Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Audi Q5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This 2012 Audi Q5 has an apparent bad passenger occupant sensor connection that could deactivate the vehicle's passenger-side airbags and increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. It appears the problem specifically stems from a faulty connection between the passenger seat occupancy sensor and the seat heater wiring, which can cause the vehicle's computer to assume that there is no passenger present and defeat the airbag on that side. This system is typically meant to reduce the cost of repairs in a crash by not detonating unneeded airbags. Audi recently announced recall number 74E3 to fix other models with the same issue.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the driver became distracted and crashed onto another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was deemed destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000. The VIN was not available.
I had an accident on 4/15/2024. I blacked out and ran into an oak tree but none of my airbags deployed.
I purchased this vehicle on September 1st 2016. When I found out it has airbag problems I went back to the dealer and told them that Audi did not have remedy to fix the airbags on October 2016. I had an open heart surgery in 2013 and driving in the vehicle with defected airbags was not an option. I traded this vehicle at the same dealership and lost my trade in value of $9000.someone has to be responsible for this and I think if dealership cannot recoup my loss of $9000, than Audi should reimburse me for my loss. I was couldn't take a chance to drive in unsafe vehicle and wait till now to replace airbags. I was not disclosed at the time of sale that there was no remedy available from manufacturer to fix airbags in 10/2016. I have my initial contract for vehicle purchase. I do not have this vehicle in my possession any longer and traded in on another at the same dealership.
Takata recall - we are first-time parents and had infant twin boys. We had bought this car for more room and safety and then the recall happened. We asked our dealer repeatedly for a fix and even contacted Audi USA but they told us there was nothing they could do. We had friends and relatives with other car brands whose dealers gave them loaners or rental cars but Audi offered us nothing. Ultimately, we traded in the car because we were so worried.
Takata inflators. I have been waiting for over 6 months for my vehicle to be fixed from the Takata airbag issue. I was told again 4/17/2018 that the parts are not available. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and want Audi to pay for a loaner vehicle until the parts are replaced and the vehicle is safe to drive. Please let me know what we can do to get these parts in and replaced.
Takata recall why is the "remedy" for the driver airbag inflator not yet available? The recall date is a full 6 months old. This is preposterous when Audi and Takata know the fix involves the installation of a new inflator...we have no incident (death or injury) to report at this time. How many deaths are needed to force the hand of Takata and/or Audi?
Takata recall head curtain bag recall fuel pump flange recall I've had no accident or malfunction as yet, but want the products to be replaced in my vehicle as soon as possible. I've contacted the dealership and in the last 6 months they have not been able to schedule any time for the recommended repair.
Takata airbag - recall dated feb 2016 for a defect that can cause serious injury or death. 9 months later Audi still does not have a solution to this recall. It is very frightening to continue driving a vehicle that has a serious open recall.
On the dash, the airbag warning light is on. Something is wrong about the airbag
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018.
Air bags › Side/window
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification…
Airbag complaints in other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2012 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Audi Q5, 51% of the model year's 168 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Audi Q5 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-082 (inflator module, Jan 30, 2018); NHTSA recall 17V-001 (side/window, Jan 3, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-078 (inflator module, Feb 10, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Audi Q5 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.