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2017 Audi Q5 problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2017 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
  • 42owner complaints
  • 3crash reports
  • 0fire reports
  • 17%fail the UK MOT

42 complaints, against an average of 65 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 2017 Audi Q5?

The components named most often in the 42 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Engine19 (45.2%)
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System5 (11.9%)
  3. Electrical System4 (9.5%)
  4. Service Brakes4 (9.5%)
  5. Steering4 (9.5%)
  6. Air Bags3 (7.1%)
  7. Structure3 (7.1%)
  8. Engine And Engine Cooling2 (4.8%)

What symptoms do 2017 Audi Q5 owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 42 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2017 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. NHTSA campaign 18V229000 · April 11, 2018 · Risk and fix

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.

Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect within the gearbox, despite selecting the Park position, the vehicle may still unexpectedly roll. NHTSA campaign 17V297000 · May 3, 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: Despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the geabox in the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37K6.

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. NHTSA campaign 17V298000 · May 3, 2017 · Risk and fix

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. NHTSA campaign 17V001000 · January 3, 2017 · Risk and fix

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. NHTSA campaign 17V002000 · January 3, 2017 · Risk and fix

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 2017 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 DVSAMoisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator Recall R/2020/138 · Jun 30, 2020 · built Jun 2017 to Mar 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe collar of the wheel arch cover can become detached Recall R/2019/363 · Oct 23, 2019 · built Nov 2016 to Oct 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: The collar of the wheel arch cover could become detached

Fix: Secure the wheel arch cover with 2 modified clips.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSALatching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail Recall R/2019/233 · Jul 22, 2019 · built Nov 2016 to Dec 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.

Fix: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAIt is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail. Recall R/2019/225 · Jul 10, 2019 · built Nov 2016 to Dec 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.

Fix: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place with an additional bolt.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAPassenger airbag may not deploy as intended Recall R/2018/043 · Feb 12, 2018 · built Jun 2017 to Jul 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The weld joint that joins the central tube for the dash panel to the chute may be defective. The result could be damage to the passenger airbag potentially reducing the airbag's protective capabilities.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the dashboard with a quality assured unit.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSACurtain airbag cylinder may corrode leading to possible rear passenger injury Recall R/2017/131 · May 15, 2017 · built May 2010 to Jul 2016 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat Recall R/2017/115 · May 1, 2017 · built May 2011 to Oct 2016 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities. Alert A12/01220/21 · reported by France · Aug 20, 2021 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateMoisture can ingress into the belt starter generator, generating short-circuits.This can lead to local overheating of the component, increasing risk of fire. Alert A12/01401/20 · reported by Germany · Oct 23, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateMoisture can penetrate into the belt starter generator.This can result in a short circuit, leading to local overheating and increased risk of fire.Due to the permanent power supply of the starter generator, this can occur when the vehicle has already been parked for a while. Alert A12/00689/20 · reported by Germany · May 8, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDue to defects in the manufacturing process, the rear wheelhouse trims may not have been adequately clipped to the bodywork.As a result, they may become detached, posing a risk to the following traffic. Alert A12/00278/20 · reported by Germany · Feb 28, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe wheelhouse trims may not have been adequately attached to the vehicle.As a result, the wheelhouse trims could detach in motion, posing risk for the following traffic. Alert A12/1077/19 · reported by Germany · Jul 19, 2019 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0942/18 · reported by Germany · Jul 13, 2018 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0713/17 · reported by Germany · Jun 2, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDifferences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or…Differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners not activating in the event of an accident. Alert A12/0333/17 · reported by Germany · Mar 24, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2017 Audi Q5 fail its MOT?

17.3% of 10,210 MOT tests in 2023 on Audi Q5s first registered in 2017 were a fail1.0 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Suspension49%
  2. Tyres24%
  3. Lights and electrics11%
  4. Brakes11%
  5. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)8%
  6. Exhaust, emissions and leaks7%

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 2017, 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 2017 Audi Q5 owners report?

12 of the 42 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.

Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing the coolant to leak from the thermostat. This cost me $2,431.00.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11744177 · Jun 15, 2026
My rear subframe is completely rotted out and the dealership I bought it from but a new inspection sticker sold it to me and told me it was perfect condition
Structure, EngineNHTSA complaint 11737878 · May 14, 2026
Oil consumption. Audi Q5 oil consumption in my car is not functioning properly. I have to put oil in it about every 3 weeks or less depending on how much I’m driving.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11713475 · Jan 26, 2026
On 12/13/25 around 8:00am in the morning. I was driving between 20-25 MPH and started to brake for the corner stop sign. I applied the break as I normally would however, the car continued to roll and did not respond to my applying pressure to the brake pedal. No matter how much pressure I apply to the brake the car continued to coast without stopping. I continued to press hard on the break and even pumped the break. After 2 to 3 yards of coasting, the car stopped. I continued to drive the car for another 0.5 miles and the same break problem occurred again. There are no lights indicating…
Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11707450 · Dec 29, 2025
My SUV had stopped heating/defrosting and vehicles car charging ports appear to not be working any longer. It was discovered that my coolant pump was blocked with debris. The heat has returned, still no power to the charge points in vehicle. While driving on highway, my vehicles dash started to light up instructing me to turn off engine coolant low (electric). However, my H C coolant gauge was just below midpoint. It appears to be a bit faulty. Nonetheless, I pulled off highway and asked a local car supplier store and mechanic shop to look, they reported that it appears to be leaking coolant…
Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11571183 · Feb 10, 2024
Steering is occasionally exhibits resistance when turning left or right. Steering becomes very stiff intermittently. I have taken the to a repair twice but the does not duplicate. The repair did a scan to see if there were any codes but none came up. We also have an ODB2 scanner and scan the vehicle right when problem occurred but no codes were displayed on my scanner. My wife has a long commute of 40 miles in each direction and I concerned. There should be a recall as I feel this is a safety issue.
SteeringNHTSA complaint 11565693 · Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally high whistling pitch sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had to add additional oil to the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage…
Engine And Engine Cooling, EngineNHTSA complaint 11537598 · Aug 10, 2023
The backup camera is failing to display the rearview when the vehicle is put in reverse. It will also show a black screen and no view when in reverse. There have been several times when placed into drive that the rear view camera is on despite being in drive or park mode.
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11493347 · Nov 13, 2022
On the same day the 5 year warranty expired, the car stopped working. The car was towed to the dealer, and diagnose was gas pump failure. 3 months after, the same problem. After 1 month waiting for the car to be fixed, again the same problem. Now the dealer is saying they just figure there was a problem with a computer part that was associated to the gas pump. The car could have failed while i was driving, a life threatening problem,
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11487348 · Sep 30, 2022
THE ROOF OF MY 2017 AUDI Q5 IS GLASS, AND IT MAKES A CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE AUDI SERVICE CENTER TO BE SERVICED, AND THE SUNROOF FRAME ALONG WITH ALL OF THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2019. AS OF TODAY, THE RATTLE IS STRONGLY PRESENT AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS ONGOING, AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. THE GLASS ROOF COULD LITERALLY SHATTER AND RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT AN INVESTIGATION COULDN'T BE CONDUCTED BECAUSE A TWO YEAR DEADLINE THAT I MISSED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 15K…
Electrical System, VisibilityNHTSA complaint 11325593 · May 22, 2020
ON MONDAY 3/9/2020 AROUND 6:45PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONE APPROX. 25-30 MPH. I APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND PRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THE CAR SLOWED SLIGHTLY BUT DID NOT STOP, DESPITE MY INTENSE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. INSTEAD, THE ENGINE REVVED SPONTANEOUSLY SEVERAL TIMES AND I PROCEEDED HALF-WAY THROUGH THE (THANKFULLY EMPTY) INTERSECTION. I CONFIRMED I WAS IN REGULAR DRIVE GEAR (NOT THE SEMI-MANUAL MODE), THEN QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON, THEN CONTINUED DRIVING WITHOUT…
Vehicle Speed Control, Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11317684 · Mar 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF ON HER CLIENT WHO OWNED A 2017 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE TOW YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE OF THE CRASH DUE TO A BROKEN STERNUM ALONG WITH OTHER UNKNOWN INJURIES. THE DRIVER HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR A FOLLOW UP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE…
Air BagsCrashNHTSA complaint 11210331 · May 28, 2019

2017 Audi Q5: questions owners ask

Is the 2017 Audi Q5 reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Audi Q5; the most common categories were engine (19, 45.2%), fuel/propulsion system (5, 11.9%), electrical system (4, 9.5%). There are 5 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 3 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi Q5?

Across 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (45.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.9% of complaints), electrical system (9.5% of complaints), service brakes (9.5% of complaints), steering (9.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2017 Audi Q5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2017 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 2017 Audi Q5 burning or losing oil?

4 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi Q5 (9.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the…" (NHTSA complaint 11744177, June 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 2017 Audi Q5 overheat?

3 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi Q5 (7.1%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. 2 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: "Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the…" (NHTSA complaint 11744177, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2017 Audi Q5?

3 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi Q5 (7.1%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "On 12/13/25 around 8:00am in the morning. I was driving between 20-25 MPH and started to brake for the corner stop sign. I applied the break as I normally would however, the car continued to roll and did not respond to my applying pressure to the brake pedal." (NHTSA complaint 11707450, December 2025). 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 2017 only.

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