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Audi Q5 fuel smell problems

33 of the 1,359 owner complaints about the Audi Q5 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2010 model year.

owner complaints
33
worst model year
2010
typical mileage
104,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped on the gas the car went into limp mode as I was in the middle of my turn. The power steering then went out in the turn and the wheel yanked to the left and put me half way into the lane next to me. Thankfully no one was there. I had to yank it back to the right to get off of the highway on to the side of the road. I do not think that the power steering should be associated with that module or at least a water indicator sensor should be added. What happens if someone is on the interstate is driving 75 mph and their power steering goes out. It's in the shop and there is no damage other than now I am scared to drive it

Filed May 1, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2016 Audi Q5. The vehicle previously underwent recall 20Z8/20W9, which addresses fuel pump flange cracking that can cause fuel leaks and fuel vapor odors. Despite this recall repair being marked as completed, I am now experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. This appears to be the same condition the recall was intended to fix. When I called the authorized Audi dealership (Audi San Jose), I was told I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs because the recall had already been completed and is no longer covered. I believe this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Fuel system · 108,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the fuel odor was also outside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel pump. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V298000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was performed in 2017. The contact was informed that a protective film was applied during the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair had a one-year warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Engine · 152,396 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2010 Audi Q5. The contacted stated while sitting in the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There was a leak coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed with a secondary air injection system bank 1 and 2, insufficient flow, and a possible clogged left and right cylinder head. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,396.

Filed Jul 17, 2023 · Fuel system · LA

Unknown, but can assure the gas tanks has cracks and leaking gas, along with the smell of gas inside the car and outside the car. Called Audi and spoke with a rep but they dont want to acknowledge the recall which was issued for the vehicle. I made an appointment with Audi New Orleans, but the earliest appointment to get the vehicle check is August 28th, 2023. I have to go to work and the car can possibly catch a fire to the tank actually leaking. This is extremely dangerous and life threating. I definetly need help because let Audi tell it they dont see a recall at all for my vehicle.

Filed Mar 14, 2023 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2010 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after refueling. Additionally, a fuel odor was detected while driving. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

The contact's wife owns a 2011 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle in his garage, he smelled a fuel odor outside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flange had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advise the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was previously performed under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V818000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The contact stated that the dealership was able to resolve the issue.

Filed Sep 10, 2022 · Fuel system · NY

- Fuel pump assembly leaking under rear passenger seat. Fuel odor in rear of car spreads to entire car quickly when engine is on. - Strong gasoline odor spreads quickly inside car cabin. Gasoline leaks from bottom of undercarriage near exhaust pipe causing a fire hazard. - The issue was confirmed by mechanic. A crack in fuel pump causes fuel to leak from pump when engine is on. - Vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic. Mechanic verified fuel leak from top of fuel pump. - No warning lamps or messages displayed prior or during the problem. Problem occurred 1 week ago.

Filed Dec 4, 2021 · Fuel system · FL

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021 I filled my car up with gas. Shortly after I noticed a fuel smell from the outside and on the inside of the car. On Thursday, December 2, 2021 I drove to Jupiter fl approx a two hour car drive it smelled like gas the whole entire drive there on the inside of the car and even worse on the outside. When I got home on Friday night December 3, 2021 it was still just as bad. I took my car to the mechanic today Saturday, December 4, 2021 and upon the mechanic putting it on the lift you could see two leaks on the gas tank one at the front and one at the rear. He will be removing the seat on Monday to look further into the issue.

Filed Oct 29, 2021 · Fuel system · TX

My car smells like gas, I took it to the dealership ans they said my fuel pump flange is leaking gas

Related recalls

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

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 3, 2017 · 240,487 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that 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 replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V‑660.

Recall number 17V298000 · 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

Questions about the Audi Q5 fuel smell

Which Audi Q5 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2010 (15 complaints), 2011 (8 complaints) and 2009 (4 complaints).

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