2016 Audi Q5 Safety Report

The 2016 Audi Q5 presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints and recalls, particularly concerning fire risks. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, including 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover. However, the vehicle has accumulated 72 total complaints, with 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries reported. A significant concern is the recall history, with 5 recalls issued, four of which directly address fire hazards related to the engine cooling system, electrical wiring, and fuel pump flange. These recalls highlight potential serious safety defects that could lead to vehicle fires, as evidenced by one reported fire incident in the complaint data. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the ENGINE (16 complaints) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints) systems, often detailing issues like excessive oil consumption, carbon buildup, coolant leaks, and engine failure. Several complaints describe the engine shutting off while driving or requiring complete replacement due to coolant line breaks. The STEERING system also shows a pattern of concern with 7 complaints, including reports of power steering failure and the steering wheel locking up, posing immediate safety risks. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints) and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints) also feature in the top complaints, aligning with the fire-related recalls. The recall history is particularly critical for the 2016 Audi Q5. Four separate recalls address fire risks: one for a blocked or short-circuited cooling pump, another for contact corrosion in an electrical connector, a third for a cracking fuel pump flange, and a fourth for an overheating coolant pump. A fifth recall addresses a sunroof drainage system issue that could lead to water soaking into the side head air bag inflator, potentially causing an inflator rupture and serious injury or death. Despite the strong crash test ratings, the prevalence of fire-related recalls and engine/steering complaints suggests potential long-term reliability and safety concerns that prospective buyers should carefully consider.

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous fire-related recalls and significant engine/steering complaints, prospective buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, cooling system, fuel system, and steering components.