2017 Audi Q5 Safety Report
2017 Audi Q5: Strong Crash Ratings, but Significant Engine, Fuel, and Transmission Recalls with Owner-Reported Oil Consumption and Steering Issues
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Audi Q5
Reliability Score
The 2017 Audi Q5 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Audi Q5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Audi Q5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption/Failure Numerous complaints about excessive oil consumption, piston ring failure, PCV valve malfunction, and catastrophic engine failure. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Coolant Pump/Thermostat Housing Leaks Coolant leaks from pump and thermostat housings, often recurring even after recall-related replacements, posing fire risk. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Fuel Pump Flange Cracking/Failure Fuel pump flange may crack, leading to fuel leaks and increased fire risk, addressed by recall 17V298000. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Rollaway Risk Manufacturing defect in gearbox may allow vehicle to rollaway despite selecting Park, if parking brake is not applied (recall 17V298000). |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Steering System Failure/Stiffness Intermittent stiff steering and complete electromechanical steering rack failure due to water intrusion. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment Reports of airbags not deploying in significant crashes, despite frontal crash rating. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Sunroof Drainage System Defect Sunroof drainage may cause water to soak into side head airbag inflator foam, potentially leading to inflator rupture (recall 18V082000). |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Audi Q5:
Frequent complaints about excessive oil consumption, piston ring failure, PCV valve issues, and coolant pump leaks, some leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Reports of intermittent stiff steering and complete electromechanical steering rack failure, often attributed to water intrusion.
Issues related to fuel pump failure and fuel leaks, aligning with a significant recall for fire risk.
Complaints of brakes not responding to pressure and considerable locking/sliding on slippery surfaces.
Concerns about airbags not deploying in crash incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Audi Q5
Is the 2017 Audi Q5 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Audi Q5 received a strong 4-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for side crash protection. However, it has 5 recalls, including critical fire risks from engine cooling and fuel pump issues, and a rollaway risk from the transmission. Owner complaints highlight significant engine problems like excessive oil consumption and steering failures, suggesting potential safety concerns beyond crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2017 Audi Q5?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Audi Q5 are related to the ENGINE (30% of complaints), including excessive oil consumption, piston ring failure, and coolant pump leaks. Other common problems involve the STEERING system (10% of complaints) with reports of stiffness and complete failure, and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues (12.5% of complaints) like fuel pump failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Audi Q5?
Yes, the 2017 Audi Q5 has 5 recalls. These include recalls for the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING system (cooling pump overheating, fire risk), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (fuel pump flange cracking, fire risk), POWER TRAIN (transmission rollaway risk), and VISIBILITY (sunroof drainage affecting airbag inflator, rupture risk).
Does the 2017 Audi Q5 have engine problems?
Yes, the 2017 Audi Q5 has a notable number of engine-related complaints, accounting for 12 out of 40 total complaints. These include issues like excessive oil consumption, piston ring failure, PCV valve malfunction, and coolant pump leaks, some of which are linked to recalls for fire risk.
How does the 2017 Audi Q5 perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Audi Q5 performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection, an excellent 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous recalls and owner complaints regarding critical engine, fuel, and steering components, a pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is highly recommended, along with verifying all 5 recalls have been addressed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Audi Q5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Audi Q5. The data includes 40 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.