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2011 Audi Q5: common problems and reliability
· 8ROne of the weaker Q5 years.
143 owner complaints, most about air bags. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Q5?The 2011 Audi Q5 has 143 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption on the 2.0t.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Audi Q5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Q5 years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Q5?
Across the 18 Q5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2012) to 251 (2021). With 143 complaints, the 2011 Q5 sits above the model's median of 52.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Q5
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 18V818000Volkswagen 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.
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 17V001000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 18V082000Volkswagen 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 16V660000Volkswagen 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.
Show 1 more recall
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 16V078000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 8R Q5
Owners of the 8R generation describe it as a genuinely enjoyable vehicle to drive with a premium feel, but nearly all of them stress that it is expensive to own and maintain, especially as mileage climbs.
- Very frequentExcessive oil consumption on the 2.0T
- Very frequentTiming chain stretch and guide wear on the 2.0T
- Very frequentCarbon buildup on direct-injection engines (2.0T and 3.2)
- Very frequentHigh general maintenance and repair costs
- RecurrentWater pump failure (often around 90-120k miles)
Owner insights for the 8R Q5. Read the full 8R owner report.
Typical used price
Used Q5 listings typically run $20,446–$35,399.
Other Q5 model years
Compare every Q5 year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Q5 against its rivals
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