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2012 Audi Q5 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Audi Q5 is airbags, typically around 50,000 miles. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Q5 model year.

Year to avoid2.2x the typical complaints
Year score
43/100
Owner complaints
168
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
1,289
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-22mpg
Typical repair
$6,000

The worst 2012 Audi Q5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Audi Q5

Oil consumption 23Check engine light 8Engine failure 6Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Sunroof shattered 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2012 Audi Q5 mention

P0299 2

Recalls 6

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 19, 2018 · 5,987 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V818000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 30, 2018 · 162,782 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V082000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported January 3, 2017 · 234,057 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 17V001000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported September 13, 2016 · 143,214 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V660000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 10, 2016 · 659,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V078000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported June 28, 2012 · 13,172 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 audi q5 vehicles, manufactured from june 21, 2011, through december 9, 2011. Some vehicles may be equipped with a front sunroof glass panel that is susceptible to breakage in extremely cold weather/temperature conditions.
Risk
Should the sunroof’s glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could cut and injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 7, 2012. Owners may contact audi at 1‑800‑253‑2834.

Recall number 12V299000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2012 Audi Q5

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Audi Q5 1,289

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,289 bulletins for the 2012 Audi Q5

2012 Audi Q5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylAWD202722
3.2L 6‑cylAWD182320

What 2012 Audi Q5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Airbags, Body · OH

Unknown

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Body · AZ

The vehicle sunroof exploded. On March 10th at approximately 12:15pm, while driving down the road from my residence in my 2012 Audi Q5, the sunroof blew up, without warning, causing shattered glass to fall inside the cab of the vehicle onto myself, and my then nine year old son, causing minor cuts, and small pieces of glass to be lodged into the skin of our arms, chest, and head . I called the Audi service ref repairs, and was told it would take three months, before the service department could look at and repair my vehicle, as they were backed up with repairs. I ordered a new sunroof windshield and did a self repair and calibration. I followed up with Audi, advising of the incident, and was told the SUNROOF was under a recall, but their records, this item had been address on my vehicle, no further assistance was offered.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Fuel system · IL

The oil has been leaking for some years. I have taken it in several times, to be fixed and it is still leaking

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Engine · 160,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact purchased the vehicle at an auction, and while leaving the auction site and driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact jumped-started the vehicle, and after entering the freeway, the vehicle vibrated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted until the contact arrived at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle remained unrepaired for several days. The contact went to pick up the vehicle, and the independent mechanic stated that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that a week later, while diving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs had failed and caused the engine to fail. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had replaced the spark plugs and that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact was unsure if the spark plugs had been replaced. The independent mechanic refused to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Engine · AZ · 2 injuries

On [xxx] at [xxx], at my home, I pulled out of driveway in my 2012 audi 2012 q5, I drove three houses down, and the sunroof exploded sending shattered glass on myself, my then [xxx] son, and into the cabin of the car. I called audi for repair, but was informed there was a 3 to 4 month wait, ordered a on repairs. So I ordered a replacement and installed myself. On [xxx] my 2012 audi q5, would not start, dash fault indicated crankcase/ camshaft not alinged. Put vehicle in a audi repair shop (not dealership) for repairs. Damage was crankcase, timing chain, and timing chain tensioner research done found that there was six recalls on the vehicle, one involving the sunroof shattering, and the other involving the crankcase, timing chain, and tensioner. On 04/15/2025 I called audi at 800‑822‑2834 about the incidents, and inquiring about the six recalls, attempting to make sure the repairs had been completed. The representative was able to provide dates that a case was closed based on the VIN of my vehicle but was not able to confirm that the recall repairs had been done, she stated a claim being closed "usually meant a repair was done. But only the dealership that opened the case would have more information. I requested the dealership information, advising that I was concerned as thus far the recall repairs seem to be failing, and the recall on the airbags could cause potential death if deployed. I requested a supervisor call back. On 04/16/2025 I received a call back from a supervisor name juan/id 43248. I explained to him the issue with the previous recalls failing and my concerns about the airbags, and asked for the dealership name and number that did the repairs. He refused to give me the information sighting it contained information on the previous owner. I seek to confirm that these repairs were actually done in fear that they may not have been, and if a airbag is deployed I and passengers may end up dead as a result. Please advise. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Transmission · VA

Oil leaking excessively + low oil pressure.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Transmission · VA

Low oil pressure

Filed Mar 1, 2025 · Suspension · MD

The Audi technician discovered that the rear subframe had rusted through completely, which they deemed very unsafe and recommended replacing the subframe.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Body · VA

I found out this past summer that my rear subframe on my Audi Q5 (2012) had rusted out to the point of being dangerous to drive. Looking into it, this is apparently a common problem due to the 1st and 2nd generation design of the Q5 where they placed a wind deflector over the rear subframe. In doing so, that wind deflector collected and held moisture and corrosive agents against the frame to the point where it was completely rusted through. I was told my Q5 was not safe to drive until I got the rear subframe replaced. The Audi dealership that I ordered the subframe from (Rockville Audi) said they have been increasing the number of subframes on order as this is becoming a consistent problem. When I spoke with Audi of America about it, they said they did not believe it was an issue beyond regular aging of the vehicle but I disagree as I have other vehicles with many more years that do not have complete sections of the frame rusted/rotted out.

Filed Jan 5, 2025 · Engine · SC

December 17, 2024 2012 Q5 Audi Complaint- Purchased at Steve White Greenville, S.C VIN# [XXX] Dear Audi leaders, (and Michele) Thanks for replying to my request and your (brief) follow-up. I know selling cars is your main concern. I learned through years of working for tech companies such as Oracle and HP that it cost a significant more to get a new customer than to retain an old one. I expected at the very least was to lob a phone call to me, instead of pretending to- even more humiliating. The Audi Q5 was the biggest, most dangerous and worst purchase I’ve ever made. It is also the most expensive car I’ve ever maintained. I didn’t realize how many people literally got “burned” on this engine debacle that Audi created. Audi dealerships around the globe forced loyal customer who purchased this vehicle to jump through hoops to prove a very apparent engine flaw. It was like watching the Hindenburg crash, but in slow motion. Upon further research, the level of owners problems varied by engine; some were perfectly fine but most were faced with a ticking time-bomb. Audi seemed to take no blame, instead profiting on an “oil program”, expensive for the consumer and also time consuming, to solve the issue. As time has a way of flushing out the truth, a class action lawsuit quietly arose was settled in 2014. Audi shamelessly offered to cover 40% on certain cars-soon having a class action lawsuit on their hands. At that time, my Q5 had 99,000 miles on it. Because of Audi’s foot-dragging, my Q5 was too old to fix which seemed a little too well orchestrated and that is wrong. Currently, my vehicle is worth nothing and I feel 100% that it was intentionally motivated. I now have a hunk of metal that Audi refuses to fix which is not only frustrating- but is a danger to me and cars around me- It is unsafe. I was going to give it to my [XXX] daughter, but after having it looked over, it was too dangerous-at best. I was never notified by Audi when the recall was ann INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Audi Q5 before you buy

Compare the 2012 Audi Q5

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 Audi Q5

Is the 2012 Audi Q5 reliable?

Owners have filed 168 complaints about the 2012 Audi Q5, 2.2 times a typical Q5 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2012 Audi Q5 year score?

The 2012 Audi Q5 scores 43 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Audi Q5?

Airbags, with 85 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is engine (47).

How many recalls does the 2012 Audi Q5 have?

6 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, air bags and visibility.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi Q5 get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Audi Q5 range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 20 city and 27 highway.

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