2021 Audi Q5: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 126
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 4
- 4 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Audi Q5: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Q5 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Audi Q5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylHybrid | AWD | 25 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD | 400 mi range |
- The 2021 Audi Q5 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Q5 that averages well under the EPA 25 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Gateway module shutdown
1,400–6,000 miles
Low-speed turning shudder
20,249–50,000 miles
Engine failure, metal in oil
44,000–50,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical18No crashes
Sudden total shutdown while driving dominates these reports. Warnings for brakes, steering, and electrical failure appear, then the engine dies, power steering is lost, and the car will not restart, sometimes at highway speed. Windows may roll up and down on their own. Dealers blame a wet gateway module under the rear center seat, below the cup holders, often after a spilled drink or heavy rain. Some dealers refuse warranty coverage for water damage, and several owners wait weeks or months for parts. A smaller group reports the digital instrument cluster going blank.
Transmission10No crashes
Two patterns stand out. Several reports describe the same rear-seat gateway module failure seen under electrical, with total loss of power on the road after liquid reaches the module. The other is a shudder, buck, or jitter when turning or stopping at low speed, which can affect steering. One dealer diagnoses a failed 4-WD clutch and rear differential at about 50,000 miles, and another dealer repair does not cure it. Isolated reports describe sudden loss of drive as if in neutral, and a stall at highway speed with a transmission and engine warning.
Engine8No crashes
Metal debris in the oil ruins the motor in the most serious reports. A malfunction light and shaking can come first, then dealers find metal shavings or fragments and call for a replacement, at roughly 44,000 to 50,000 miles. Other reports describe the rear-seat gateway module shutting the car down after water or coffee reaches it, with flashing warnings, moving windows, and heavy steering. Smaller complaints cover a water pump failure at 66,241 miles, coolant running empty with no warning, and failure at speed in extreme cold.
Automatic emergency braking6No crashes
False automatic emergency braking is the core complaint. The car brakes hard with nothing ahead, in both city and highway driving, including while passing through shade under a bridge. With cruise control set, it can brake and drop speed sharply. Pre Sense also yanks the seat belts tight while the car sits stopped at a light. Drivers describe near rear-end collisions and neck and rib soreness after a sudden stop. Dealers struggle to find the cause. One report covers driver-assist cameras and sensors left uncalibrated after collision repair.
Fuel system4No crashes
Fuel leaks appear in both reports, each carrying a fire risk. In one, metal debris on the road pierces the gas tank and gasoline drains out. In the other, gasoline drips from under the right rear of the parked car on a hot day. A yellow fuel system warning had shown earlier and the gas cap gasket had been replaced, and the dealer then calls for a new fuel pump.
Road debris tears open the plastic fuel tank and fuel leaks out in one report, at about 9,000 miles, and the dealer replaces the tank. The other report describes a fuel gauge that stays on full while the tank runs nearly empty, at about 5,000 miles, with no warning light. That car goes undiagnosed and unrepaired, leaving the driver at risk of running out of fuel.
Steering31 crash
Loss of steering control runs through these reports, and one involves a crash with an injury. In snow at low speed, the brake pedal sinks to the floor and the wheel locks, sending the car into a ditch. Another complaint describes the wheel jerking hard to the left without warning on at least 6 occasions. A third ties steering loss to the rear-seat gateway module failure, with brake and transmission warnings, black screens, and total power loss. That owner says an earlier fix covering the module in plastic did not prevent it.
Wheels and tires2No crashes
Neither report describes a wheel failure. One covers original tires worn out at about 13,000 miles, with the dealer saying the new-car warranty excludes tires and sending the owner to the tire maker. The other is a dealer service dispute: the owner says the dealer would not perform a rear axle trailing arm lock nut repair unless paid work was scheduled at the same visit.
Wipers and visibility2No crashes
The sunroof glass shatters at highway speed with no impact, sometimes with a loud boom, and broken glass falls into the cabin and onto the driver. Neither report identifies a cause, and an independent mechanic who inspects one car cannot find one. Both cars remain unrepaired at the time of filing. One failure occurs at about 51,000 miles. Sudden glass breakage at speed can startle the driver and cause injury.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Q5 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
All warning lights flashing…brakes and steering not working. Engine would not shut off,all screens /dash went black.mange’s to get in bike lane(still partially in road),emergency flashers worked fortunately.towed to dealer to be inspected and fixed …waiting for results. Was previously scheduled for recall fix .disablement happened about a week before scheduled recall fix, due apparently to water spillage in backseat
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
Vehicle control module failed while driving. All car functions failed. Had a difficult time pulling off the road safely. Car towed to dealer. Found the module wet. However area around module was dry. They don’t know where the water is coming from. Audi is aware of the issue and is replacing the part free of charge. If we were on a highway when the module failed it could have been disastrous.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
While driving on the road, multiple warning and error messages suddenly appeared on dashboard. Entire car shut down in very short time left no time for driver to safely pull over. The car cannot move in the middle of the road and put the driver, passengers and surrounding vehicles at risk. The car was towed to a dealer and they confirmed the gate way module under rear seat is wet and shorted.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
Control module located under rear seat became slightly wet from spilled liquid, and failed. Engine and electrical failure as a result of control module failure. Audi refuses to cover damages as warranty period is over. Vehicle design is defective.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
Water was spilled in the backseat of the car (less than 12 ounces of water). This caused a complete electrical failure impacting the engine and power steering. The failure happened at a slow speed in a parking lot but would have been much more dangerous on highway. The car would not turn on or off and would not shift into any gear after coming to a stop. Was told that the water caused a failure in the data bus control module.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
I have experienced two false activation of emergency brakes on my 2021 Q5 in the past 3 months. Both have been very scary incidents for my family - Feb 2022" Driving on a highway with no vehicle in front at 60mph, going through a shade under a bridge where emergency brakes false kicked in - 4/30/22 around 2pm: Driving on a street with no vehicle in front at 30mph where emergency brakes falsely kicked in
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
when using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly brakes. If set a 70mph it will jam on the brakes and reset to 45 mph. This has caused near rear collisions. This is a recurring problem,.Audi service tried 3 times to identify the problem. Google has other owners with the same problem.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
How the 2021 compares with other Q5 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 Q5 years, about 2.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical1813
- Transmission102
- Engine83
- Automatic emergency braking61
- Fuel system40
- Steering32
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V080000ElectricalFeb 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.
23V842000ElectricalDec 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
22V753000EngineOct 2022
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.
Fix: 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).
22V742000Backup cameraOct 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
22V034000Wheels and tiresJan 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
21V947000ElectricalDec 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
21V606000Seat beltsAug 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
21V295000SuspensionApr 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
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