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2017 Audi Q5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Audi Q5 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sun/moon roof assembly and cooling system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Coolant pump and thermostat housing leaks.” 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

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 #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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #17V297000 · Mar 5, 2017

Issue: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect within the gearbox, despite selecting the Park position, the vehicle may still unexpectedly roll.

Risk: Despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the geabox in the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37K6.

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 2017 Audi Q5.

Reported to NHTSA

Coolant pump and thermostat housing leaks

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-06

“Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744177
“coolant is leaking from pump and tstat housings. pump was replaced in 2018 and 2019 by audi due to audi recall. now it is leaking after only 6 years. seems like faulty materials and creates hazardous situation. leaks confirmed via diagnostics by Premier1 auto and certified”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668736
“thermostat housing leaking at the top edge and the coolant pump leaking, replaced thermostat housing and coolant pump assembly. vehicle is available for inspection upon request. the coolant reservoir would empty every time I drove the car or let it sit, the vehicle did let me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

After-run coolant pump recall parts unavailable

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2019-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11184821
“RECEIVED A RECALL RELATED TO ELECTRIC COOLANT PUMP IN JUNE. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. CALLED MY DEALER PRINCETON AUDI AND NO HELP. RECEIVED SECOND NOTICE REGARDING THIS IN SEPTEMBER, THAT AUDI HAD AN 'INTERIM FIX" AND ADVISED ME TO CONTACT PRINCETON AUDI AGAIN. I DID, BUT THEY DID'T”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144186
“LETTER TO DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR KING IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL 19N4- AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP " WHICH WARNS THAT THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A SHORT CIRCUIT AND/OR OVERHEAT AND A STATEMENT NOTING:" THIS RECALL REPAIR IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. *LD *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113728

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil consumption and piston or engine failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-01

“Oil consumption. Audi Q5 oil consumption in my car is not functioning properly. I have to put oil in it about every 3 weeks or less depending on how much I’m driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713475
“Piston rings failure, large oil consumption and water pump leaking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712260
“Catastrophic engine failure, Audi Q5 2017 2.0 Turbo, suddenly stopped/disabled on State highway traveling approximately 45 mph September 2022. Engine re-started after waiting period, then moved to shoulder while experiencing limp mode with EPC light and low oil pressure light”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506008

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump flange leak and fuel system recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q5. The contact stated that vehicle was serviced in 2017 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) by the dealer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, fumes was detected inside the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525358
“On the same day the 5 year warranty expired, the car stopped working. The car was towed to the dealer, and diagnose was gas pump failure. 3 months after, the same problem. After 1 month waiting for the car to be fixed, again the same problem. Now the dealer is saying they just”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487348
“TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL RELATED TO THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SANTA MONICA AUDI (1020 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401, (310) 481-8260) WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ACCEPT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124390

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering stiffness and rack failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2024-01

“Steering is occasionally exhibits resistance when turning left or right. Steering becomes very stiff intermittently. I have taken the to a repair twice but the does not duplicate. The repair did a scan to see if there were any codes but none came up. We also have an ODB2 scanner”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565693
“Electromechanical steering rack failed as I was driving. It was hard to move my vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. They stated that water entered the electromechanical steering unit causing it to fail. Shouldn't these units be watertight? No other warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501550
“Power steering component completely failed. No issues previously. No warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498870

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal fails to stop vehicle

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2025-12

“On 12/13/25 around 8:00am in the morning. I was driving between 20-25 MPH and started to brake for the corner stop sign. I applied the break as I normally would however, the car continued to roll and did not respond to my applying pressure to the brake pedal. No matter how much”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707450
“ON MONDAY 3/9/2020 AROUND 6:45PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONE APPROX. 25-30 MPH. I APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND PRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THE CAR SLOWED SLIGHTLY BUT DID NOT STOP, DESPITE MY INTENSE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. INSTEAD, THE ENGINE REVVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317684
“ON THURSDAY MARCH 16TH APPROX AROUND 6 PM, I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME FROM WORK. WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AT A STOP LIGHT (DRIVING APPROX 40-45 MILES/HR SPEED ON A STRAIGHT ROAD) BY PUSHING THE BREAK PEDAL THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, BUT FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY AND CONTINUED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968487

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags did not deploy in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2019-12

“HIT A STATIONARY HONDA CRV ON BLACK ICE AT APPROX 45-50 MPH. IMPACT WAS STRAIGHT ON FRONT OF OUR CAR AND REAR OF THE CRV. OUR BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED, NONE OF OUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. OUR VEHICLE WAS THEN HIT FROM THE REAR BY A JEEP WRANGLER AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED. STILL NO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289806
“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF ON HER CLIENT WHO OWNED A 2017 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210331

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)

10 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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2017 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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