2016 Audi Q5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is engine problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 audi q5. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the deale. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
100
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
34 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALE
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (AUDI OF SAN DIEGO, 1-855-971-8198) WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILA
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (AUDI OF SAN DIEGO, 1-855-971-8198) WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILA
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALE”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Audi Q5
Based on 32 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 33K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
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 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.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 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 2016 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.
EV Incentives for 2016 Audi Q5
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 100 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: ON AUGUST 11, 2016 I PURCHASED FROM AUDI TYSONS CORNER, LOCATED AT 8545 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA 22182, A 2016 AUDI QUATTRO FOR $42,040.00 [EXHIBIT F]. I TRADED IN MY 2007 BMW X3 [EXHIBIT I] FOR $5,000 (I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO AUDI TYSONS CORNER ON SAME DATE) WITH A REMAINING BALANCE FOR THE A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: WHEN STARTING NEW 2016 Q5 PREMIUM PLUS, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING THAT REAR HATCH IS OPEN, CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT FUNCTION AND DOOR LOCK SIGNAL NOT TO SOUND. DEALER REPLACED REAR HATCH LATCH AND COMFORT CONTROL UNIT J393, AFTER THE THIRD VISIT TO THEM FOR THE SAME COMPLAINT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: ON 7/26/20, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A COSTCO'S PARKING LOT, A MESSAGE SUDDENLY APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD, 'STEERING DEFECTIVE DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE'. THE WEATHER WAS HOT WITH TEMPERATURE READING OF 99 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MY VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF I DID N
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 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 100
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 9
- Injury reports
- 5
- Segment avg
- 105
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Audi Q5