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2011 Audi Q5 visibility problems
moderate
Owners of the 2011 Audi Q5 have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the visibility at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See visibility across all vehicles →
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinTSB_20741717_15Aug 2026
This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
2 most recent
visibility
· filed 12/21/2017
Panoramic sunroof start leaking water when rain and panoramic foam swells, foam becomes rusied and builds corrosion.
visibility
· filed 12/16/2010
Wipers do not keep windshield clear in winter snow and ice driving conditions. Wipers freeze up and do not clear windshield, seriously compromising visibility and causing dangerous vehicle operation. Design is proprietary and Audi do not offer winter blades to remedy this situation. Please note, this is for an Audi a4 quattro, not q5 as your web site only acknowledges the a3 and q5 as choices…
Had visibility trouble with your 2011 Audi Q5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2011 Audi Q5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover visibility issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Audi/Q5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.