The Most Common 2011 Audi Q5 Problems

The 2011 Audi Q5’s most common problems include airbag issues, excessive oil use, and leaking fuel.
Written by Kate Kirby
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The major issues with the 2011 Audi Q5 include problems with the airbags and excessive oil use. With five recalls and other minor complaints, here’s what you need to know. 
Over a decade old, it’s no wonder the Q5 has some issues.
Audi
has since improved upon the model, but if you have the 2011 version, all is not lost. Overall, the Q5 is practical yet luxurious, fuel-efficient, and reliable. 
Regardless, being aware of the problems that may arise is important. That’s why
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison tool and vehicle expert, is here to go over the 2011 Audi Q5 problems you should know about. 
And before we wrap up, we'll even fill you in on how to save money on
Audi Q5 car insurance costs
.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

The most common 2011 Audi Q5 problems

Unfortunately, there is a laundry list of common problems that occur with the 2011 Audi Q5. First, let’s go over the five recalls
  • Fuel pump flange may crack: This will cause fuel to leak and could start a fire if ignited by a spark. 
  • Airbag inflator may rupture due to corrosion: Due to issues with the sunroof drainage system, water may leak into the foam around the airbag, which can break down the canister. This could cause the inflator to fracture and spray metal fragments, which could result in injury or death. 
  • Driver’s frontal airbag inflator may explode: If the driver’s frontal airbag deploys in the event of a crash, the inflator could explode and cause metal fragments to shoot out. This may cause serious injury or death. This recall was issued twice by Audi. 
  • Interim butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking: Using interim butyl tape might not be effective in preventing fuel from leaking and this could result in a fire.
Audi notified all owners of the recalls and ordered dealers to have parts replaced and/or fixed at no cost. 
Beyond these issues, there are further complaints from drivers of the 2011 Audi Q5. Some reported that the vehicle used an excessive amount of oil. Additionally, there may be decreased power and fuel economy due to carbon build-up in engines used from 2009 to 2016. 
There were also problems with the vehicle starting after refueling and popping noises heard coming from the trunk. The noise was suspected to be the
leak detection pump
. This would sometimes fill up with air and the popping was the release of that air. 

Is the 2011 Audi Q5 reliable?

J.D. Power gives the 2011 Audi Q5 an average reliability score of 77/100. That puts it at the No. 2 spot for compact premium SUVs. 
Although the Q5 has been recalled five times by the
NHTSA
, it remains a fairly reliable vehicle.
RepairPal gives the 2011 Audi Q5 a 3/5 when it comes to reliability and reports that the average annual repair cost is about $925. Compared to similar vehicles, this is quite costly, but you have to keep in mind that it is an older model. 

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!) 

Sometimes vehicle issues are inevitable, but keeping your
car insurance
costs low can help you save money. Fortunately,
Jerry
can help you find the best policy at an affordable price!
Jerry contacts your insurance company to get the details of your current coverage so you don’t have to scale a mountain of questions. You get all the best prices and coverage with none of the legwork. And if that isn’t enough for you, Jerry can even help cancel your old policy once you decide to make the switch.
Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up for my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings