# 2023 AUDI Q5 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
> NHTSA complaint `2196018` · 2026-04-12 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** AUDI
- **Model:** Q5
- **Year:** 2023
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** UNKNOWN OR OTHER
## Narrative
Component/System: Engine. The vehicle was destroyed by fire but the remains are available for inspection depending on insurance/salvage status.  Safety risk: Around [XXX] on [XXX], my 2023 Audi Q5 began smoking as I was exiting the vehicle with my [XXX]  daughter and then caught fire and was completely destroyed. This created an immediate risk of serious injury or death to me and my child. I live across from a park and there were many children and families nearby who were at risk as well.   Dealer/service confirmation: I just learned of recall 15ZK (loose cylinder head cover screws/oil leak fire risk) after the fire. I never received a recall notice despite owning an affected vehicle.  Inspections: The incident was responded to by Silver Spring/MCFRS Fire Station 19 along with local police on April 12. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by my insurance company. They are expected to send an inspector on April 13.   Prior warning symptoms: I recently noticed a fuel/burning smell originating from the front of the vehicle. The smell was detectable from outside the car after driving but was not present inside the cabin. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The smell persisted for several days prior to the fire without resolving, consistent with the oil leak described in recall 15ZK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
---
*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*