Audi Q5 Complaints

1,386 consumer complaints on file.

#11739494May 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle failed inspection due to premature rust perforation damage of rear subframe caused by a plastic cover trapping water against the metal. Vehicle otherwise passed inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739245May 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Adaptive cruise control not working....,Intermitently shutting off. This is coinciding with numerous engine, oil and gas warning lights going off in the Audi MMI system. Lead tech at Audi dealership in Norwell MA is telling me that this is a well known issue with the 2025 Audi Q5 needing a software update that will not be available until sometime in the 3rd quarter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739161May 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is considerable rust to the point that the subframe has been structurally compromised. I also contacted Audi USA regarding this issue, but they advised that they could not provide any assistance and closed my case. I was instructed to have the vehicle inspected and see what the dealer could do. I have videos and photos documenting the compromised subframe which many Audi Q5 owners have been complaining about.... There are holes approximately the size of a tennis ball.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739045May 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Regarding the adaptive cruise control, sometimes the system won't engage. The first time this happened a warning popped on the screen saying something about seatbelts. I've learned that the problem can be "fixed" by pulling off the road and turning the car completely off. That includes opening a door to silence the radio. The cruise has always worked afterwards. Sometimes while driving on cruise control, in a straight line, the car brakes abruptly for no apparent reason. Granted we were on the interstate and there was traffic but no reason whatsoever to brake. The cruise control is easily confused on roads with multiple lanes and sharp curves, like on [XXX] between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. The car will brake abruptly, seemingly sensing a car in front of me but in a different lane. Sometimes when reengaging cruise control the speed goes not to the speed I had set but what it "sees" as the posted speed limit. This caused the car to speed up in a construction zone and slow to a speed below the prevailing speed of traffic around us. 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
#11738767May 19, 2026
SUSPENSION
My Q5 failed inspection due to a rusted subframe, so badly there is a huge hole in it. The dealership sent photos and notes to Audi but the dealership claims Audi denied my warranty claim (12 Year Corrosion Warranty) because it's not a body panel (the verbiage used in the warranty). However, Audi customer service told me it was because the dealership wrote a note that it was due to neglect. This is a safety defect that I was unaware of until now - I keep up with oil changes, have my car inspected every year and was never made aware of the problem until now so how would I be expected to know what was happening beneath my car. I've done lots of research online and this seems to be on the verge of becoming a common issue seen in 2010-2017 Q5s. So much so, there's a law firm investigating it like DiCello Levitt - could be a design flaw, there is a plastic covering known to trap moisture and debris. I also don't live in an area that gets much snow, some years we don't have any and I get monthly car washes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738774May 19, 2026
SEAT BELTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
May 11, 2026 approx 9:35am. I was in a flat parking area at a gas station waiting for a friend. There were 2 other cars parked near me. No one was in them. Neither were moving. I backed out of my space into a large, empty, open area to turn my car around to have a better view. Because the audi pre-sense chronically malfunctions, I always turn it off before I drive. But I left it on this time because I was only driving about 15 feet in a parking area. I backed out, then stepped on the brake to turn the wheel. While I was AT A FULL STOP, the seatbelt motor started up loudly and grabbed my chest with the seatbelt, slamming me back against the seat. No one was there. No cars were moving. I was at a stop. When the seatbelt let me go, I noticed a red lighted image of some sort on the screen. I believe there was a red star-shaped image and some text indicating a collision. Then the image disappeared. I turned off pre-sense and backed into my parking space. It was painful and frightening - especially as I have osteoporosis. This car has previously slammed the brakes on an empty road while I was driving 45-50 mph. Dealer says there are no codes or errors and I need to clean the sensors. I bought it new. Likewise, the rear cross-traffic, pedestrian detection etc. rarely works and sometimes fires for no reason. If the brakes slam when there's a car behind me, I'll be rear-ended. If the seatbelt slams while I'm on the road, I'll certainly swerve from the discomfort and being startled. Very dangerous. NOTE: My previous report seems to be removed from this website. Bad idea.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11737878May 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
My rear subframe is completely rotted out and the dealership I bought it from but a new inspection sticker sold it to me and told me it was perfect condition
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737704May 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle exhibits multiple, unresolved safety-critical defects across software and mechanical systems that create an unpredictable and dangerous driving environment. Despite multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to certify the vehicle as safe for operation. 1. Critical ADAS Failures (Forward Collision/Lane Keeping): Automatic Emergency Braking (Pre-Sense): The vehicle suffers from unprompted alerts and phantom braking incidents, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. Lane Keeping Assistance: The system has experienced unexpected steering pull, which could lead to an unprompted lane departure. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): The system consistently fails to detect lead vehicles in 40% to 50% of instances. The most recent failure was documented via timestamped screenshot on May 12, 2026, around 4:07 PM PT. This defect is reproducible and renders the automated safety suite unreliable. 2. Powertrain & Mechanical Defects: Pneumatic Air Leaks: The vehicle exhibits 100% pneumatic air leaks during acceleration. The service center has dismissively characterized a total pneumatic system failure as "normal," which I find technically unacceptable and a sign of neglected mechanical integrity. 3. Electrical & Starting System: Recurring Ignition Failures: The vehicle has experienced multiple failures to start, most recently leaving my child and me stranded for 10 minutes. Safety & Use Impairment: These intermittent failures compromise the vehicle's utility and the safety of my family. Incident History: The first time this occurred, I called Audi Roadside Assistance, but the engine started approximately 30 minutes later; as a result, I do not call roadside assistance now when it happens and instead attempt to restart it repeatedly. Current Status: I am forced to drive the car in a constant dilemma, knowing it might fail at any time and leave me stranded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737442May 12, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, AIR BAGS, SUSPENSION
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737448May 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2019 Audi q5 drive system malfunction/start stop malfunction. Error code will come on randomly in traffic and when you try to put your foot on the gas it hesitates and you need to push harder on the gas. Car will also lose acceleration power and take longer to reach desired speed. Drive system malfunction light will come on as well as an error stating start/stop system malfunction. Have had multiple sensors and battery replaced with only temporary results. Start stop malfunction will come on randomly at any time and then go away for a certain amount of time and come back again. This malfunction is constantly going on and off and is sometimes dangerous because you don’t know when it will happen, if it does happen you don’t know if you need to press harder on the gas, or if you do accelerate you don’t know if you’re damaging your engine. After multiple fixes at Audi dealership and other repair shops, them attempting to address this issue has done nothing for the car leaving me to believe this could be a fault. This issue has been going on for at least 10 months with multiple dealer visits attempting to address this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737237May 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact replaced the battery. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The independent mechanic attempted to start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and noticed that the gateway control modular was moist. The contact was informed that the gateway control module had become moist because of the broken seal, the vehicle shut down. The contact stated that the contact's wife had spilled a liquid substance into the vehicle. In addition, the contact was provided pictures of the corrosion. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the unknown recall only covered the seal. The contact was informed that the recall did not cover the replacement of the gateway control modular. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair of the corroded seal was covered under the recall. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737047May 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All of my display screens went blank at 108 miles. I had no speedometer, no fuel level gauge, no warning indicators, and no audio alerts including turn signals. The vehicle was towed to the dealership since it was a safety issue for me to drive. It has been there since November 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736640May 8, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious brake-related safety issue involving my Audi vehicle after recent brake service performed by an authorized Audi Meadowland dealership in [XXX] . In December 2025, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for replacement of the brake pads. The repair was completed by the dealership, and I trusted that the vehicle was safe to drive afterward. However, only approximately six months later, and after driving only around 1,000 miles since the repair, the vehicle experienced a dangerous brake-related failure involving the brake pad assembly becoming loose/detached while the vehicle was in operation. This incident occurred while my entire family was inside the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard and placing all occupants at risk. A brake system component should not fail after such a short period of time and limited mileage following dealership service. In addition to the safety concern itself, I am also extremely dissatisfied with the dealership’s handling of the matter. The dealership did not proactively contact me regarding the repair status, and multiple attempts to contact them by phone went unanswered. I believe this issue may involve improper installation, defective parts, insufficient inspection procedures, or other serious safety-related service failures. I respectfully request that NHTSA review and investigate this matter to determine whether similar incidents may affect other vehicles serviced under similar conditions. Thank you in advance for your review on this matter. [XXX] 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
#11735869May 5, 2026
SUSPENSION
The rear sub frame has completely rusted through, on both driver and passenger sides. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. It is a 2014 q5 with 160k miles. There is a hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides due to a poorly designed cover that traps salt and other road debris leading to premature failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735390May 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735198May 1, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2016 Audi Q5. The vehicle previously underwent recall 20Z8/20W9, which addresses fuel pump flange cracking that can cause fuel leaks and fuel vapor odors. Despite this recall repair being marked as completed, I am now experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. This appears to be the same condition the recall was intended to fix. When I called the authorized Audi dealership (Audi San Jose), I was told I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs because the recall had already been completed and is no longer covered. I believe this indicates that: The recall remedy may have been ineffective, or The defect has reoccurred This presents a potential fire hazard and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, as it appears the recall did not adequately resolve the safety defect. Date issue first noticed: [04/27/2026] Mileage at time of issue: [101k] Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734604April 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving my 2025 Audi vehicle. Shortly after leasing the vehicle in 09/2025, I experienced electrical and system malfunctions while driving, including warning lights, intermittent adaptive cruise control malfunctions, erratic acceleration, sputtering, and sudden braking without warning. These issues occurred during normal driving and raised safety concerns. On 11/03/2025, the vehicle failed to start and required multiple jump starts, displaying multiple system errors including a check engine light and malfunctioning displays. During a brief attempt to drive, the steering wheel began vibrating, additional warnings appeared, and the vehicle behaved as if on rough terrain despite normal pavement. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 11/04/2025. While there, Audi’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and engineers were involved, and I was informed that internal technical guidance was issued related to this issue, indicating it may not be isolated. After more than two weeks, I was told the vehicle was repaired. On 11/19/2025, immediately after pickup, it malfunctioned again at highway speed. During lane changes, the vehicle resisted steering input and attempted to keep me in the lane despite signaling, creating a loss-of-control situation that required abrupt correction. A rear crash assist malfunction warning also appeared. I returned the vehicle the same day. Although it may start and run, I do not believe it is safe to operate due to the prior loss-of-control event and continued system instability. I have been asked to drive it again to reproduce the issue, which I do not feel is safe. This may involve a defect in driver assistance and electronic control systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733919April 27, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving home from the farmers market with my two young kids. I was turning left at a busy intersection when the engine died and an engine warning flashed on the dash (I don't recall the exact message; it sounded catastrophic). There were no "check engine" or any other warning messages prior to the incident. I was able to restart the car immediately and give it a lot of gas to get out of the intersection - thank goodness - but didn't feel it was safe to drive the full 1 mile home, as there are several inopportune locations for an engine to die along the route, so I parked it in a residential neighborhood and walked home with my kids. My instinct there seems correct as it would not start again thereafter. I got it towed on the Monday and the mechanic called me to tell me that a piston had broken off in the engine and there is complete engine failure. I've attached a photo he took. This is a car we've had for 5 months with only 47,000 miles on it, regular service according to Carfax, and full/clean oil. No error messages or warnings prior. It was really scary to be in a busy intersection with a dead engine and young kids in the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733352April 23, 2026
SEAT BELTS
My car was not operating effectively and was displaying many dash lights. I brought it to the local Audi dealership and they kept it for several days - they did a software update but most of the dash lights stayed on. They did an investigation and diagnostic review and they told me that the passenger seatbelt igniter needs replacement and that i could not safely transport passengers in my vehicle and they would order the part. The seatbelt igniter is a safety component and I am unable to use my vehicle safely/effectively as a family vehicle until this issue is resolved. The dealership has an order with Audi but there is an unexplained parts hold and no one can communicate any updates or ETA to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733149April 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEAT BELTS
My seat belt warning has been going off intermittently. I received an extended warranty from Audi Subject: Seat Occupancy Detection System Limited Warranty Extension extending the warranty for my car. However, when I took it to the dealer they could not replicate the sound. I provided them a video of it happening. They said it was not showing as a fault on the computer and therefore refused to repair the seat under the warranty extension. This is a safety issue and it's recognized as one by Audi. This sensor is obviously malfunctioning for a lot of people or they would not have extended the warranty. Regardless of being able to "replicate" the issue, they should replace the sensor since it's a known issue and they extended the warranty on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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