2011 Audi Q5 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Audi Q5. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (67), Engine (42), Fuel/Propulsion System (25).

Key takeaways

  • 143 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 4 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags6747%
Engine4229%
Fuel/Propulsion System2517%
Power Train128%
Electrical System86%
Fuel System86%
Unknown Or Other86%
Gasoline75%
Suspension43%
Vehicle Speed Control32%
Steering32%
Service Brakes32%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2011 Audi Q5 SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Suspension - filed 2026-08-25

1) The rear structural subframe (crossmember) has completely rotted, perforated, and failed due to severe corrosion. The factory-installed plastic underbody rock shields trapped road salt and water, causing the frame to rust from the inside out. The corrosion has spread, completely fusing and compromising the rear susp...

Suspension - filed 2026-08-05

During an inspection of my 2011 Audi Q5 at Audi Burlington, severe corrosion was discovered on the rear subframe, which supports rear suspension components. The corrosion was substantially worse than normal surface rust and may compromise the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension mounting points. The cond...

Suspension - filed 2025-04-17

Rear subframe rust causing car to fail state inspection. This vehicle has been maintained well and always parked in garage. The rear subframe rusted most, then front subframe. This is a common compliant among Audi forum users.

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More for the 2011 Audi Q5

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.