This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Cylinder #3 lost compression, down to 30 psi from 170 psi, causing the car to lose power and run extremely rough or not run on occasion. This is a safety hazard, especially risky for highway driving. There were no warning messages, car just start running very rough or wouldn't start. Such loss of compression has been reported by an Audi service manager who says Cylinder #3 is known to have this issue, but there is no recall for it yet. The problems began in May 2021. The car was drinking/consuming oil frequently and occasionally running rough. It was taken to multiple mechanics to identify the issue. Fixes included changing spark plugs, coils, and the PCV valve to provide temporary solutions at best. 5/24/21 increased consumption of oil began 9/9/22 rough idle, spark plugs replaced 10/14/22 rough idle and burning oil, taken to a service shop, replaced the PCV valve 7/12/23 rough idle again, spark plugs replaced again under warranty 2/14/24 - rough shake again, spark plugs replaced again and dead cylinder #3 confirmed
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that oil had leaked into the engine coolant. Due to the failure, the oil cooler was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an oil consumption test was performed. The test showed that the piston rings were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The car presently has about 92,000 miles on it. Around 80,000 miles (back over the winter) the oil light started to come on indicating I'm down a quart or so. I would find myself putting in a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so. It has progressed. I understand the vehicle has a problem with the piston ring design such that the ring allows excess oil into the chamber and the ring itself might shatter. The problem, at best, prevents acceleration and deceleration...problematic on or off a highway. At worst, the ring shatters and engine stops. The 2012 - 2017 models and other models were involved in class action lawsuits. The 2015 escaped that litigation somehow. Though I'll be taking it to an Audi dealer for an oil consumption test as recommended. No one has yet to inspect the vehicle.
Car worked fine with no signs of any issues or concerns. I stopped at a light and the car turned off as the start-stop system normally does. However when the light went green, the car would refuse to start flashing "Steering Malfunction, Do not drive"... I'm at a light on a highway, what do you mean "do not drive"! The power steering was completely lost and it seems because of it, the entire system would refuse to allow the car to even start. The car had to eventually be pushed off the highway after causing an incredible amount of traffic and then towed. I contacted Audi and they appear to know about this issue, however will only warranty a very specific fault code, and will not honor any other faults in the system or any car that doesn't have a perfect history. Estimated cost to repair this absurd faulty steering rack according to online sources is almost $4000. Audi even recalled this system on they're higher package cars like the SQ5 but still wont recall this system in the Q5 line up.
Faulty pistons, piston rings and piston heads responsible for excessive oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption occurs because the combustion chamber is not properly sealed off from the Audi turbo engine parts that need to remain lubricated. Because of inadequate lubrication, fragments of the piston rings flow through the Audi 2L turbo engines and damage important components. As a result, our 2015 Audi Q5is at risk for immediate loss of engine power. There is currently a class action law suit against Audi for this problem for cars in this year range, but nothing has been solved.Audi's answer to this problem is to bring the car in every 300-500 miles for free oil top offs. This does NOT solve the underlying problem nor eliminate the deadly risk of total engine failure. People are driving around in vehicles at risk for complete failure. The Audi dealership states that to replace piston rings, it will cost between $10,000 and $12,000. Absolutely unsafe and unacceptable.
- Greenville, SC, USA
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When I reached approximately 101,000 miles my low oil indicator yellow light came on. The car does not have a dipstick so I could not manually check this. I thought the oil level sensor was broken, as I have not had this light come on in the first 101,000 miles. I regularly change the oil according to manufacturer guidelines of every 10K miles. Eventually the red low oil level light came on and the car told me to add oil. I went and had the oil changed and they told me there was only 2.9 quarts of oil remaining in the car when they changed it. Obviously the car is buring oil as I have no indicated leaks on my garage floor or driveway. I note this is an issue on many online forums. If the negine were to sieze at speed while driving it will be very dangerous.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, extra pressure was needed to depress the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that she heard a knocking sound throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she needed to add one quart of oil less than every 300 miles however, the oil level failed to remain at a normal level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the pistons needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Piston rings are failing at 100k miles and consuming excessive amount of engine oil. It is around a quart every 150-200 miles! Suspension components and motor mounts also have to be replaced frequently.
The car is using/burning excessive oil. I-??m adding oil every 300-500 miles. There was an open recall in the past for the exact same consumer problems. I purchased this car used in April of 2022 and it-??s been an on going problem since I-??ve had it.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that a message to -??Please add a quart of oil-?? was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a quarter of oil was added; however, several weeks later the same message illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and stated that the pistons might need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 120,000.
All of a sudden around 75,000 miles oil consumption is extreme. We have to add 1 quart of oil every 3 weeks or ~700 miles. Dealer is asking for oil consumption test which costs $500 to determine the issue. There was a lawsuit for same issue against Audi, 126,000 were affeceted. We are facing exact same issue described in lawsuit. This was not an issue when car was newer. We bought the car brand new. Warning lamp that comes up "Oil Level, Please add max 1 qt oil, You can continue driving", this is happening more and more, approximately ever 3 weeks which isn't normal. I spoke to Audi Morton Grove (My Dealership) they were not able to assists because vehicle is out of warranty, advised to call Audi USA. Per Audi USA, our VIN # is not listed about known oil consumption issue. Contacting AUDI USA did not help.
A "turn off engine, check coolant level" warning appeared and the engine overheated within the same day. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who found a faulty water pump that required replacement to fix the issue.
SUV burns approximately 1qt oil per every 250-500 miles driven. Oil is accumulating on engine, causing burn and acrid odor. If I do not add a quart every ~2 weeks, engine will overheat. Have replaced the PCV part twice to no avail. Initially, mechanic recommended replacement of piston rings. Audi must recognize problem as they are no longer selling rings; owner must have complete pistons replaced. This is an expensive fix. This complaint appears common across Audi Q5 owners of this model year. Previous model years were recalled for same issues; clearly the issue was not addressed in later model year either.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue was confirmed and Audi Quoted me $8000 to repair because of bent valve heads Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi of Louisville Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No they came on AFTER the car started shaking violently on the interstate I am still waiting on a second quote of getting this engine repaired from another certified repair center. I will attached what I paid for the diagnostics report. Per the manual on this car, you should CHANGE your timing belt at 100,000 K miles- Not have to replace your engine because it breaks prematurely at 70,000 miles. This is terrible for this quality of car and price!! I am furious!!
Oil consumption - check engine add oil lights come on every 200 to 300 miles add a quart of oil then again after 200+ miles add another quart. Audi will not acknowledge there is a problem and recall. I have 108K miles 90% highway. 5 year 80K warranty it started after 80K miles. I have spent $3K the past six months without replacing the engine.
The add oil light on my vehicle started to come on as I was driving. Initially it was requiring oil added in between service appointments. I mentioned it at time of service and I was told this was normal at the dealership where I had all of the service on this vehicle done. When it started reading low oil at just under every 1000 miles I contacted dealer again who had me bring it in and they performed a scope of the system. I was told that it was not using too much oil and according to Audi it was within normal usage of oil. I was very skeptical and brought it to a different Audi dealership for the next scheduled service. They told me there was too much oil in the exhaust and it was indeed using too much. At his point I am needing to add a quart of oil at just under every 500 miles. I did get a third opinion from a foreign motor specialist who works on Audi's but is not affiliated. He told me the car is using way too much oil and that the Audi Q5 vehicles are known for this. I have had all recommended service completed at an Audi dealer, most was done where the vehicle was purchased. I have only used premium gasoline, which is what Audi recommends. I am very frustrated with the conflicting reports and believe this is a known problem that Audi continues to ignore. This is an ongoing incident which first happened at about 60,000 miles. The date below reflects the last time the add oil light came on.
I have been dealing with an oil consumption issue on my 2015 Audi Q5 for a good part of this year. I service my vehicle regularly and oil consumption had never been an issue until the engine light came on in March. I live in fl during the winter months so I took the vehicle to Audi of melbourne on March 12, 2020, odometer reading 75,755. At that time, they completed part 1 of an oil consumption test and informed me to return the vehicle if the engine light came on or I drove 1,000 miles. Because of the coronavirus, I returned to ky and the second part of the test was completed by Audi of lexington on March 31, 2020, odometer reading 76,920. I was informed that the vehicle passed the oil consumption test (no report provided) based on the parameters established by Audi usa. I continued to monitor the oil level, adding when nearing the minimum level. Realizing that oil consumption was worsening, I contacted Audi of lexington and scheduled a second oil consumption test. Part 1 of that test occurred on June 23, 2020, odometer reading 77,793. I was told to drive the vehicle until the engine light came on or I had driven 700 miles. Audi of lexington completed part 2 of the test on July 21, 2020, odometer reading 78,534, and again the vehicle passed within Audi usa parameters. I believe the oil consumption was.49 quarts. I purchased the certified pre-owned vehicle from Audi of lexington on April 18, 2015. The cpo warranty is set to expire on August 23, 2020 and I fear the engine will fail sometime before or after that date. I know there is a serious oil burn issue that I had never experienced on any other vehicle owned during my lifetime and while acceptable to Audi usa, it is not acceptable to me. While the owner's manual mentions minor oil consumption, quart per 600 miles, I was not disclosed that issue prior to purchasing the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to Audi South burlington (1325 shelburne rd, South burlington, vt 05403). The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling). The check engine warning light was cleared by the dealer. A month later, the check engine warning light reappeared and the vehicle was taken to classic Audi service center (655 N macquesten pkwy, mt vernon, NY 10552). The warning light was no longer displayed when the vehicle reached the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. While driving at 45 mph, the contact's son was pulled over and heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was turned off and restarted but stalled without warning. The vehicle was driven to a gas station and then towed to Audi rutland (176 us-7, rutland, vt 05701) to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
While in motion on a dark country road in vt, my 2015 Audi Q5 car with just 61,000 miles on it started to make a loud noise and became undrivable. The driver sat on the road and waited for roadside assistance and a tow truck to take the car to the nearest Audi dealer, which was 40 miles away. Several days later, Audi drained the oil in the engine and found metal shavings. No engine light went on at the time of breakdown, but it had gone on two times before the event as did the coolant light. When this happened, we took the car to Audi, where they wiped the dashboard code and sent us on our way. After learning of the fatal engine failure, I reached out to Audi to request they standby their engine even though the car was out of warranty. Audi responded with the following: Audi claims to have a policy that requires its owners only visit service at the Audi service center; I have yet to see this in writing. Audi also maintains the mann oil filter is not compatible with their cars, yet it is what they use in their service centers. Audi has used these factors to deny a claim requesting that they offset the cost of a new engine. Engines do not die at 61,000 miles. Had my son been on a highway driving at a faster speed, he could have been killed, but yet still, Audi executives continue to choose to ignore the issues that plague the Audi Q5.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Phoenixville, PA, USA