Audi Q5 Complaints

198 consumer complaints on file.

#11719686February 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
21 Dec 2025 11,743 miles Audi Pre-sense slammed on the brakes while waiting to make a left. Pointing downhill slightly. No cars in the way. Turned it off completely. Was on the the Late setting. Will not stay off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719434February 20, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I periodically receive warnings for adaptive light malfunctions, headlight assistant malfunctions, active lane assist malfunctions, traffic sign recognition malfunctions, adaptive cruise assist malfunctions, and high beam assist malfunctions. The Audi dealer confirmed these issues and stated a solution is being worked on but currently not available since it appears to be a software issue. These warnings first appeared within the first 250 miles and has continued to periodically appear. These issues are available for inspection. The malfunctions jeopardize the safety measures which are standard on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718005February 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The safety situation happened when my wife's car got stuck while driving at about 25-30 MPH in the middle of the road.Next day At the nearest Audi service center they found that water has gotten into the rear of the trunk and damaged the electronic module which caused the car to stall.The first repair was estimate at 4600 $ .After the repair the car was inoperable.The next repair was estimated at another 4 700 $.After the second repair the car was inoperable again and the service department told me that the car needed to replace the entire transmission .Which they estimated at another 20 000 $. So the total damage is around 30 000$ .I contacted Audi USA about the whole situation when I received a negative message regarding the solution . I would like to point out that up until the moment mentioned we had no problems with the car .After my personal investigation of the problem ,I found that there was a safety recall # 21V-947 for same problem .It was not issued for my car which meets all the criteria.It looks like it was hidden by the manufacturer. Audi distances itself from the whole problem and refuses to cover the costs of the damage.Thank good this happened on the city road where the speed is low .If this happened on the highway at 60 MPH it would have had tragic consequences .Where it would never have been figured out what caused the accident. From a safety perspective ,I m reporting this dangerous and unfair treatment of customers by AUDI USA regarding the hidden recall and denial of resposability that occurred and I request an investigation .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717521February 12, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has been in the dealership for approximately 42 non-consecutive days for repeated malfunctions of multiple safety systems.While driving, the vehicle displays warnings and disables the following systems: SOS, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Active Front Assist/Distance Warning, Lane Change Warning, Proactive Occupant Protection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Light, Emergency Assist, High-Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, and Distance Warning. These systems intermittently fail and become unavailable, triggering dashboard alerts and warning messages.Despite multiple repair attempts, the same failures continue to reoccur. The dealership has acknowledged the issue and stated that a fix exists; however, they advised that the necessary repair parts or software will not be available for approximately 3–6 months. I was instructed to take the vehicle back and continue driving it until the fix becomes available.I am extremely concerned about operating a vehicle with known unresolved safety defects affecting numerous driver assistance and crash prevention systems. The repeated failure of these systems significantly impacts the safe operation, reliability, and value of the vehicle. I am requesting investigation into this matter and the delay in providing a timely repair. 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
#11716576February 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
SoS emergency call malfunction. Besides transmission or engine mounting shakes on idle positions car still 6800 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715668February 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712558January 21, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Following a rear collision repair at an authorized dealer collision center, multiple ADAS safety systems were not properly calibrated despite insurance payment and shop representations that repairs were complete. WHAT FAILED: Lane Change Assist, Peripheral Camera System, Side Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Front Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control were either not calibrated or calibrated in timeframes physically incompatible with manufacturer specifications. SAFETY RISK: Driver relies on blind spot monitoring and lane change alerts that may be non-functional or inaccurate. Without proper calibration, these systems may fail to detect adjacent vehicles, provide false alerts, or create blind spots in camera coverage, increasing collision risk during lane changes and merging. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. Shop manager provided diagnostic logs as proof of calibration. Analysis shows 360-degree camera calibration executed in 18 seconds versus 40-60 minute industry standard, and zero calibration events logged for Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera systems explicitly claimed as completed. INSURANCE INSPECTION: Insurance company explicitly DENIED Lane Change Assist and Peripheral Camera calibrations on estimate. Shop admitted in writing these items were declined and blamed insurance for non-payment. No OEM calibration logs produced despite multiple written requests. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Systems may appear normal on diagnostic scan with no active fault codes, but this does not prove calibration was performed to OEM tolerances. Physical calibration requires target board positioning, laser alignment, and environmental verification that cannot be completed in documented timeframes. PATTERN CONCERN: This may represent a systemic issue where insurers deny ADAS calibrations, shops skip calibrations due to non-payment, vehicles are released as complete, and consumers unknowingly operate vehicles with compromised safety systems. Vehicle and documentation available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710552January 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The audi presense seems to be too sensitive and it is available for inspection. There have been 3 times that I've been at a complete stop in the middle of the intersection waiting for the opposing traffic to stop so I can turn left and suddenly the car brakes, seat belts engage and it scares us. 2 times I had just started to turn left and the car braked (no opposing traffic) and it was so sudden the car behind me almost hit me since they were not expecting me to suddenly brake as I was turning left. The car has been inspected by 2 different dealers and they can not reproduce the issue. No other warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710435January 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2021 Audi Q5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving unintended emergency braking. On September 10, 2025 and again on January 8, 2026, my vehicle suddenly applied emergency braking while I was driving and there were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of me. The dashboard displayed “Auto Pre Sense” during both incidents. These unexpected braking events created a high risk of a rear-end collision and placed me and other drivers in immediate danger. This is not a driver error, but a malfunction of the safety system. Because this has occurred more than once, I am concerned that the Audi Pre Sense system in my vehicle may operate unpredictably and cause a serious accident. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709656January 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I bought the car on September 2, 2025. The car has been in the dealer 5 times. The last one started on December 2, 2025, and still in the dealer as of today (January 8, 2026) no solution has been found. Most of the time is having problem with the technology in the car. I cannot even drive it. It has problem with cameras, Traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assistant, adaptive light malfunction, headlight assistant malfunction, Audi active lane assistant malfunction, accessibility service malfunction, driver system malfunction (limited vehicle performance), and the list keep on going. I am trying Audi America to buy my car back. I have the car for 4 months and I have use it for approximately 3 weeks (milage as of today 1,529 - several miles done to test the car by the technicians).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709480January 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The over dashboard screen didn't turn on when the car was open or the ignition turned on. Sometime it would take minutes though on a few occasions it simply didn't turn on. The consequence is I couldn't see how fast I was going, any information related to the car such as fuel level, tachometer, temperature. etc. I had the part replace by Audi, but it was over 3K to fix on part and/or system that should not fail. This started in the month of December 2025 though I just had it fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708803January 5, 2026
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q5 equipped with a Vredestein Spare Tire, Tire Line: Spare Wheel Space Master, Tire Size: 195/75/R18, DOT Number: DVVB. The contact stated that AAA was called to the scene to change a tire and discovered that the spare tire could not be inflated while needed. While attempting to inflate the spare tire, air was continuously leaking from the tire. The contact stated that the tire was unusable. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708657January 4, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When attempting to accelerate rapidly (I.e. passing gear) the engine immediately begins to lose power. Audi dealer investigated and determined it was “TURBO LAG”. This situation happened multiple times at different speeds. When trying to accelerate to pass another vehicle or to merge onto a freeway are the scariest and most dangerous instances. Taking your foot off the accelerator does allow the engine to regain speed. The salesman that we had experienced this on a test ride with me. In reading previous turbo problems with Audi/ Volkswagen vehicles, I’m concerned that this may become a safety issue. This also occurred with the loaner vehicle they gave me which was the same year and model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707017December 25, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
* Primary Component: Forward Collision Avoidance * Secondary Component (if available): Electrical System / Lane Departure Step 3: The Incident Description (Copy & Paste below) > Summary of Safety Defect: > The vehicle is experiencing a critical, recurring failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). There are two primary life-safety issues: > * Phantom Braking: The vehicle initiates sudden, forceful emergency braking without any external hazard or obstacle present. This rapid, unprovoked deceleration occurs at highway speeds, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. > * Total Warning Failure: The system fails to provide any visual or audible "Pre-Sense" alerts when actual hazards are present. The safety suite is non-functional and fails to warn the driver of oncoming items. > * Context: The vehicle has undergone four repair attempts and has been out of service for over 30 days. As of late December 2025, the manufacturer has been unable to resolve these safety-critical software and sensor malfunctions. >
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706954December 24, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2022 Audi Q5 (VIN [XXX] ) Mileage at incident: ~20,000 Component: Powertrain – Engine / Turbocharger – Sudden Loss of Power NARRATIVE: On or about [XXX], my 2022 Audi Q5 experienced a sudden loss of engine power while driving approximately 60 mph. The vehicle began vibrating/shaking severely, jerking on acceleration, and displayed warnings including “Drive system: Please switch engine off” along with a check engine light. The vehicle entered reduced power/limp mode, creating a hazardous situation in traffic at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Audi dealer in Wayzata BLVD Minneapolis who diagnosed catastrophic internal engine failure and documented metallic debris in the engine oil. Audi replaced the engine with a new long block (warranty repair). However, despite confirmed metal contamination in the oil system, Audi directed the dealer to flush and reuse the turbocharger rather than replace it. The turbocharger is supplied by engine oil and may retain embedded metal in its bearing assembly, creating an ongoing risk of turbo bearing seizure/failure and another sudden loss of power at highway speed. I am reporting this because (1) the vehicle already experienced sudden power loss at highway speed, and (2) the repair decision to reuse a contamination-exposed turbocharger may create continued risk of sudden loss of power and unsafe operation. Dealer repair: Engine replaced; turbocharger reused after “flush.” Current safety status: I do not feel the vehicle is safe for highway driving due to risk of turbo failure and sudden power loss. Requested action: Please log and review similar complaints for potential investigation related to sudden loss of power and contamination-exposed turbo reuse in warranty repairs. 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
#11706733December 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On December 22nd i got into the vehicle and a few errors popped up which consisted of “loose wheel warning malfunction” “brakes: limited functionality drive with causation” “active front assist and emergency assist unavailable”. I called the nearest dealer and was told it’s ok to drive it’s just a software glitch and if i don’t feel comfortable driving i should take it to the dealer and come back tomorrow for a loaner since service was closed already. So i proceeded to drive home, about 10 minutes into the drive a warning for the coolant came up so i pulled off into a parking lot and as i went to park another warning came up saying coolant too high turn off vehicle and as i was approaching the parking spot the car started to overheat and smoke. This is a BRAND new car with BARELY 1000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706201December 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I MOVED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND PUSHED THE BRAKES TO STOP BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE. HOWEVER WHEN THE POLICE DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705329December 16, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Audi has a pre-sense mechanism that cannot be permanently turned off. I have almost been hit three times when the Audi brakes FOR NO REASON at all; people almost rear-end me because the Audi comes to an immediate halt. And there is no reason for the pre-sense to engage when it does go off. They are flukes. I am going to get seriously injured.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704922December 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Brand new car, needed a major software upgrade, for engine code, no heat , safety system flashing. It’s going back to the dealer today , for faulty gps and limited camera view for speed signs. The car has major software issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704583December 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed however, I have personally almost had two major traffic accidents when this system engaged in the process of overtaking a vehicle, slamming the brakes and almost causing a accident where he and I was rear ended. This is not a vehicle. I would let a child learn how to drive in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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