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2011 Audi Q5 reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2011 Audi Q5 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source
NHTSA complaints
192
11 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
AIR BAGS
67 complaints
Recalls on record
5
see below
Reported harm
6 reported crashes · 2 injuries · 4 fires

How this record compares

raw NHTSA counts, not defect rates

Complaint rank

#2,671

of 4,194 vehicle records

Vs Audi median

+41

median 152 across 46 Audi records

Vs 2009-2013

-81

median 274 complaints in 614 records

Top component share

35%

Air Bags: 67 complaints

What owners report fails — 2011 Audi Q5

  • AIR BAGS 67
  • ENGINE 42
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 25
  • POWER TRAIN 12
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8

5 recalls on record for the 2011 Audi Q5

  • NHTSA 18V818000 · 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the ris
  • NHTSA 18V082000 · 2018 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MO In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal
  • NHTSA 16V078000 · 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MO In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal
  • NHTSA 17V001000 · 2017 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or
  • NHTSA 16V660000 · 2016 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2011 Audi Q5

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2011 Audi Q5 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Audi Q5 reliable?

NHTSA has 192 consumer complaints on record for the 2011 Audi Q5 and 5 recalls. The most-reported problem area is air bags (67 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2011 Audi Q5 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Audi Q5?

Owners most often report problems with: air bags (67), engine (42), fuel/propulsion system (25), power train (12). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2011 Audi Q5?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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