Audi Q5 VIN Number Check

Decode an Audi Q5 VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefixWA1

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Audi Q5

About the Audi Q5

Audi has sold the Q5 in the US since the 2009 model year, and there have been three generations. 8R first (2009–2017), then FY (2018–2025), and the GU took over for 2025–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 35 vehicle recall campaigns and 1,439 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the 8R. Its 2012 and 2011 model years alone account for 311 of them, with owners bringing up engine and cooling most often and the air bags after that. EPA rates the 8R at 20–26 mpg combined, while the GU, whose lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, gets 24–26 mpg, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2009–2026

Generations8R · FY · GU

NHTSA recall campaigns35

Owner complaints1,439 at NHTSA

Audi Q5 photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Audi Q5 generations

Three generations since the 2009 model year. The 8R (2009–2017) has the most owner complaints, the FY (2018–2025) the most recall campaigns (21).

3 / 3

2025–20263rd generation

Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2009201520202025

2025–2026· Generation 3 of 3

GU · 3rd generation

EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle

EPA combined mpg24–26

NHTSA recalls1

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2025–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, mild hybrid) · 2025
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, plug-in hybrid) · 2025

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD
automated manual/dual-clutch (2025–2026)

Known issues to check

Forward collision avoidance (35)Electrical system (21)Brakes (11)

Mentions in 46 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · GUWA12AAGU?S2······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2025 Audi Q5 quattro Premium Plus, built in San José Chiapa, Mexico

Check a Q5 VIN

Sources: EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Q5 model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 35 campaigns on file for Q5 model years 2009–2026, and the 2021 and 2022 show up in the most (8 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Audi Q5 owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2018 (207 of 1,439). Tap any bar or generation.

1,439NHTSA complaints, 2009–2026

67mention a crash

14mention a fire

64injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGU: 46 complaints · most for the 2025 (43)

Top complaint areas · GU

Mentions in 46 complaints, 2025–2026.

Forward collision avoidance35

Electrical system21

Brakes11

Lane departure10

Engine and cooling7

Air bags4

Crashes 2Fires 0Injuries 2

2025–2026 (GU)

NHTSA data summary

Its first model year, the 2025, drew more complaints than any other (43 of 46). Owners across the generation name forward collision avoidance most often (35 mentions), then electrical system (21).

What Q5 owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2018–2025 (2nd generation, FY)

The 2018 draws the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2018 most often describe electrical faults tied to the gateway or comfort modules, ABS and brake warnings, and sunroof drains that leak and soak modules under the floor. CarComplaints lists a sunroof leak into the comfort module, a failed gateway module and a car that turns off while driving for 2018, and oil consumption and no-start problems for 2020. The next Q5 arrived for 2025, so both versions were sold that year. Recalls cover brake caliper pistons, the brake master cylinder and liquid getting into the gateway module. [1] [2] [3]

2009–2017 (1st generation, 8R)

The 2011 draws the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2011 mention air bag and fuel pump problems, timing chain failures and heavy oil consumption, while owners of the 2014 more often report rust on the subframe and steering shaft. CarComplaints lists excessive oil consumption for most years, a skipped timing chain for 2011, a bad timing chain and a blown cylinder for 2013, and timing chain trouble and stalling for 2014. Recalls cover cracked fuel pump flanges, sunroof drains that can corrode the side air bag inflator and electric coolant pumps on 2.0T models. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the fuel pump flange, coolant pump, brake and gateway module recalls.
Ask for timing chain, oil consumption and module repair records.
Clear the sunroof drains and look for water under the floor.
Put the car on a lift and check the subframe for rust.
On the drive, watch for brake, ABS and electrical warnings.

Sources (8) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Q5 complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid, plug-in and diesel Q5 versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

1,439complaints, 2009–2026

67mention a crash

14mention a fire

64injuries reported

Most complaints: 2018 (207), 2012 (168), 2011 (143)

2018 · 207 complaints

Crashes 10 · fires 0 · injuries 5

Electrical system74

Unknown or other44

Engine31

Suspension25

Service brakes22

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Q5 CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 50 Q5 versions for model years 2009–2026 (gas, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 148 g/mi, for the 2023 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

8R2009–2017

20–26 mpg · CO₂ 337–444 g/mi

FY2018–2024

24–27 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 50–65 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 148–372 g/mi

GU2025–2026

24–26 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 58 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 149–368 g/mi

Model year2025

25combined MPG

358CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$3,300EPA yearly fuel cost

—/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

—Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: Q5 Sportback TFSI quattro · Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo — 25 MPG · 358 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasDieselHybridPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2025–2026. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Q5, against 9 for the BMW X3 and 5 for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Pick a range to compare.

Audi Q5GU

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 1
NHTSA owner complaints: 46
EPA combined mpg: 24–26
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 35
Electrical system 21
Brakes 11

BMW X3

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 9
NHTSA owner complaints: 55
EPA combined mpg: 27–29
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 3.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 17
Forward collision avoidance 16
Steering 13

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 5
NHTSA owner complaints: 57
EPA combined mpg: 20–27
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 34
Forward collision avoidance 12
Engine and cooling 10

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Audi Q5 VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Q5

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Dark blue Audi Q5 (FY) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Q5 carries its VIN on a dashboard plate at the lower driver's windshield, on the door jamb sticker, in the engine bay near the strut tower, inside the trunk lid, and on the B-pillar label. The GU generation starts with the 2025 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (S for 2025) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Audi Q5 VIN questions

Which Audi Q5 model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2018 leads with 207, ahead of the 2012 (168) and 2011 (143). Those first two alone make up 26% of the 1,439 Q5 complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Audi Q5 had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 35 vehicle campaigns for model years 2009–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, FY leads with 21. Then come the 8R (14) and GU (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Audi Q5 recalls are high risk?

16V-078 covers air bag inflators that can rupture. 18V-082 and 16V-955 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 16V-660, 18V-818, 17V-002, 17V-298, 17V-622, 18V-229, 23V-842, 22V-753 and 3 more. Do-not-drive advisories came with 18V-369. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Q5 generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the 8R is 2009–2017 and the FY 2018–2025. GU spans 2025–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (S is 2025).

What fuel economy does the Audi Q5 get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2025–2026 GU at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (58 MPGe on gas and electricity), up from 20–26 mpg for the 2009–2017 8R (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Audi Q5 compare with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC on recalls?

For 2025–2026 models the Q5 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign. The BMW X3 has 9, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 5. Complaints run 46, 55 and 57 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Audi Q5 have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Q5 5 stars overall. One version, AWD, is rated.

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