2016 Audi Q5 problems
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 77 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2016 Audi Q5 has 77 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 27 complaints, typically surfacing around 54,863 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Q5 | 92 | 0 |
| 2014 Q5 | 105 | 0 |
| 2015 Q5 | 97 | 0 |
| 2016 Q5 (this page) | 77 | 0 |
| 2017 Q5 | 42 | 3 |
| 2018 Q5 | 197 | 1 |
| 2019 Q5 | 48 | 3 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Audi Q5 SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Audi Q5? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 27 owner reports · tends to show around 54,863 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 90,721 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 42,581 mi · ~$850 to fix
- airbags — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 23,300 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 42,581 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 Audi Q5
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic on several occasions and unknown repairs were performed;…
Purchased a 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus in June of 2022, I only had it for about a month and the light came on asking me to put a quart of oil in it. After adding oil the light went off, Well it has done it two more times since the first time. While having the car serviced in…
Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when…
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Audi Q5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Audi Q5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Audi Q5?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Audi Q5 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Audi Q5?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 27 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,863 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Audi Q5 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 77 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 54,863 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Audi Q5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 27 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,863 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,863 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi Q5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Audi Q5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 77 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.