Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2011 Audi Q5 recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump
NHTSA campaign 18V818000 · reported November 19, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 5,987 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
- The risk
- The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 18V082000 · reported January 30, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 162,782 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Air bags: side/window · Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
NHTSA campaign 17V001000 · reported January 3, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 234,057 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump
NHTSA campaign 16V660000 · reported September 13, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 143,214 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · reported February 10, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 659,493 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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 when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Aug 25, 2026 · Suspension
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…
Aug 5, 2026 · Suspension
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…
Apr 17, 2025 · Suspension
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.
Apr 13, 2025 · Electrical system
Rear driver side door will not unlock when keypad, nor inside unlock button is pressed. Once inside, door will not unlock in sequence with other doors when vehicle is shut off and it is time to exit the vehicle.
Jan 18, 2025 · Electrical system
Audi q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags). This Car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 25, 2026.