This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Audi Q5 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Audi Q5 have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,032 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Q5 | 6 |
| 2011 Q5 | 28 |
| 2013 Q5 | 25 |
| 2014 Q5 (this page) | 29 |
| 2015 Q5 | 35 |
| 2016 Q5 | 27 |
| 2017 Q5 | 15 |
| 2018 Q5 | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 29 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Audi Q5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Audi Q5 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Audi Q5 generates consistent complaints about engine-related failures. Most prevalent is excessive oil consumption, with owners reporting the need to add oil every 200-300 miles or every one to two weeks starting around 60,000-84,000 miles. This leads to engine misfires, contamination, and eventual piston ring failure requiring full engine replacement. Costs for engine work range from $4,500 to $7,000 out of pocket once warranty expires. While some dealerships apply a goodwill oil-reimbursement program, Audi declines comprehensive repairs for out-of-warranty vehicles despite acknowledging the pattern.
Fuel pump failures cause sudden loss of power at highway speeds with check engine and EPC warnings; dealerships report backorders and widespread pump issues. Timing chain stretch occurs around 50,000-75,000 miles, causing check engine lights and poor cold-start performance. Several owners report sudden engine shutdown without clear root cause, sometimes with internal damage confirmed by dealership inspection. Coolant system failures include false overheat warnings and actual pump leaks. A preventive recall (18V229000/19N4) for coolant pump replacement remains incomplete, with promised parts never delivered to owners. One owner reports the recall pump replacement itself failed prematurely. Diesel variants have reported cold-start failure in below-freezing temperatures, possibly related to fuel waxing, which Audi denies is a known issue.
Same Audi Q5 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure
Engine consuming oil at abnormal rates (typically 1 quart per 200-300 miles or filling every 1-2 weeks), eventually causing piston ring damage, internal contamination, and requiring full engine replacement or major repairs.
When: Starting around 60,000-84,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine oil warning light; Frequent need to add oil between services; Engine misfires; Engine stalling or loss of power while driving; Vibration at highway speeds; Burning smell (in some cases)
Codes mentioned: P0300-series misfire codes, Oil contamination affecting ignition system, Piston ring damage confirmed by dealership inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or complete piston and ring replacement needed; costs reported from $4,500 to $7,000 out of pocket after warranty expiration. Some owners had Audi provide partial assistance. Dealerships Gwinnett Audi (GA), Biener Audi (NY), and others performed diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi appears to have a goodwill oil-reimbursement program at some dealerships for top-offs, but declines full engine repairs once warranty expires. No comprehensive recall issued for this defect despite longstanding reports dating to 2012 models. Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed nationwide.
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump failure causing sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds, with multiple reports indicating the fuel pump has become a persistent issue affecting multiple vehicles.
When: At various mileages; one report at 125,000+ miles under severe heat
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle will not accelerate; Check engine light and EPC warning light illumination; Engine stalling or shutting off; Hesitant starting; Vehicle unable to restart immediately
Codes mentioned: 2043758/8 PUNCH 2 & 3 (fuel pump error code)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement required; parts include pump, cap, washer, and sometimes a 'repair set' component. One repair cost $1,983 at Audi Peoria. Multiple dealerships reported fuel pump backorders of 1-2 weeks due to high volume of recent failures. One owner reports the fuel pump replacement at different dealerships required different part configurations.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall mentioned for fuel pump failures, but dealers acknowledge widespread issues. Fuel pump flange recall (18V229000) exists but is separate from current pump failures.
Timing chain stretch
Timing chain stretching, causing loss of proper engine timing and triggering check engine lights; repair requires replacement of timing chain and tensioner.
When: Around 53,661-75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination (intermittent then persistent); Cold start fuel performance fault (reported by dealer); Engine performance issues
Codes mentioned: Cold start fuel performance fault
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and tensioner replacement performed at dealerships. One owner notes this is highly unlikely damage for vehicles under 100,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Similar timing chain defects in earlier Audi models (2012+) led to class action lawsuits that Audi was found at fault for. No current recall for 2014 Q5 timing chain issues identified in narratives.
Fuel vapor lock in extreme heat
Engine fuel system lockup during extreme heat conditions (117°F), causing sudden loss of power and inability to restart without extended cool-down period.
When: At 28,000 miles; triggered by exterior temperature of 117°F during highway travel
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving at 75 mph; Speed gradually dropping; Check engine light illumination; EPC warning light illumination; Vehicle will not start
Codes mentioned: Check engine, EPC (Electronic Power Control)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis confirmed fuel vapor lock. Repair cost $1,983 at Audi Peoria. Parts had to be ordered from Los Angeles, delaying repair. Vehicle needed towing at $673 cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or TSB mentioned for vapor lock issues in extreme heat.
Engine stall during operation
Unexpected engine shutdown while driving, with vehicle losing all motive power; often related to excessive oil consumption or timing chain issues but sometimes occurring without diagnosed root cause.
When: Various mileages from 37,000 to 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, EPC, engine warning lights); Loss of motive power; In some cases, burning smell
Codes mentioned: EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning, Check engine light, Internal engine damage (confirmed by some dealerships)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs varied by cause: engine replacement ($4,500-$7,000), internal damage repair, or no repair attempted. One owner was offered engine replacement with warranty covering only partial cost. Some vehicles remained undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi appears inconsistent: some owners offered partial assistance after warranty expiration, others received none. One vehicle remained at dealership for three weeks without diagnosis or repair.
Coolant pump failure (post-recall)
Electric coolant pump installed under recall 18V229000 / 19N4 failed prematurely, lasting only 36,132 miles after replacement, well short of expected service life.
When: Replacement pump installed July 2019 at 73,496 miles; failed March 2025 at 109,628 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Overheat warning light and message to turn off engine; Low coolant level detected; Small water pump leak (found by independent shop)
Codes mentioned: Overheat warning
Repairs/costs cited: Original recall pump replaced under recall 18V229000. Replacement pump failed prematurely; additional water pump replacement performed at independent shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V229000 (19N4) addressed original pump; Audi refused goodwill reimbursement for premature failure of the recall-installed pump.
Cold-weather starting failure (diesel variant)
Diesel 2014 Q5 failed to start in frigid temperatures (below 8°F) following an auxiliary heater recall repair; suspect diesel waxing issue, though Audi denies this is a known problem.
When: January 1 in below 8°F weather; subsequently failed at 12-20°F temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Engine and battery warning lights illuminated; Key fob unable to release (vehicle thinks ignition is on); Battery drain due to fob lock
Codes mentioned: Engine warning light, Battery warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repair described; owner reports towing company suggested diesel waxing as likely cause. Owner message boards report similar issues. Audi dealership service rep claims no diesel additive is required and has never personally seen this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi denies diesel waxing is a problem. No known recall or TSB mentioned. Owner characterizes Audi's response as 'don't ask, don't tell' culture regarding potential problems.
Faulty coolant temperature sensor and water pump
Coolant system components failing to accurately report temperature or maintain cooling integrity, with false overheat warnings or actual coolant leaks.
When: First incident 2017 in 10°F weather; recurrence fall 2023; vehicle under 60,000 miles at time of second incident
Symptoms owners cite: Overheat warning light and message to turn off engine; Low coolant level; No actual engine overheating confirmed
Codes mentioned: Overheat warning
Repairs/costs cited: Initial dealership visit could not replicate issue and suggested faulty sensor. Second visit dealership suggested thermostat replacement but independent shop found small water pump leak and replaced pump.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or TSB mentioned for coolant sensor or water pump issues.
Delayed recall remedy and parts unavailability
Recall 18V229000 (19N4) for electric coolant pump required disconnecting power to after-motor pump in October 2018, with replacement parts promised for early 2019, but parts never became available and recall status remains unclear.
When: Recall performed October 2018; parts promised early 2019 but never delivered
Symptoms owners cite: No active symptoms reported; this is a preventive recall
Repairs/costs cited: Power disconnected to after-motor pump per recall. Replacement pumps promised but never delivered. One owner reports being told by service manager that Audi decided not to replace pumps after all.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V229000 (19N4) initiated but remedy incomplete. Conflicting information: NHTSA VIN tool shows parts not available; some owners report recall completed but with power disconnection only, not replacement. Recall status shows as open on Carfax/AutoCheck despite unclear completion status.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The car has a known "oil consumption issue" that has led to engine failure that Audi has failed to take responsibility for. This is a 2104 Audi Q5. The car is in San Francisco and available for inspection. The car vibrates and can't be safely driven at highway speeds, if the engine suddenly lost power on the highway it could be a major safety issue for the driver and other drivers. The dealer…
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. The contact stated that she needed to add oil to the engine every two weeks. The vehicle was taken to biener Audi (located at 795 northern blvd, great neck, ny 11021, (516) 829-2834) three times. On october 13, 2019,…
I bought my 2014 Audi Q5 in September of 2019 with 74, 291 miles from a reputable dealership in Cleveland, OH. After a few months of driving, I began to notice that the vehicle did not retain oil. This caused oil leaks which led to internal spillage, subsequent parts damage and random stalling. As a result, in May of 2022, during rush hour traffic, my car failed to accelerate mid-intersection,…
When starting my car the engine makes a loud rattling noise.
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. They were not able to get it to replicate and advised it was possibly a faulty sensor. Fast forward to fall of 2023, the same warning light came on as soon as the car was turned on. Still no actual…
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Audi q5. While driving 70 MPH, the engine turned off and the electronic power control indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Audi san diego (9010 miramar rd, san diego, ca 92126) and remained there for three weeks. The manufacturer was also contacted and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 engine problem on the 2014 Audi Q5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 29 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 81,886 miles, with the median around 70,032. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 81,886. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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/2014/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.