2015 Audi Q5 Safety Report
2015 Audi Q5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Audi Q5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Audi Q5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (96) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Audi Q5 with 22 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Audi Q5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi Q5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi Q5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi Q5 | 72 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Audi Q5 | 40 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 189 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | 41 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | 22 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 63 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Audi Q5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Audi Q5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlySteering
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyFuel/Propulsion System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlySuspension
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Audi onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Audi Q5
Reliability Score
The 2015 Audi Q5 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Audi Q5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Audi Q5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Audi Q5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling The cooling system can fail without warning, leading to smoking and a burnt smell on the highway. Engine oil consumption is also a common problem, with the EPC light and engine light illuminating. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Subframe Rust The rear subframe can rust out at 85,000 miles, and there are reports of extreme corrosion and cracking, leading to structural failure. |
High | Common | 85k-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Audi Q5:
The cooling system can fail without warning, leading to smoking and a burnt smell on the highway. Engine oil consumption is also a common problem, with the EPC light and engine light illuminating.
The rear subframe can rust out at 85,000 miles, and there are reports of extreme corrosion and cracking, leading to structural failure.
Recall Details for the 2015 Audi Q5
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Audi Q5 by NHTSA:
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V...
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Audi Q5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Audi Q5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely rusted and could not pass a safety inspection. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,351.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firehawk A/S, Tire Size: P235/55/R19, DOT Number: 1RBE793E9. The tires were purchased in 2022. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear driver’s side tire had a blowout. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The...
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalle...
Engine consumed a quarter of oil every 300 miles. The EPC light and engine light illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode. I had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic.Vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic and will need a new engine. Engine only has 85,000 miles and oil was changed every 5000 miles.
The cooling system failed without warning! As I’m driving on the highway my vehicle began smoking! I smelled a burnt smell! Upon getting off the highway , I noticed my coolant had leaked almost completely out! I check my vehicle every morning before work as I drive through three counties to get to work and my coolant was full as I had just topped it off that morning! Upon inspection it was found f...
i have had necessary service checks; however, the spark plugs keep getting burned out. the car is barley 10 yrs old i have replaced the spark plugs 4 times this year alone. Its like every 2 months for the last year. this is abnormal
Rear subframe rusted out at only 85,000 miles
2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged ...
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles, I ...
System does no longer work. Audi Montgomery inspected the vehicle and deamed that both side blind spot warning components have failed. People come to trust the system and when it fails they would lane change, not be warned and cause an accident. Dealer comfirmed failed components. Opened a concern with Audi USA and was told I am responsible for repairing the failed system. 6/19/2025.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 TDI (VIN # [XXX] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealerships since purchase. On [XXX], following a failed Virginia State safety...
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an independent mechanic, who determined that water pump had failed. The indep...
Common problem with engine cooling systems and oil systems failing. Failing emissions because of this and overheating with risk of fire. Common problem with the Q5s. Which some of them are recalled but not my 2015 q5 premium for some reason.
I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine light icons display. I'm constantly checking the oil indicator level to se...
My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cranking and not starting. Codes were pulled from the vehicle is there are...
After paying to run an inspection test recommended by Audi USA, it was confirmed that the issue of the excess oil consumption was with the piston, and they also recommended changing the engine. It puts me at risk every time I drive the car because I am not sure how much oil my car has at this point. I have been reporting to the dealer my observation of excessive oil consumption. They kept telling...
Recently purchased a used vehicle from this dealership that there is a major issue with the drive train including the cv axel and also an issue with the tires that are on the vehicle. One of the tires had gone flat so I took it to the local Les Schwab to have it inspected and was told that I could not repaired it and that they could not sell me and put on the one tire because the vehicle manufactu...
Level sensor on left rear suspension failed, causing headlights to be pointed downward and not safely lighting the road ahead. The sensor failed due to poor design, metal-to-metal ball and socket linkage in a corrosion-assured location under the car. When the metal-to-metal ball and socket corroded and froze, resulting load caused the sensor linkage to break. A search of Audi forums indicates that...
The Audi Q5 was new in 2015 and I am the original owner. The vehicle has 135,600 miles on it. During an oil change visit to my repair shop, they informed me of significant rust corrosion to the subframe. My Audi dealer in Chantilly acknowledged that subframe rust was a design flaw on model years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Audi will not cover this under their 12 Year Rust Corrosion Perforation warra...
Audi Dealer inspection report said severe rear sub frame rust is a safety issue and requires replacement
Showing 20 of 96 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Audi Q5
Has the 2015 AUDI Q5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 AUDI Q5 has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 AUDI Q5 have?
The 2015 AUDI Q5 has 96 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 AUDI Q5?
The 2015 AUDI Q5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 AUDI Q5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 AUDI Q5 involve engine (24 complaints), steering (11 complaints), unknown or other (9 complaints). Other affected components include fuel/propulsion system, suspension, engine and engine cooling.
How many crash reports does the 2015 AUDI Q5 have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2015 AUDI Q5 out of 96 total complaints (3.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 AUDI Q5 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2015 AUDI Q5 out of 96 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 AUDI Q5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 AUDI Q5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 AUDI Q5?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 AUDI Q5. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 AUDI Q5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 AUDI Q5 is acceptable with caveats. It has 96 complaints, 6 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 AUDI Q5?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 AUDI Q5 are: 1. ENGINE (24 complaints), 2. STEERING (11 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), 4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints), 5. SUSPENSION (7 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 24 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 AUDI Q5?
Be cautious of engine cooling and rear subframe issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. The 2015 AUDI Q5 has 96 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2015 AUDI Q5?
The 2015 AUDI Q5 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 96 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling and Rear subframe rust.
What are the known issues with the 2015 AUDI Q5?
Known issues with the 2015 AUDI Q5 include: Engine and engine cooling, Rear subframe rust. These are based on patterns found across 96 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2015 Audi Q5?
Common issues include engine and engine cooling problems, such as oil consumption and cooling system failure, as well as rear subframe rusting.
Can I inspect the rear subframe for rust?
Yes, regular inspections can help identify rust and other structural issues early.
What should I do if I notice engine oil consumption?
Have the vehicle checked by a professional to address the issue before it leads to more serious problems.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine cooling and rear subframe issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Audi Q5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Audi Q5. The data includes 96 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Audi Q5 an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13