2011 Audi Q5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Audi Q5 has 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is air bags problems (35% of all complaints), specifically: after my q5 has been in the service department 3 times for the same issue broke down on a very busy highway with my small child on board. my audi advisor told me to try to bring it to the dealer. we did not make it. car had to be towed. after 2 weeks, i was advised i needed a new engine at the c. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
192
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
67 complaints- • AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE C
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFA
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTU
“AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE C”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Audi Q5
Based on 94 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 80K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
AIR BAGS
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (5)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Risk: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Audi Q5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Audi Q5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi Q5 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2011 Q5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 192 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE C
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: CRANK SENSOR FAILURE AND AND FUEL PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: CRANK SENSOR FAILURE AND AND FUEL PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WHILE TAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, THE AUDI Q5 3.2 TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE AUDI Q5 STOPPED AND WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO BE WORKING PROPERLY; HOWEVER, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE AUDI Q5 DISPLAYED A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi Q5 — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 192
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 5
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 105
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Audi Q5