2016 Audi Q5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Audi Q5: 5 recalls, 77 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #17V001000 · 2017 · 234,057 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system May allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V002000 · 2017 · 342,867 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi a5, a5 cabriolet and q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi allroad and Audi a4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi a6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l turbo fsi engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Why it matters: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #17V298000 · 2017 · 240,487 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi q5 and 2013-2017 Audi q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that May crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017.
Electrical Vehicle recall #17V622000 · 2017 · 216,913 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi a5 coupe, a5 cabriolet, a4 sedan, a4 allroad and q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater May cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Why it matters: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2017.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V229000 · 2018 · 342,867 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi a5 cabriolet, a5 sedan and Audi q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi a6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi a4 sedan and a4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l turbo fsi engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture…
Why it matters: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (26): the most common themes are excess oil use (7), warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Other / unknown (11): the most common themes are leaks (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), warning light on (2), door / lock issues (2).
- Steering (10): the most common themes are steering problems (10), warning light on (2).
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 77 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 19 Q5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 71). Complaints peaked in 2023 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 36,244 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (99 complaints, 6 recalls), 2017 (42 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Premium or E85 |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Audi Q5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Audi Q5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Audi Q5 problems?
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (26), other / unknown (11), electrical (10).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi Q5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Audi Q5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.