Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Audi Q5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message "Pull Over Immediately" and a chime started to sound. The contact pulled off the road and placed the vehicle into park (P) and turned off the vehicle down for approximately 20 minutes. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle started to overheat, and the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure became reoccurring. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the radiator was cracked and lost all coolant, and that the radiator, thermostat and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, extra pressure was needed to depress the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that she heard a knocking sound throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she needed to add one quart of oil less than every 300 miles however, the oil level failed to remain at a normal level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the pistons needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal leak underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as intended. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was refilled; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed on the scene by an independent mechanic, who determined that water pump had failed. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that oil had leaked into the engine coolant. Due to the failure, the oil cooler was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an oil consumption test was performed. The test showed that the piston rings were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, he became aware of a coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump was be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that a message to "Please add a quart of oil' was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a quarter of oil was added; however, several weeks later the same message illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and stated that the pistons might need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 120,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Timing belt broke while traveling at 75 mph on the highway, and at 71,000 miles odometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was shaking and acting crazy on the interstate Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Issue was confirmed and Audi Quoted me $8000 to repair because of bent valve heads Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi of Louisville Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? …
After paying to run an inspection test recommended by Audi USA, it was confirmed that the issue of the excess oil consumption was with the piston, and they also recommended changing the engine. It puts me at risk every time I drive the car because I am not sure how much oil my car has at this point. I have been reporting to the dealer my observation of excessive oil consumption. They kept telling me that it was because my car was old. I have an Audi Q5 2015 with 85,600 miles. I have done all my manufacturing maintenance at the dealer, so they have records that I do take care of my car. I paid to run a diagnostic test suggested by Audi USA. I was told that I have to pay about $30,000 to fix the engine ($13,000 + for the piston and $17,000 + for the engine). The car started warning me that it needed oil soon. …
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi Dealership Service Center, and State Farm claims representative. …
Cylinder #3 lost compression, down to 30 psi from 170 psi, causing the car to lose power and run extremely rough or not run on occasion. This is a safety hazard, especially risky for highway driving. There were no warning messages, car just start running very rough or wouldn't start. Such loss of compression has been reported by an Audi service manager who says Cylinder #3 is known to have this issue, but there is no recall for it yet. The problems began in May 2021. The car was drinking/consuming oil frequently and occasionally running rough. It was taken to multiple mechanics to identify the issue. Fixes included changing spark plugs, coils, and the PCV valve to provide temporary solutions at best. …
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints in other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Audi Q5, 44% of the model year's 99 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Audi Q5 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-229 (cooling system, Apr 11, 2018); NHTSA recall 17V-002 (cooling system, Jan 3, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Audi Q5 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.