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2014 Audi Q5 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 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
- 106owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 1fire report
- 18%fail the UK MOT
106 complaints, against an average of 60 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 2014 Audi Q5?
The components named most often in the 106 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Audi Q5 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 106 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Does the 2014 Audi Q5 have rust or paint problems?14 owners · 13.2%
- Why does my 2014 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 7.5%
- Why is my 2014 Audi Q5 burning or losing oil?8 owners · 7.5%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2014 Audi Q5 engine?5 owners · 4.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Audi Q5?4 owners · 3.8%
- Has the 2014 Audi Q5 had engine failures?4 owners · 3.8%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2014 Audi Q5?4 owners · 3.8%
Has the 2014 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 2014 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 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.
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
How often does the 2014 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 2014, 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 2014 Audi Q5 owners report?
12 of the 106 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.
My Q5 has a defective subframe. The system is defective because plastic coverings on the subframes of Audi Q5s and SQ5s trap moisture and other elements, causing the subframe to rust, rot, and corrode undetected, which creates a dangerous safety hazard, the existence and extent of which is concealed by the plastic coverings. This results in a myriad of negative consequences for the Class Vehicles and their safe and reliable operation. The defect, which can only be discovered after removing the plastic covering on the vehicles’ steel subframe, leaves an affected Audi vulnerable to “structural…
The rear sub frame has completely rusted through, on both driver and passenger sides. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. It is a 2014 q5 with 160k miles. There is a hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides due to a poorly designed cover that traps salt and other road debris leading to premature failure.
Post fix EDR cooler failure causing coolant fluid loss " enough complaints pressure on Audi Reference EA189 emissions fix Subject: Goodwill Assistance Request – 2014 Q5 TDI EGR Cooler – VIN [XXX] Audi Customer Experience Team, I am writing to request goodwill assistance for my 2014 Audi Q5 TDI, VIN [XXX] , with 105,000 miles. Vehicle Issue The car is losing engine coolant with no external leaks. Symptoms are consistent with a failed EGR cooler: low coolant warnings every few weeks, white smoke on cold starts, and no puddles or visible leaks. This is a documented failure mode on the 3.0L TDI V6…
Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of Greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as VERY DANGEROUS on the service invoice and quoted $4,711.52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's Automotive in Westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural…
This vintage 2014 Audi A5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a progressive engine defect. Beginning as early as 2019 (approximately 84,000 miles), I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption and related engine concerns to authorized Audi dealerships. These complaints continued over several years. At no point was I informed that these symptoms could be associated with a known defect pattern or progressive engine failure. The condition has now escalated to a severe engine malfunction. The vehicle began exhibiting engine misfires, flashing check engine light, EPC warning, and unstable operation. The dealership…
The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. The…
Under Recall 19N4, the electric coolant pump was replaced in July 2019 at 73,496 miles. That replacement pump failed prematurely in March 2025 at 109,628 miles — lasting only 36,132 miles. This was a safety-related recall part intended to fix a known defect with the original pump. Audi refused to provide goodwill reimbursement for this premature failure. I am reporting this to request further investigation and possible expanded remedy.
Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s
It has been very cold here in the North East. Under freezing for more than a month. My door lock sensors stopped working about 4-5 weeks ago. Two days ago I was driving and the power steering stopped working. Then after about 2 days it began working again. Just as the temps went above freezing. And the door lock sensors started working again. I had noticed over the last month or so that papers I had behind the front seat when I went to retrieve them were very wet, soaked. I took my car to my mechanic today and he told me that the computer is under the front seat. And water in this area may be…
The car has a known "oil consumption issue" that has led to engine failure that Audi has failed to take responsibility for. This is a 2104 Audi Q5. The car is in San Francisco and available for inspection. The car vibrates and can't be safely driven at highway speeds, if the engine suddenly lost power on the highway it could be a major safety issue for the driver and other drivers. The dealer has reproduced the issue and diagnosed it as needing new Pistons and Rings at 99,000 miles (but it has had this issue since in the 60,000 mile range, they just said keep adding oil). It has not been…
I APPROACH A CITY INTERSECTION AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT AND HAD NO BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATOR CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. I FLEW THROUGH THE INSPECTION HITTING THE CURB AND LAUNCHING MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 50' OF DISTANCE OVER A DRAINAGE DITCH SLAMMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE SPEED WAS AT LEAST 40-50MPH AT THAT MOMENT, MAYBE FASTER SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED BUT WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STEER. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED AND AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE FRAME LITERALLY SHATTERED ON IMPACT. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS…
2014 Audi Q5: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Audi Q5 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Audi Q5; the most common categories were engine (36, 34%), steering (17, 16%), fuel/propulsion system (12, 11.3%). There are 5 safety recalls. 5 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Audi Q5?
Across 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (34% of complaints), steering (16% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.3% of complaints), structure (9.4% of complaints), electrical system (8.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 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.
Does the 2014 Audi Q5 have rust or paint problems?
14 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (13.2%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "My Q5 has a defective subframe. The system is defective because plastic coverings on the subframes of Audi Q5s and SQ5s trap moisture and other elements, causing the subframe to rust, rot, and corrode undetected, which creates a dangerous safety hazard, the…" (NHTSA complaint 11754215, August 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 2014 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (7.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2014 audi q5. the contact stated that while reversing out of his driveway, he lost control of the steering wheel. the contact stated that the steering wheel became loosened. there was no warning light illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11387114, January 2021). 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 my 2014 Audi Q5 burning or losing oil?
8 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (7.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "This SUV has a 2.0 engine that consumes oil. I have to add a quart every 200-300 miles as the IP light indicates the engine is at the minimum oil level. This is not normal to be adding oil this frequently." (NHTSA complaint 11421060, June 2021). 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 2014 Audi Q5 engine?
5 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (4.7%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Timing chain, turbocharger and high pressure fuel pump has to be replaced for the car with 75000 miles on it. Was advised by the shop supervisor that it’s caused by faulty engine. That this type of damage is highly unlikely for the car under 100000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11461655, April 2022). 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 2014 Audi Q5?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (3.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light on and diagnostic test shows particular matter sensor malfunction. This is apparently under recall, but my VIN is not included" (NHTSA complaint 11451934, February 2022). 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 2014 Audi Q5 had engine failures?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (3.8%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "I am filing a safety complaint regarding a progressive engine defect. Beginning as early as 2019 (approximately 84,000 miles), I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption and related engine concerns to authorized Audi dealerships." (NHTSA complaint 11726072, March 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 the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2014 Audi Q5?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Audi Q5 (3.8%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "While driving, the electronic power steering failed, almost causing a head on collision. my daughter was turning left when suddenly she was unable to properly steer. thankfully, she was able to veer off the road safely." (NHTSA complaint 11415388, May 2021). 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 2014 only; combines NHTSA's entries for Q5 and Q5 HEV.