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2014 Audi Q5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Audi Q5 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and cooling system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Subframe rust and corrosion under plastic covers.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #17V622000 · May 10, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Campaign #17V002000 · Mar 1, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #17V001000 · Mar 1, 2017

Issue: 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 compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Campaign #18V229000 · Nov 4, 2018

Issue: 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 within the pump.

Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #17V298000 · Mar 5, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Audi Q5.

Reported to NHTSA

Subframe rust and corrosion under plastic covers

STRUCTURE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2026-08

“Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730241
“Took my vehicle in for an alignment, was told by my local Audi dealer the rear subframe has rotted through and will need to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640211
“I recently discovered that my Q5 tubular rear subframe/crossmember (part # 8R0505235N) has rusted thru near a bushing that supports the rear transaxle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519666

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant pump failure following recall repair

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2026-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104529
“Under Recall 19N4, the electric coolant pump was replaced in July 2019 at 73,496 miles. That replacement pump failed prematurely in March 2025 at 109,628 miles — lasting only 36,132 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678346
“In 2017 while driving in 10 degree weather, the overheat warning light and message to turn off engine came in. The car was not actually overheating and we took it straight to the dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550926

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain stretch and failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2024-01

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AT 64683 MILES. CAR WAS TAKEN TO AUDI DEALER TO TROUBLE SHOOT. DIAGNOSED AS "COLD START FUEL PERFORMANCE FAULT CAUSED BY STRETCHED TIMING BELT."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11301235
“AFTER 53661 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON,AFTER DRIVING IT IT WENT OFF ONLY TO COME BACK ON AND STAY ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER "FOUND TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED. REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND TENSONER"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397790
“Timing chain, turbocharger and high pressure fuel pump has to be replaced for the car with 75000 miles on it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461655

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2020-01

“PANORAMIC SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING. GLASS SHARDS COVERED MYSELF AND BACKSEAT. LARGE HOLE IN TOP OF SUNROOF AND ALL GLASS FRACTURED. SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHEN IT EXPLODED. IN MOTION ON SEWARD HIGHWAY. 5:15 AM ON ROAD. MINIMAL TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306151
“THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WITH MY PANORAMIC MOONROOF OPEN COMPLETELY. I WAS TRAVELING IN A SAFE SPEED, NO SPEED BUMPS OR POT HOLES, NO UNDERPASSES, AND NO TRAFFIC WHEN SUDDENLY MY MOONROOF GLASS POPPED AND SHATTERED EVERYWHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11098474

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2026-03

“Oil consumption Burns a lot of oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569774
“My 2014 Audi Q5 2.0L Turbo, at 84339 miles, is consuming oil between oil changes. 4300 miles after my last oil change by the Audi dealership, I had to add oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428479
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE CHECK ENGINE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11280881

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electromechanical power steering lockup in cold weather

STEERING

14 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2025-03

“STEERING ESSENTIALLY "LOCKED" UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WARNING ALARM SOUNDED AND "STEERING DEFECTIVE, DO NOT DRIVE" WARNING APPEARED. VERY DANGEROUS, CAN BARELY TURN WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373451
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED IN THE WINTER MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061622
“VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY AUDI FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. REPORTING AGAIN, BECAUSE DEALER COMPLETELY REPLACED AUDI "ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING UNIT". VEHICLE STEERING LOCKED UP HARD, REQUIRING VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO TURN EVEN A FEW DEGREES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10568573

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2025-09

“Seatbelt tensioner and air bags failed to deploy when the vehicles was in a severe frontal collision when another vehicle ran a stop sign exiting the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446057
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11096476
“On Tuesday, September 2nd, I was in a car accident on the freeway. A car jump out in front of me and did not go quickly enough, I hit my breaks, but still hit them going around 55-60 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689048

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

9 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Audi Q5 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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