complaints (2%)
A bad smell.
Key fob: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Reported Once (24)
Show the 24 problems reported once
- 12V battery failure
- PCV valve or crankcase breather: unusual noises
- Brake calipers: a leak
- Brakes: early wear
- Door latches: warning lights
- Engine oil leak
- Engine sensors or computer: warning lights
- Fuel leak
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
- High-pressure fuel pump failure
- Oil pressure: warning lights
- Secondary air injection system: fault code
- Serpentine belt failure
- Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
- Side blind zone alert: stopped working
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Transmission fluid leak
- Valve train failure
- Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
How the 2016 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 This year | 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 | 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 |
2016 Audi Q5 Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2016 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 18V229000Recall 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 17V622000Recall 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 17V298000Recall 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 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.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000Recall 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.
2016 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine 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.
- 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.
- 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.
2016 Audi Q5 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2016 Audi Q5. It has closed.
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA 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 DP22005Opening 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 2016 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD, hybrid SUV AWD and SQ5 SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2016 Q5, from its five recalls, three 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
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-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
- Steering
- 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