2017 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 47; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.7; 35,524 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.36×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 12; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2016 Q5 2018 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2017 Audi Q5?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2017 Audi Q5 is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (8 of 47 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and unintended acceleration. 12 of the 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers two 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 2016 scores 78.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 81
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Cooling system: a leak8 complaints
Steering: stopped working5 complaints
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)4 complaints

How the 2017 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	0.32×	−5
Everyday problems	0.47×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.47×	−6
Recalls	0.92×	−5
Score		81

What Owners Report

We read all 47 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi Q5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Cooling system: a leak
8 complaints (17%)
A leak, overheating and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Steering: stopped working
5 complaints (11%)
A feature that stopped working, sticking or stiffness and locking up. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (9%)
Surging and sudden acceleration. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (6%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (6%)
Burning or using oil.
Brakes: locking up
2 complaints (4%)
Locking up and loss of braking. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (4%)
A failure and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Mirrors: view blocked by mirror
2 complaints (4%)
View blocked by mirror. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Rearview camera: delayed image
2 complaints (4%)
Delayed image and problems that come and go.

Reported Once (13)

Show the 13 problems reported once

ABS: loss of braking
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Control arm bushings: unusual noises
Control module (unspecified) failure
Engine oil leak
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel system: warning lights
Noise (cause not stated)
Charging ports: stopped working
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
Sunroof: unusual noises
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts

How the 2017 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 This year	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	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

2017 Audi Q5 Recalls

Five recalls cover the 2017 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.
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.
Vehicle May Roll Despite Being in 'Park'
Despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V297000 Recall report (PDF)Issued May 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2017, 100% 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.

2017 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2017 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-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)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2017 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SQ5 SUV AWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2017 Q5, from its five recalls, two 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
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 17V298000
Vehicle May Roll Despite Being in 'Park' NHTSA 17V297000
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-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

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

Cooling system
Steering
Unintended acceleration
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.