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2013 Audi Q5 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Audi Q5 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 92owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 4fire reports
- 19%fail the UK MOT
92 complaints, against an average of 61 for the other 14 Audi Q5 model years.
Every Audi Q5 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Audi Q5?
The components named most often in the 92 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Audi Q5 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 92 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2013 Audi Q5 burning or losing oil?9 owners · 9.8%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 Audi Q5 engine?8 owners · 8.7%
- Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 overheat?7 owners · 7.6% · Recall 18V229000
- Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?6 owners · 6.5%
- Has the 2013 Audi Q5 had engine failures?6 owners · 6.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Audi Q5?5 owners · 5.4%
- Can the sunroof on the 2013 Audi Q5 shatter or fail?4 owners · 4.3% · Recall 17V001000
- Does the 2013 Audi Q5 have rust or paint problems?4 owners · 4.3%
- Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?3 owners · 3.3%
- Have any 2013 Audi Q5 vehicles caught fire?3 owners · 3.3%
Has the 2013 Audi Q5 been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System 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.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Wiring 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.
Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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-660.
Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System 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.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2013 Audi Q5 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAStop-drive TAKATA PSAN
Risk: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
UK DVSAReplacing TAKATA passenger airbag gas generator
Risk: If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
Fix: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.
UK DVSACurtain airbag cylinder may corrode leading to possible rear passenger injury
Risk: If the water drain in the area of the panoramic sunroof is not functioning properly water can seep into the vehicle's headliner. If sufficient water accumulates the foam adjacent to the pressure cylinder of the curtain airbag can become wet and cause the pressure cylinder to corrode. The corrosion can weaken the cylinder causing sudden pressure release possibly with fragments.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check for water seepage and the drainage is correct from the panoramic sunroof area. Check the pressure cylinders for corrosion treat with anti-corrosion wax or replace as necessary. Remove foam which is next to the pressure cylinder.
UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat
Risk: Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
UK DVSAReduction in braking performance
Risk: On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
UK DVSASunroof glass may shatter
Risk: The glass sunroof may suddenly break at temperature's below -20 degrees C. This normally happens when the vehicle is parked. When it breaks the single pane safety glass disintegrates into small pieces. A slight risk of injury to the occupants cannot be ruled out.
Fix: The glass sun roof will be replaced.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause…The driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments…The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that, in isolated cases, oil arrives into the brake force amplifier through the vacuum hoses.This can lead to damage of the amplifier membrane and consequently to reduction of brake force, which could lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Audi Q5 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Audi Q5 owners report?
12 of the 92 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Oil leak/ and tire suspension icon keeps coming on after i fixed it
Took vehicle in for state safety inspection. Found heavy rust on subframe nearly all the way through. Was told if it gets any worse it will not pass inspection next time. Apparently there are plastic rock shields on subframe that trap water causing it to rust. Took it to dealer and they want to charge close to $4000 to replace. This seems like an engineering defect. The vehicle is kept in a garage and doesn’t have any other rust on it.
When at highway speed, the vehicle veered hard to the left without any driver input, causing the car to cross several lanes of traffic and hit a concrete divider at ~65mph. The driver fractured her back, and one of three children in the car experienced injury. The vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance. The driver (my wife) indicated that a similar incident happened at low speed in a parking lot, but it resolved after shut down and restart of the engine. It is my understanding that the vehicle is currently either at or on the way to a Copart lot.
The rear subframe has plastic "stone guards" to protect the frame from being damaged in off-road conditions. Where these stone guards are attached, the subframe has rotted/rusted large holes. Water and salt from winter seasons can get trapped behind these guards. A subframe on a vehicle at this age should NOT have complete holes rotted through. Let alone a vehicle brand such as Audi, known for quality. The rear subframe connects the rear suspension and AWD drivetrain to the unibody of the vehicle. This is a major safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer; my Audi dealer…
My audi uses 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. The dealership wants to charge to find the problem. Audi should fix the problem at no charge. I bought the vehicle in February 2023. Was told there were no issues with the car.
Car started running hot, had mechanic do pressure/ leak test and he couldn’t find a leak. Took it to Audi and they said the coolant pump and thermostat housing were leaking coolant. I’ve researched and it looks like these cars have know coolant pump issues.
Driving and warning light came on “steering defective do not drive.” Power steering and use of wheel went out, and wheel would not turn or move in the middle of driving down the street.
The recalls were not completed and the dealership is charging for recall work.
CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BRAKE THROTTLE OVERRIDE ON VARIOUS VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN REMOVING THE LEFT FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THERE WAS A DELAY WHEN THE RIGHT FOOT WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR. THE DELAY CAUSES THE INABILITY TO MERGE QUICKLY INTO TRAFFIC.
COOLANT PUMP BECAME BLOCKED IN MY 3.0 ENGINE VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT. THIS MAY BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM TO THE 2.0 VEHICLE, FOR WHICH THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN 2 RECALLS. MY AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING FUSES REPEATEDLY (DAILY TO WEEKLY) LAST YEAR AND THE MECHANIC THINKS IT MAY BE A RELATED ISSUE.
1. ADAPTIVE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING. WARNING LIGHT FLASHING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. " ADAPTIVE LIGHT DEFECTIVE" SYMBOL FLASHING. 2. AC/HEATING FAN "SQUEALING" LOUDLY. BEGAN ABOUT A MONTH AGO.
VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP ON CITY STREET UNTIL IT REACHES 2500 RPM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP SAID CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I WAS TOKD WILL NEED NEW ENGINE.VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. ONLY 45000 MILES.
2013 Audi Q5: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Audi Q5 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi Q5; the most common categories were engine (34, 37%), steering (19, 20.7%), electrical system (11, 12%). There are 5 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 4 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi Q5?
Across 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (37% of complaints), steering (20.7% of complaints), electrical system (12% of complaints), structure (8.7% of complaints), service brakes (7.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Audi Q5; the most recent (campaign 18V229000, 2018-04-11) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2013 Audi Q5 burning or losing oil?
9 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (9.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "The vehicle oil level low light comes on every 600 miles (excessive oil consumption). I purchased the vehicle in July 2021, and in 2 weeks I had an oil-level light." (NHTSA complaint 11573371, February 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 Audi Q5 engine?
8 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (8.7%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Car was telling me to add 1 qt of oil about every 1500-2000 miles, even after a recent oil change. So I took it to the place I purchased the car from and they replaced the timing chain gasket thing. About a week later the same issue came back." (NHTSA complaint 11576366, March 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 overheat?
7 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (7.6%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system). The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The coolant system on this car was repaired by Santa Monica Audi in jan 2020. Less than three years later he the coolant is leaking again with dangerously low level of coolant in the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11507912, February 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (6.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The vehicle was being driven on a state highway when it suddenly lost all power, jerked forward, and then the engine completely shut down." (NHTSA complaint 11308495, February 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2013 Audi Q5 had engine failures?
6 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (6.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Vehicle suddenly would not accelerate from a stop on city street until it reaches 2500 rpm. check engine light came on. towed to dealership said catastrophic engine failure. i was tokd will need new engine.vehicle was properly maintained. only 45000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11365302, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Audi Q5?
5 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (5.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Vehicle suddenly would not accelerate from a stop on city street until it reaches 2500 rpm. check engine light came on. towed to dealership said catastrophic engine failure. i was tokd will need new engine.vehicle was properly maintained. only 45000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11365302, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2013 Audi Q5 shatter or fail?
4 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (4.3%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. A related recall exists: campaign 17V001000 (visibility: sun/moon roof assembly). The fix: 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. One owner wrote: "The sliding sunroof exploded out of nowhere with no impact while on the Interstate. The glass rained down on us as we were traveling around 65 mph." (NHTSA complaint 11448642, January 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2013 Audi Q5 have rust or paint problems?
4 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (4.3%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "There is considerable rust to the point that the subframe has been structurally compromised. I also contacted Audi USA regarding this issue, but they advised that they could not provide any assistance and closed my case." (NHTSA complaint 11739161, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Audi Q5 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (3.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Incident date: 5/9/20 mileage: 70,290 miles summary: i reversed out of parking space, shifted my car into drive, and my car abruptly hesitated, decelerated, resisted, and jerked upon engaging the gas pedal; a series of multiple warning/indicator lights…" (NHTSA complaint 11325394, May 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Have any 2013 Audi Q5 vehicles caught fire?
3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi Q5 (3.3%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "Auxiliary water pump caught on fire. car was parked. noticed smoke coming from under hood. opened hood and found flames (very small). was able to put it out without vehicle damage. towed to dealer and am awaiting results from audi" (NHTSA complaint 11036035, October 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Q5
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only; combines NHTSA's entries for Q5 and Q5 HEV.