Audi Q5 Complaints

1,386 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11746962June 27, 2026
AIR BAGS
Seat occupancy sensor, it's associated with code "B12251B".
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
#11745650June 22, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts are sometimes locked when they should not be. I understand that the seat belts are designed to lock when the vehicle stops quickly, preventing the driver from leaning forward. However, sometimes my seat belts are locked while I am driving and have not made a fast stop. For example, several times the seat belts have been locked when I get to a drive up window or kiosk, and I cannot lean forward to get a parking lot ticket or interact with the kiosk. The seatbelts have also been locked when I am stopped at an intersection. The locked seat belts prevent me from leaning forward to look for vehicles at the intersection or to see around my passenger. I have to pull on the seatbelt a few times and release to get the belt to unlock and let me lean forward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745548June 22, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated before the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the check engine, oil, and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the engine bearings had failed, causing catastrophic damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V753000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745545June 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped on the gas the car went into limp mode as I was in the middle of my turn. The power steering then went out in the turn and the wheel yanked to the left and put me half way into the lane next to me. Thankfully no one was there. I had to yank it back to the right to get off of the highway on to the side of the road. I do not think that the power steering should be associated with that module or at least a water indicator sensor should be added. What happens if someone is on the interstate is driving 75 mph and their power steering goes out. It's in the shop and there is no damage other than now I am scared to drive it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744665June 17, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle purchased new off the showroom floor with 22 miles, driven locally only and garage kept. At 270 miles, upon starting the vehicle the engine was shaking and idling rough exactly like a misfiring cylinder would. The check engine light immediately turned on and started flashing and the engined bogged down and stopped. The dealership towed it to their shop and witness the rough idle themselves. When diagnosing the fault, it was confirmed 3 cylinders were misfiring due to "catalytic converter sensor" that triggered the engine to misfire for "protection reasons". The dealership checked the distributor and spark plug wires with no issues found, ultimately they reset the code which immediately returned the engine to proper function and idling. They drove it for 60 miles confirming proper function. Their "theory" is possible bad gas could have been put in the engine prior to the dealership buying the vehicle?? We told the dealership that we have not even put gas in the vehicle ourselves yet thus no fault on us for this postulated issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744593June 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
The dashboard displayed a solid red brake light with a flashing warning “stop vehicle safely” light. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed a permanent hard fault on the ABS control Module (J104) and Hydraulic Unit (N55). The vehicle has only 66,755 miles. Independent repair shops cannot service this unit because it requires highly restricted, specialized Audi factory programming and coding software, forcing consumers to face massive dealership replacement costs for a premature electronic failure ona critical safety system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744177June 15, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing the coolant to leak from the thermostat. This cost me $2,431.00.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743573June 11, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed and my seat belt tightened, locking me in place. My dog was thrown forward. It was terrifying! Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have certainly rear-ended me. Nothing was in the road. Absolutely nothing. It happened so quickly in a split second. I put my hazards on and finished the next 2 miles home. I called Audi for a service appointment. I took my car in, again going down back roads with my hazards on. Audi charged me $400 to run a diagnostic report and shows there is a fault code J428. This fault code I researched is for the front/right ACC radar sensor that powers Adaptative Cruise control and Pre-Sense braking system. The fault code erroneously detected an obstacle and did abrupt braking. Audi told me that they would charge me $4,000 to fix it. I contested that as a safety issue it should be fixed as there is also Audi TSB2063502 referencing problems. This is a major safety issue as if I was going 70 MPH, I could cause a massive accident where I could be killed, anyone in my car, as well as others behind me in a massive car pile up. I feel ethically, this must be a safety recall to replace this fault in all vehicles. I am also requesting payment to fix from Audi. As an attorney (#[XXX]), Audi is under notice that they have a major safety defect on their hands and should take steps to protect drivers safety. Thank you. 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
#11741249June 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our '22 Audi Q5 experienced a spontaneous sunroof implosion while driving on the highway. Temperature would not have been a considering factor here, nor did anything hit the sunroof but it exploded and showered the occupants with glass - both pebble-sized pieces and small shards. The curtain was open at the time and glass went everywhere. Thankfully, the driver had the good sense to pull over immediately without an accident. This incident interrupted their trip, they had to find someone to tape a plastic cover over the gaping hole, then have the sunroof replaced, all at considerable expense and hassle. This was both a very dangerous AND frightening experience. Audi headquarters was contacted and denied any responsibility, saying that we need to handle this through our insurance company which I find outrageous as it has been recorded that quite a few Audis have experienced this same situation. It should be covered under their warranty!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740979May 30, 2026
ENGINE
2022 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX] ). Engine lubrication system failure — persistent abnormal oil consumption across two separate engines over 14 months. Beginning March 2025, the low engine oil warning light began activating repeatedly, sometimes after as few as 300 miles. AutoNation Audi Bellevue confirmed 1 quart low and initiated oil consumption tests. Their technician noted in writing that oil found externally was "not enough to cause a 1 quart low oil light" — meaning the root cause was never identified. A PCV valve replacement was attempted July 2025; the warning returned after only 300 miles — same as before the fix. Audi of America approved a full engine replacement in September 2025, completed December 2025. Within weeks of pickup in January 2026, the low oil warning activated again on the brand new engine, and again after 4,000 miles in April 2026. The defect has persisted across two engines despite multiple repair attempts. Audi now claims consumption is "within spec" at 0.16 qt/1,000 miles but has not explained why the warning light keeps activating. Safety risk: unpredictable oil loss risks sudden engine seizure at highway speeds with insufficient warning to stop safely. Confirmed and inspected by AutoNation Audi Bellevue and Audi of America. Vehicle available for inspection. 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
#11740956May 29, 2026
Carry Handle, Shell, Base
The car seat comes loose every month and has to be reinstalled
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740423May 27, 2026
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The airbag light and the driving assistance warning lights appeared on the dashboard randomly one day. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Audi of Columbia), where they kept it for a week and said the software needed to be updated. They updated it multiple times, but the car would not complete the update until the last attempt. When I picked up the car, they reported that several other 2025 Q5 (new model) vehicles were being brought in for the same issue. When I picked up the car, there were no warning lights on the dashboard. Approximately 1-2 weeks later, the same warning lights appeared on the dashboard again. I brought it to the dealership again, where they recalibrated the systems, disconnected the battery, and then cleared the fault code. That cleared the warning lights, and they planned to drop off my vehicle the next business day. While they were driving to drop off the vehicle, the warning lights came back on, so they returned it to the dealership. They have replaced the airbag control module without resolution. They have been working on my vehicle for >1 month to resolve the airbag issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740396May 27, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased a new 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback on 4/13/2026. I brought my car home that day and then had to go to the hospital for surgery so didn't drive my car for two weeks. I get in my car after a couple of weeks and the engine light came on and didn't come off I took it into Audi on May 7th. Audi said I could pick up my car on Monday May 11th and said the car battery was charged and I should be good. I brought my car home and then didn't drive it again for a week. I got in my car again and the engine light came on again. I called Audi on the Thursday before Memorial day and was told I needed to bring this back in. I took it in on Tuesday, and was told this code is a known issue and Audi is putting a fix in place to update the modules. They provided me the attached from Audi. If this is a known issue, I feel this should have been provided to me about this before buying the car. I was also told to continue to drive the car and with the light on. How dangerous is that to drive a car with the engine light and ignore it. If something is seriously wrong, I won't know cause I am told to ignore. I would like to know how to return this car as a lemon has this was a known issue and they don't know when the fix will be in place. I am asking for assistance on how to proceed with Audi. I have read several reviews on line with others that have experienced the same issues over a year ago. Thank you !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739966May 25, 2026
TIRES
The component that failed was the tire/wheel system on a rental vehicle from Enterprise. While driving on a dry highway in New Mexico, a tire pressure warning light appeared. Because we were in a remote area, we stopped at the nearest gas station and added air to the tire. After adding air, the warning light temporarily turned off, so I believed the issue was low tire pressure. However, while continuing to drive, the warning light came back on. We were traveling through an isolated area where towns and service stations were very far apart, and I was attempting to safely make it to the next available gas station or service area. While driving at highway speed, I suddenly heard a loud “boom boom boom” noise. Immediately afterward, I saw the tire detach from the vehicle and roll in front of me before going off to the side of the roadway. I quickly attempted to safely pull the vehicle over. The sudden tire separation created a serious safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the highway. There was a risk of losing control of the vehicle, rollover, collision, or secondary accidents caused by debris or the detached tire. Other vehicles had to maneuver around us after the incident. The problem was not caused by weather conditions, debris impact, or unsafe driving. The failure happened during normal highway driving in dry conditions. The tire itself was not recovered after the incident. An Enterprise representative later asked where the tire was, but due to the sudden nature of the event and the remote location, we were unable to retrieve it. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not yet been formally inspected by the manufacturer or an independent repair facility. However, the vehicle should be inspected for possible tire defects, maintenance failures, wheel assembly problems, or improper installation. The incident was reported to Enterprise, and I contacted customer service multiple times regarding the safety issue and resulting damages and expenses.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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