Audi Q5 Complaints

198 consumer complaints on file.

#11760006August 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, AIR BAGS
Mileage at time of incident: Approximately 4,000 miles Date of incident: XXX Location: [XXX] Incident description: My vehicle was in neutral while going through an automatic car wash, as instructed. When the exit signal indicated it was clear to proceed, with my foot on the brake, I shifted into drive. The vehicle accelerated on its own, without corresponding accelerator pedal input, and struck the building adjacent to the car wash. The vehicle did not exit the building on its own, so I shifted into reverse. The vehicle again accelerated on its own and struck a structural beam. I applied continuous pressure to the brake pedal throughout the incident. The vehicle did not respond immediately, but the brakes eventually engaged and brought the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle's rear obstacle-detection and automatic braking sensors, which normally engage under similar low-speed reversing conditions, did not activate at any point during this incident. The airbags also did not deploy after the vehicle struck the building. Video footage of the incident shows the vehicle moving at low speed with no visible braking response until the vehicle came to a stop. Police and fire department personnel responded to the scene. No injuries were reported. Property damage occurred to a vinyl fence, an adjacent building, and an interior wall of a business inside that building. I requested that the vehicle's Event Data Recorder (EDR) be reviewed by the dealership/manufacturer prior to any repairs, to determine throttle position, brake switch status, and sensor activity at the time of the incident. As of this report, Audi sent an engineer to inspect the vehicle on XXX and has since provided me with a rental car. I am still awaiting the results of that inspection. Components involved: Engine/motor, electronic throttle control, service brakes, parking assist/sensors, forward collision/automatic braking system I am filing this report because I was genuinely afraid for my safety INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759961August 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2022 Audi Q5 I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion through the panoramic-roof drainage system of a 2022 Audi Q5 and resulting damage to the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle was purchased with a rebuilt title at approximately 8,000 miles following minor dents/scratches and was fully operational. We drove approximately 23,000 additional miles without water-intrusion or electrical problems. Following heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle and reached the comfort module, wiring and connectors, causing corrosion and extensive electrical damage. While driving, the vehicle began stalling and its lights/electronics started flashing. After we stopped, it would not start again. Audi estimated approximately $12,000 to repair the vehicle by replacing the comfort module/connectors and cutting and splicing the affected wiring harness to new connectors. Our insurer, Progressive, considers this a safety concern because the affected wiring harness connects with other vehicle systems and recommends replacement of the entire harness rather than splicing it. Audi TSB 2075969/2 addresses water intrusion in 2018–2023 Q5/SQ5 vehicles and states that panoramic-roof drain hoses may become kinked during headliner installation, blocking drainage and allowing water into the vehicle. Audi also issued Safety Recall 90S9/NHTSA 21V-947 concerning liquid reaching the gateway control module in 2018–2022 Q5/SQ5 vehicles, recognizing that water-related electrical failure can cause reduced engine power and increase crash risk. Our vehicle experienced an electrical malfunction while driving after water intrusion. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this known Q5 panoramic-roof drainage defect presents a safety defect requiring recall action. The vehicle is preserved and available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758347August 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
On 8/3/26, my 2021 Audi Q5 began throwing numerous different malfunction/error alerts and the engine turned off while driving after a bottle of water had partially spilled onto our backseat behind the drivers side. The vehicle was towed to a nearby mechanic who determined that liquid damaged the gateway control module located under the backseat of the vehicle, as the gateway control module is placed in a "protective cover" (an unsealed plastic bag) and that bag visibly had liquid inside of it. We had immediately contacted Audi upon learning of this issue and decided not to move forward with any repairs, but to instead pay out of pocket to have it towed 70 miles to Audi/where we originally purchased the vehicle. This "protective cover" the control module was placed inside was completed as a recall service repair on our vehicle in April of 2022 due to a NHTSA recall announced in December 2021 regarding safety issues in these control modules failing from liquid spills on the backseat. We contacted Audi, explained that liquid had spilled in our backseat and entered the "protective cover" and damaged the control module. They agreed to inspect our vehicle to determine if the "protective cover" had been insufficiently installed. We paid out of pocket to have it towed to the dealership where it took them 6 days to determine the gateway control module is damaged (we had already explained this to them). Although liquid was found in the "protective cover" of this gateway control module, the dealership claims it was installed sufficiently. Upon looking into this matter further, there are numerous complaints of this exact issue (water entering and damaging the gateway control module from a liquid spill on the backseat, even with the "protective cover") on the NHTSA website, as well as a previous class action lawsuit settled out of court in regards to this EXACT issue. THE PRIOR RECALL REPAIR DOES NOT FIX THE SAFETY HAZARD AS STATED IN THE OFFICIAL NHTSA RECALL REPORT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757652August 18, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle had 2000 miles on it when warning messages of Distance warning unavailable and Audi pre sense limited with beeping signal sounding every few miles. The dealership confirmed the issue but only blamed a dirty sensor for the issue.The problem persisted even with cleaned sensor for another 6 thousand miles of driving after which I got an active lane malfunction warning. Since then all the warning messages and beeping stopped, but also the pre sense, and lane monitoring no longer work. Paid extra money for these extra safety features but they are not working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757223August 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The vehicle has experienced intermittent failures of multiple advanced driver-assistance systems beginning at approximately 150 miles. Warning messages have included Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available, Distance Warning Not Available, and Pre-Sense Malfunction. These failures disable or make unavailable systems intended to maintain following distance and warn or intervene for potential forward collisions. The warnings have occurred while the vehicle was being driven and create uncertainty about whether the safety systems will function when needed. An authorized Audi dealer first verified driver-assistance concerns during an April-May 2026 repair visit, found multiple stored faults, opened a technical assistance case, and documented active/static faults involving the front driver-assistance camera and related control modules. The problems recurred. On August 10, 2026, at approximately 1,670 miles, the authorized dealer duplicated the Distance Warning illumination and ACC unavailable condition, searched for service bulletins, opened another technical assistance case, performed a capacitor discharge, and ran replacement test plans for the A5 and 0075 control modules. Video of the warnings was provided to the dealer. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754304August 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my 2026 Audi Q5, the instrument cluster display went completely black twice while the vehicle was in motion, eliminating my speedometer and all warning indicators. Separately, during another drive, the vehicle displayed "Suspension: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle" on two occasions within minutes of each other, at approximately 15 mph and 17 mph, each accompanied by illuminated ABS and BRAKE warning lights. Immediately after, the odometer failed, displaying dashes instead of mileage, and the display spontaneously switched from miles to kilometers. This was followed by approximately 15 additional system warnings disabling adaptive cruise assist, lane departure warning, exit warning, active front assist/distance warning, parking systems, fatigue warning, traffic sign recognition, distraction warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and emergency assist. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Audi dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to duplicate or identify the cause of the failure. I have photographic documentation, with timestamps, of every warning message described above. This appears to be an intermittent failure of a central vehicle module or communication bus affecting braking, stability, and driver-assist systems simultaneously, creating a safety risk while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753919July 31, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway from a T-intersection. There was substantial distance between my vehicle and the turning vehicle. No collision risk existed and no evasive action was required. Despite this, the vehicle's forward collision system overrode my control and initiated emergency braking without cause. As a result of the sudden braking and the force of the seatbelt restraint during the event, I sustained abdominal pain and lower back pain that began immediately following the incident and persisted thereafter. This incident did not occur in isolation. Prior to this event, the vehicle had already exhibited a documented pattern of electronic and driver assistance system malfunctions, including intermittent check engine warnings, repeated false-positive driver assistance alerts, power liftgate malfunctions, sunroof malfunctions, and additional electronic irregularities. All of these concerns were reported to Audi Albany prior to the emergency braking event. Following a service visit, I was told nothing further could be done. The vehicle is currently at Audi Albany undergoing inspection at the request of Audi of America, including a review of the Event Data Recorder. I am filing this complaint to ensure the incident is part of the federal safety record. A driver assistance system that initiates emergency braking at highway speed without a valid hazard present, on a vehicle with a prior history of false-positive alerts, represents a safety defect that I believe warrants federal documentation and review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753760July 30, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
•XXX: Purchased new 2025 Audi Q5. •XXX Dashboard displayed "Check Tire Pressure" warning for all tires. •XXX: Service at Audi Marin - Reported hatch malfunction, tire pressure concerns, and repeated rollback after brake release during service visit. •XXX: Vehicle displayed "P Not Possible. Risk of Rolling Away" warning. Vehicle could not be placed into PARK, required roadside assistance (never showed after 2-hour wait), and could not be safely secured. •XXX: While stopped at a traffic light, both front seat belts tightened aggressively without warning. Passenger was a [XXX] child. •Late XXX: Collision avoidance/emergency braking warnings continued. Vehicle remained in use while awaiting loaner car availability. •XXX Oil service reminder displayed at approximately 5,000 miles. Electronic issues continue. Additional warning lights appeared. Despite multiple service visits, the vehicle continues to experience unresolved safety-related and electronic malfunctions. I have been without the vehicle since XXXdriving a loaner. Dealership reported there is a pending service solution that will be released in the 3rd quarter (maybe September). That is 2 months away - unacceptable- car is unsafe to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753405July 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the dealer approximately 7 times all for different warning lights including having the module needing to be replaced that controlled the A/C. The most recent problem is the vehicle locking up its brakes and rapidly fastening down on the seatbelt while driving stating a red danger message that flashes on the informatic screen and then disappears but will not show up on the MMI screen. This has happened twice in the last 10 days. Upon the first visit I was told that Audi has been having a lot of problems with the 2025 Q5 because of the computer. The car is currently back in the shop for continued safety components selectively turning off on their own and the car slamming on its brakes when there is no adverse event. There is supposed to be a patch coming out in Quarter 3 2026, but an actual update isn't set until 04/2027 per Audi service. I have stressed how not having these functions working correctly has made the car a hazard to drive as I never know when it will act appropriately. Also the lane departure feature does not always work appropriately and will try to hold in a improper travel and will jerk the wheel. I have completely turned that function off since it has tried to turn me into on coming traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753333July 28, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On July 23, 2026, my 2023 Audi Q5 suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway, with no prior symptoms before the incident. The vehicle began stuttering, entered limp mode, displayed multiple drive-system malfunction warnings, and developed a loud knocking sound from the engine area. The loss of power created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or operate normally in traffic. I pulled over as soon as it was safe, shut the vehicle off, and had it towed. The vehicle had approximately 74,945 miles at the time of the incident. An independent auto repair shop performed a diagnostic inspection and documented fault codes P030300 for a cylinder 3 misfire, P130A00 indicating cylinder 3 fuel injection had been disabled to protect the catalytic converter, and P013B00 involving the rear oxygen sensor. The technician reported severe connecting-rod knock from inside the engine block and found a large amount of metallic debris in the engine oil. The shop concluded that the engine had suffered catastrophic internal failure and required replacement. The symptoms and findings closely resemble the connecting-rod failure condition described in Audi recall 13i5 / NHTSA recall 22V753, although Audi advised that my VIN is not currently included. The vehicle is now at an authorized Audi dealership for further diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of power and internal engine failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven and could have resulted in a crash. I request that NHTSA review whether my vehicle experienced the same or a substantially similar connecting-rod failure as the 2023 vehicles covered by recall 22V753, despite my VIN not currently being included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749866July 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was turning left st an intersection. A car just passed and a truck wasn't close coming down the road the collision detection system caused the car to slam to 0. My neck is hurting and my daughter's back is hurting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11748164July 3, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The lane keeping assistance system was engaged as we were traveling at approximately 55 mph and started around a right hand curve. The system aggressively jerked the car to the left and with the wheels on the rumble strip associated with the center double yellow lines. There was traffic flowing the opposite direction and we would have been head to head with an oncoming truck had the driver not stopped the car. The car has been to the dealer, they can not reproduce any issues with the system and have asked that video be taken the next time this happens which is not feasible nor safe. I have not driven with the lane keeping assistance on since this incident, this was not the first time that I had issues with it trying to turn the car out of a lane, and I do not feel comfortable with it engaged any longer. There were no warning lights or messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748160July 3, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I had adaptive cruise control on in moderately flowing traffic on the highway. Without warning the adaptive cruise control on it's own turned off/disengaged and slammed on the brakes. I had not changed lanes nor had anyone moved in front of me. The weather was clear. My safety and the safety of those behind me was put at risk. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to reproduce the issue yet. They inspected the vehicle and took it for an initial 7 mile test drive, said they didn't find any problems and tried to return the car. There were no warning lamps or messages before or after the incident. I didn't notice any when it happened as I was focused on trying to avoid an accident. Prior to the incident the adaptive cruise control has turned off multiple times with the message " Adaptive cruise assist: currently not available" for no apparent reason, but this is the first time hard breaking was applied.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747307June 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
CORRECTION to NHTSA COMPLAINT #11745968 The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) did not disengage when the vehicle was placed in gear from P to R to D while/after parked in an incline postion (see DTCs -Bozeman Audi invoice, 6/23/26). The EPB is designed to disengage automatically. There was a dashboard warning light --RED--symbol--brake failure that flashed when the ignition was started. The occupants drove the vehicle approx 50 ft before the vehicle's Automatic EBS and/or Automatic Parking Braking (Maneuver Assist) shut down the vehicle completely because EPB was still engaged after gear shifts--R and D. |DTC| Diag 01500060-15TU (202729223) Terminal 75X (Relief Relay for X-Contact). [DTC 01500 / 015000] Diagnostic Lookup [Root Causes]: Blown Fuse: A fuse (typically on the main power distribution block) protecting the relief relay circuit has failed. Faulty Relay: The J59 X-Contact Relief Relay has mechanically stuck open or failed internally. Wiring/Ground Fault: Corroded, pinched, or damaged wires along the steering column or under the dashboard. Low Battery Voltage: Insufficient system voltage can trigger relay dropout during vehicle start-up. [Immediate Next Steps] Check Voltage: This was not done at Bozeman Audi dealership [DTC] The Audi repair sequence "27068950" Battery Charging / Testing (Labour Operation Number: 27068950) associated with the 12V/48V electrical system on an Audi. Audi Automatic Braking System—Audi pre sense®—includes Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Automatic Parking Braking (Park Assist / Maneuver Assist): This operates when parking or reversing. "In the 2023 Audi Q5, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)—the physical switch marked with a (P) on your center console—acts as the ultimate mechanical failsafe and anchor. It interacts differently with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Automatic Parking Braking (Maneuver Assist) systems based on speed, safety protocols, and driver behavior." Safety Recall 93AA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747226June 29, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving at highway speeds when a "Transmission Malfunction" warning appeared, and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. Once I was able to pull over and put the vehicle in Park, it completely lost the ability to engage Drive or Reverse, leaving me stranded. Important to note pulling over was difficult as I was on a highway driving ar 70mph speed and trying to locate safe space to stop avoid collusion. My car towed to the nearest dealership for repairs. Audi dealership confirmed the cause was broken internal transmission filter housing bolts. I was told this was premature occurrence as the vehicle only has 35,760 miles of driving and no prior work done on the transmission or visible notice of damage that could cause this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747067June 28, 2026
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
I was traveling on the expressway and suddenly my vehicle veered to the right. I immediately looked down to see if there was a lane-keeping assist indicator on and there wasn't. I wasn't exactly sure what was happening as no indicator lights were on. I then noticed the vehicle wasn't keeping the speed and it began slowing down. People began honking at me and a gentleman rolled down his window and yelled, "tire". At this point I looked at my driver's side mirror and notice something flapping from the tire rear tire area. Then I heard a loud noise as if there was a heavy duty truck coming up beside me and immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I immediately called for help and waited for assistance before exiting my vehicle. The rear driver's side tire was seperated from the rim and damaged the lining in the wheel well. The tire is a Continental Cross Contact. LX Sport 235/55 R 19. The vehicle is 2024 Audi Q5 with the original tires at the time of purchase. The vehicle has 20,785 miles as I am writing this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746634June 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The 2025 Audi Q5 has a systemic problem with its Multi Meidia and driver assist features, such as cruise control, side mirrors, back up camera, directional maps, etc, which malfunction at inopportune times causing major distraction while driving. Audi has been aware of the problem since 2025 and had a partial patch available in 2025, but did not inform drivers nor make it available unless requested by vehicle owner. Dealers, such at the dealer we purchased our Audi Q5 from, D-Patrick, Evansville IN, did not make us aware of flaws, and kept inidicating that it was or phones or other situations which could be easily adjusted, which was false. We did not feel safe using the vehicle and conatantly look for alternatives, due to fear and safety concerns. The first incident occured immediately after pruchase of the vehicle and has continued on a repeat basis. There are numerous reviews on line with 2025 Q5 owners reporting safety concerns while operating these vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746496June 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745968June 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged when the vehicle was parked on an incline. Unable to release automatic emergency brake when vehicle was started with key. Ignition light warning — RED — symbol — brake failure. Required a tow to Audi dealership. Audi dealership in two states failed to use OMB II reader to scan codes at the time of emergency visit. Vehicle was released to owner without scanning codes at the time of the emergency therefore owner acquired more than 3-4 consecutive drive cycles before scheduled repair appointment 7 days after emergency incident described above because the Audi dealerships in two states (vehicle occupants were traveling long distance) failed to read and store computer codes immediately after emergency incident with the automatic braking system. This incident made the vehicle inoperable and placed the occupants of the vehicle in an unsafe situation. The failure at the Audi dealerships to retrieve codes at the time of the emergency incident prolonged a permanent repair and will make vehicle evaluation/assessment for safety less reliable given that no evaluation or assessment was done at the time of the emergency at the dealerships and before the vehicle codes were automatically cleared after 3-4 consecutive ‘drive cycles.’ Requested an incline field test with vehicle — place the vehicle in similar conditions— incline — and test automatic emergency braking system— during scheduled appointment 7 days after incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745657June 22, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield wipers in the vehicle do not turn on automatically until the vehicle is in drive and moving forward. If I want to see in the rain so that I can leave a parking spot, I have to use the windshield wiper control lever to manually wipe the windshield. It only wipes once when the lever is depressed. This is inadequate in heavy rain. The wipers do not go on when parked even when the wiper lever has them on. I thought my wipers were working incorrectly, but when I took it in for service, the manufacturer told that is how they are designed. It is unsafe for the windshield wipers to stop when the car is parked. Drivers need the rain wiped away before driving, not just after. In addition, the wipers do not actuate when driving in reverse, such as when backing out of a parking spot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Audi Q5