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; however, after each repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was…
2016 Audi Q5 engine problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 27 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Audi Q5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Engine accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 27 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Multiple serious engine defects plague the 2016 Audi Q5—excessive oil consumption, coolant leaks, water pump failures, and intermittent stalling at highway speeds—with many owners excluded from recalls or left waiting indefinitely for parts. Budget for unexpected engine costs and expect Audi to deny responsibility for known issues, especially excessive oil consumption.
Owners of the 2016 Audi Q5 describe a persistent pattern of engine-related failures. The most frequent complaint centers on excessive oil consumption—multiple owners burning through a quart of oil every 500–1,000 miles (in some cases 200–300 miles), with white or black smoke trailing from the exhaust. Several owners reference a class action lawsuit covering earlier model years, yet their 2016 vehicles remain excluded or unrepaired. One owner's engine failed catastrophically at 117,000 miles with valve and piston failure; he had alerted dealerships to the excessive oil consumption at prior service visits but received no meaningful response.
Coolant system problems appear separately: coolant levels drop dramatically with no warning light, and one owner experienced catastrophic coolant line rupture that destroyed the engine. Audi issued Technical Service Bulletins and warranty extensions for secondary air injection carbon buildup (TSB 2014569 and 2014665/4), but many owners report being excluded from coverage U19 despite identical fault codes and repair needs.
Intermittent throttle failure during low-speed passing maneuvers and complete engine stalls at highway speeds (75 mph) without warning lights represent safety hazards. Water pumps fail repeatedly, with second failures occurring just 37,000 miles after recall replacement. Recall parts for Campaign 18V229000 remained unavailable for extended periods, preventing timely repairs. One owner reported waiting over a year for engine parts on backorder. Dealerships consistently deflect responsibility, dismissing excessive oil consumption as "what German cars do" while Audi refuses warranty claims.
Same Audi Q5 engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) System Carbon Buildup
Carbon accumulation in the secondary air injection system, particularly in the cylinder head secondary air ports, causes restricted secondary air flow. This triggers the Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow fault and prevents the vehicle from passing emissions inspections.
When: Occurs across vehicle lifespan; complaint filed after check engine light illumination
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Increased emissions; Vehicle fails emissions inspection
Codes mentioned: P0491
Repairs/costs cited: Removal and cleaning of carbon buildup in cylinder head secondary air ports, quoted at approximately $2,500. Diagnostic cost $249.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued Warranty Extension U19 (10 years / 120,000 miles) for carbon buildup in secondary air injection ports on some vehicles; however, many VINs excluded from coverage despite identical fault codes and repair procedure. Technical Service Bulletins 2014569 and 2014665/4 reference this condition.
Oil Level Indicator Malfunction
The oil level warning light illuminates repeatedly even when actual oil level is at normal operating level. The sensor has been replaced but the problem recurs. The vehicle lacks a mechanical dipstick for manual oil verification, leaving owners unable to independently confirm actual oil level.
When: First occurrence May 2018, recurrence January 2021; triggers during freeway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level warning light flashes on dashboard; Light illuminates despite normal actual oil level; Intermittent recurrence after sensor replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Oil level sensor replaced (May 2018); root cause undiagnosed. Owners cite concern over inability to check oil manually without dipstick.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Multiple owners report the engine burning or consuming oil at abnormally high rates (1 quart per 500–1,000 miles, or even 1 quart per 200–300 miles in severe cases) with no visible leaks. Some owners report white smoke from tail pipes. Several owners reference a prior class action lawsuit regarding this issue, though their vehicles either were not covered or the issue persists post-repair.
When: Begins within weeks to months of purchase; accelerates over ownership period. Complaints filed across 2018–2024.
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil consumption requiring frequent top-ups; White or black soot from tail pipes; Oil level warning light triggers frequently; Dealers acknowledge the behavior as 'typical' without offering remedy; Possible loss of power when oil drops critically; Excessive oil consumption accelerating (one owner: 200–300 miles per quart)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan gasket and fill tube O-ring replacement attempted in one case without resolving consumption. One owner faced quote of $15,000+ for engine teardown or $18,000 for engine replacement. One engine failed catastrophically at 117,000 miles; owner had complained to dealerships about excessive oil consumption at prior oil changes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit filed for 2009–2013 model years; 2016 owners state their vehicles were excluded or not repaired under any recall. Dealers dismissed concerns, stating 'that's what German cars do.' Audi refused to take responsibility, citing no warranty coverage for inherent engine problems.
Throttle Control Failure
Intermittent loss of throttle response during low-speed driving. When accelerating suddenly (e.g., passing), the throttle does not respond to pedal input despite pressing the gas pedal. Driver must remove foot and reapply pressure to regain response. Occurs approximately 12 times; replicated twice in controlled setting but not at dealership.
When: Occurs intermittently, primarily at low speeds during sudden acceleration attempts
Symptoms owners cite: No throttle response when pressing gas pedal; Throttle unresponsiveness during passing maneuvers; Requires lifting foot and reapplying pedal to restore response; Occurs at least 12 times; more frequent in controlled replication
Codes mentioned: None found at dealership scan
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to identify root cause or generate fault codes. No repair attempted.
Coolant System Low Level / Leakage
Coolant level drops significantly during normal driving without warning light illumination. Owner detects low coolant by smell (abnormal burning odor in cabin) or direct observation. Issue recurs after refilling. One complaint references a coolant line that broke without warning, destroying the engine.
When: Occurs at various mileages; one complaint at ~100,000 miles; one catastrophic failure with coolant line rupture
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal burning odor in cabin; Very low coolant level; No warning light illuminated when coolant is critically low; Coolant loss recurs after refilling; Coolant line rupture (catastrophic case)
Repairs/costs cited: No formal diagnosis or repair completed in any complaint. One owner simply refilled reservoir. Catastrophic coolant line failure destroyed engine; full engine replacement quoted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner researched NHTSA Campaign 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but VIN was not included in recall.
Oil Pressure Warning Light / Intermittent Illumination
Oil pressure warning light flashes on the instrument panel during normal driving at various speeds. Repairs attempted at both independent mechanic and dealer; root cause remains undiagnosed. One owner linked complaint to NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 but was not included in recall.
When: Occurs at various driving speeds; failure mileage ~119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light flashes during driving; Persists after independent mechanic repairs; Persists after diagnostics at dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown repairs performed at independent mechanic; failure persisted. No successful repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooler) referenced but vehicle not included in recall. Manufacturer not contacted by some owners.
Rattling Sound / Coolant Pump and Serpentine Belt Failure
Abnormal rattling sound from engine compartment with check engine light illuminated. Dealer diagnosis points to coolant pump and serpentine belt requiring replacement. Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V229000.
When: Failure mileage approximately 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling sound from engine compartment; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant pump and serpentine belt replacement needed; out-of-pocket repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Manufacturer confirmed VIN not in recall population.
Engine Stalling at Highway Speeds
Complete loss of engine power during highway driving with no warning light. Engine must be restarted. Sporadic but increasingly frequent; occurs more often in cold weather. No fault code appears on diagnostics. Issue has persisted for years despite multiple dealership visits and numerous fuel fill-ups from different brands.
When: Began within months of purchase; increasingly frequent. Last incident August 12, 2023.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power at highway speeds (75 mph); No engine warning light preceding loss of power; Requires immediate restart after pulling off road; Sporadic but recurring; more frequent in cold weather; Increasing frequency over years of ownership
Codes mentioned: No fault code associated with event
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attributed to fuel issue but hundreds of fill-ups from different brands show no pattern. No root cause identified or repair completed.
Recall Parts Unavailability (Campaign 18V229000)
Multiple owners received recall notification for NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but repair parts were unavailable for extended periods, preventing timely recall completion. Dealerships confirmed parts unavailability and could not provide definitive timelines for parts arrival.
When: Recall notifications received; parts unavailability exceeded reasonable repair timelines (one note: until November 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts unavailable at dealership; No estimated delivery date provided by manufacturer
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair not completed due to parts shortage. Multiple dealerships and manufacturer confirmed unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 issued; parts distribution failed to support timely recall completion. Manufacturer unable to confirm parts availability timeline.
Engine Valve and Piston Failure
Valves and pistons failed catastrophically on the highway, forcing engine replacement. Owner had complained about excessive oil consumption at multiple prior oil changes but was not informed of known lawsuit or issues, and dealership did not recommend repair or inspection despite knowledge of the litigation.
When: Failure at 117,000 miles on November 28, 2024; vehicle owned since 2021 with ~17,000 initial miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption over ownership period; Valve and piston failure on highway at 75 mph; Complete loss of engine function
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; Audi quoted $18,000. Owner had complained about excessive oil consumption at last three oil changes but was not advised of known issues or recalls.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi refused to repair or take responsibility, citing no coverage under warranty. Owner states Audi was aware of a prior lawsuit over the same issue.
Breather Valve Failure
Loud whistling sound from engine compartment during cold starts. Dealership diagnosed the condition as requiring breather valve replacement.
When: Failure mileage approximately 40,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whistling sound from engine compartment at startup
Repairs/costs cited: Breather valve replacement needed; repair not completed.
Water Pump Premature Failure (Repeated)
Water pump fails twice within 37,000 miles: first replacement under recall at 60,000 miles, second failure at 97,000 miles. Pattern suggests defective component or installation.
When: First failure (recall): 60,000 miles; second failure: 97,000 miles (37,000 miles after first replacement)
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump failure; Recurrence of failure within 37,000 miles of replacement
Repairs/costs cited: First replacement covered under recall at 60,000 miles; second failure at 97,000 miles required out-of-pocket repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V229000 (or related campaign) covered first replacement.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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 August I asked the service associate why does it do that, I was told that that's just what they do. That made no sense me,…
Bought it 7 weeks ago, 44,000 miles. Severe oil consumption problem I'm finding out everyone knows about already with Audi turbos and was previously a class action. I'm putting oil in every other day and feel the pistons missing when I drive in the morning.
I purchased a new epa compliant Audi q5 diesel on march 28th 2018. The vehicle had the epa emissions repair completed. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle I experienced an intermittent throttle control issue. It primarily occurs at slow speeds. When driving slowly, if I suddenly accelerate, such as passing around a vehicle in front of me, the throttle will not work, despite my pressing on the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi q5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (Audi southampton, 51 montauk highway, water mill, ny 11976) confirmed that the part was not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer…
continually having to add a quart of oil to the vehicle and rear tail pipes have turned soot black from oil burning out the tailpipe. I purchased the vehicle and i was having to have the oil changed a lot. then i noticed that the oil light was on every 500-1000 miles and i was constantly having the oil changed. i researched and the oil should not be changed that often. i took to dealership…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Audi Q5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 38,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2016/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.