Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing the coolant to leak from the thermostat. This cost me $2,431.00.
Audi Q5 overheating problems
27 of the 1,357 owner complaints about the Audi Q5 describe engine overheating, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 27
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 59,500
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Oil consumption 4Engine failure 3Loss of power 2Won't start 1Tire blowout 1Stalling 1Power steering loss 1Fuel pump 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P3073 1P3043 1P0087 1
What owners say
On December 22nd i got into the vehicle and a few errors popped up which consisted of “loose wheel warning malfunction” “brakes: limited functionality drive with causation” “active front assist and emergency assist unavailable”. I called the nearest dealer and was told it’s ok to drive it’s just a software glitch and if i don’t feel comfortable driving i should take it to the dealer and come back tomorrow for a loaner since service was closed already. So i proceeded to drive home, about 10 minutes into the drive a warning for the coolant came up so i pulled off into a parking lot and as i went to park another warning came up saying coolant too high turn off vehicle and as i was approaching the parking spot the car started to overheat and smoke. This is a BRAND new car with BARELY 1000 miles on it.
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EPC light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi Dealership Jan/2023, On August 18, 2025 The vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2.How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by Audi Dealership Service Center, and State Farm claims representative. 5.Were there any warning lamps, message or other systems of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appear? When did first appeared a problem EPC light goes off and on January 17, 2023, loss of engine power, oil/coolant leaks, and etc.
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T VIN: [XXX] At around 70,000 miles, my vehicle began consuming engine oil abnormally. I received a low-oil warning and had to add 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I first approached an authorized Audi dealer at 75,000 miles, who inspected the vehicle and stated this was “normal for older vehicles” and found no issues. However, the problem worsened rapidly. By 79,000 miles, I visited a second Audi dealer who acknowledged that this was a common problem in this engine type. They quoted me $16,000–$20,000 for a full engine replacement, stating they could not replace pistons alone. At 80,000 miles, my car now consumes 1 quart of oil every 200 miles. The oil warning light comes on frequently. I am forced to carry oil and top off multiple times per week. This is not normal wear for a luxury vehicle with regular maintenance. This condition creates multiple safety risks: •Sudden engine seizure or power loss if oil runs too low, especially while driving at highway speeds. •Loss of steering/brake assist due to oil pressure failure. •Increased fire risk from leaks or overheating. •Frequent roadside stops to add oil, risking exposure to traffic. •Distraction while driving due to monitoring oil levels. •Environmental hazard from oil spills. The engine remains available for inspection. The vehicle has only been inspected by Audi dealerships. Audi should be held accountable for a defect that compromises safety and reliability at relatively low mileage. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and take appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A recall notice was sent on November 2024 informing us that the vehicle's high-voltage battery modules may experience a thermal overload possibly resulting in smoke or fire. In addition, we were notified that a defective high-voltage battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. The recall notice indicated to contact the manufacturer, Audi, to remedy the recall. We contacted Audi multiple times starting on November 2024 for the manufacture to remedy this safety recall. We have yet to receive any information as to the timeframe to remedy the recall or have had Audi reach out setting an appointment for diagnostics or replacement of the defective battery. We have been concern for the safety of ourselves and the vehicle given the current recall.
Common problem with engine cooling systems and oil systems failing. Failing emissions because of this and overheating with risk of fire. Common problem with the Q5s. Which some of them are recalled but not my 2015 q5 premium for some reason.
My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cranking and not starting. Codes were pulled from the vehicle is there are fuel pump related codes. Cause = Confirmed concern vehicle does not start. fault codes P0087, p3073, p3043, removed rear seat and checked pump control module. found power supplied to control module but no power to pump. also found connector to control module melted. advise replacement of control module, in tank pump, and control module connector to start." END OF MECHANIC REPORT The markings on the fuel pump control module are as follows, line by line: "VW emblem" "Audi emblem" Germany 1j0 973 726 >PBI< FEP 1/3 3699
My truck was part of a recall regarding my water pump and coolant leaking. I went for service at the Naperville Audi dealership and they basically gave me the run around and didn’t honor the recall lied and said they replaced my thermostat and never did. I had my car towed twice on 10/22 basically left stranded. Audi corporate advised them to fix my car due to the recall and they failed to do so.
Thermostat failed causing the engine to overheat causing veh to unable to reach required rpm’s.
In 2017 while driving in 10 degree weather, the overheat warning light and message to turn off engine came in. The car was not actually overheating and we took it straight to the dealership. They were not able to get it to replicate and advised it was possibly a faulty sensor. Fast forward to fall of 2023, the same warning light came on as soon as the car was turned on. Still no actual overheating per the dial in the car. We did check the coolant level and it was low. Dealership looked at and stated the didn't see any leaks and suggested replacing thermostat. Took to another shop and they found a small leak in the water pump so we had it replaced. Car has less than 60k miles on it. Engine failure, fire are all concerns. Especially when commuting at high speeds on a highway. We're either dealing with a faulty water pump or thermostat.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
- Risk
- The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.
Recall number 25V294000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 and Audi's customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Recall number 22V753000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
- Risk
- A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Recall number 18V229000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
- Risk
- If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Recall number 17V002000 · Recall details
Questions about the Audi Q5 overheating
Which Audi Q5 years have engine overheating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (9 complaints), 2013 (5 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).
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