Makes›Audi›Q5›2013

2013 Audi Q5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Audi Q5
Pictured: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line (GU) – f 13102025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
5dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro Premium/Premium P, 5dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro Premium/Premium P, 5dr SUV Hybrid Quattro
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 24 city / 30 hwy
Length
182.3 in
Curb weight
4,079–4,431 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2013 small SUV (21.4 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Audi Q5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,079 lb (5dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro Premium/Premium P).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 21% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 21.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2013

  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.2L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 26

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Q5 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro Premium/Premium P182.3 in74.8 in65.4 in110.6 in63 / 63 in4,079 lb53/47
5dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro Premium/Premium P182.3 in74.8 in65.4 in110.6 in63 / 63 in4,354 lb53/47
5dr SUV Hybrid Quattro182.3 in74.8 in65.4 in110.6 in63 / 63 in4,431 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q5 Hybrid Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26+21%$3,150337
Q52.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+7%$3,550389
Q5 FFV2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22+3%$3,750395
Q53.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-2%$3,900429
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.4 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Audi Q5.

Similar 2013 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Audi Q5 (this car)26 MPGNot rated5
2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class13 MPGNot rated0
2013 Porsche Cayenne23 MPGNot rated3
2013 BMW X522 MPGNot rated7
2013 BMW X324 MPGNot rated7
2013 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2013 Volvo XC9019 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System · Apr 11, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V229000 · 342,867 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Oct 5, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V622000 · 216,913 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Risk
The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V298000 · 240,487 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jan 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V001000 · 234,057 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System · Jan 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V002000 · 342,867 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Audi Q5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

76Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
61,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine33
Electrical System11
Steering11
Unknown Or Other8
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Service Brakes5
Structure › Body5
Power Train5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/09: 120/10: 120/11: 120/12: 121/07: 121/08: 121/10: 122/01: 222/03: 122/05: 122/06: 222/07: 122/10: 122/11: 123/02: 123/10: 124/02: 124/03: 224/05: 124/10: 225/02: 125/07: 126/02: 126/05: 120/0920/1221/1022/0522/1023/1024/0525/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Audi Q5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 11 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Audi Q5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Q5 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Q524185.8 inNot rated04
2025 Q526184.3 in★★★★★147
2024 Q526184.3 in★★★★★434
2023 Q526184.3 inNot rated657
2022 Q526184.3 inNot rated846
2021 Q527184.3 in★★★★★8103
2020 Q527183.5 in★★★★★637
2019 Q524183.5 in★★★★★553
2018 Q525183.5 in★★★★★6208
2017 Q522182.3 inNot rated542
2016 Q526182.3 inNot rated578
2015 Q526182.3 inNot rated699

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →