Audi Q5 Complaints (2025)

46 consumer complaints on file.

#11772648October 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The NEW vehicle keeps showing a warning light on the dash saying that the rear wheel bolts are loose two accidents have occurred in a 60 day period, the vehicle has been in for service multiple times and Audi has not found a fix for the safety light warning or found the loose bolts or suspension break issues. The have ignored a vehicle defect notice sent and lawyered up as soon as I said the vehicle was a lemon.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11771851October 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
I bought a late model Audi Q5 2025 late February 2026. the one I bought was a loaner with 8K miles on it, list 60k, paid 48K for it. late April, we were in the mountains of western NC and were on a windy 2 lane mountain road after midnight with no cell service and nowhere to pull off. 7 warning lights came on, the most concerning was to immediately pull over and shut off the engine. We could not do this. The steering wheel was shaking and the climate systems shut off. All ABS were non functional. We drove the last half hour to the house, put the car in the garage and figured it would need to be towed the next day. The next morning, I turned it on and all was cleared out. I took it to the dealer when back in SC, but they could not find anything. it is now mid October, it has happened 4 other times since then. all in NC except for once on [XXX] but I was near exit [XXX] so made it home. It happened twice in a week late July. it was 98 outside the first time, I had an hour to go and it was incredibly hot in the car. with no ac. my two dogs were very stressed by the time we got to the house. Again, in the garage, all clear the next morning. It happened on the way home, now it's 99 out. I turned off the car in a parking lot, waited 15 minutes, turned it on, all clear and we got home fine. My service person said there was a "major software upgrade" coming out and that was all the car needed. they got me in early before it was released and had the car for 4 days. It took 5 tries to get the upgrade. I was told this was it, all was fine. next time I was on a steep downhill in NC. had to hold tightly to the wheel it was shaking so much, abs working, maneuverability seemed compromised. I was scared to death. This time it took over a week and because they could not find the fault code, nothing done. Given the research I have done, I am sure the dealer knew about these issues when I bought the car or certainly during the emails detailing the other incidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771358October 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
May 30, 2026 - Latching part of rear door lock broken. Had 3 grandchildren in the car at the time. Door would not latch. October 15, 2026 - Park gear would not work properly. Put in park and car would still roll. Hill-hold function also not working. March 24, April 8, August 7 - Front console lights up with warning lights for no reason. Dangerous as you don't know what is working and what is not. Forced us to have car out of commission for over 30 days since purchase on March 6, 2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771124October 14, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On October 14, 2026, while driving my 2025 Audi Q5 on a busy freeway at approximately 57 mph, the vehicle suddenly activated emergency braking and rapidly slowed/stopped without warning. At the same time, the seat belt tightened extremely forcefully around my body, restricting my movement and making it difficult to breathe. The instrument cluster then displayed “Emergency assist: canceled.” I believe the malfunction involved the vehicle’s emergency/driver-assistance braking system and restraint system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden braking created an immediate risk of a serious rear-end collision because the vehicle unexpectedly slowed/stopped in freeway traffic. I was also physically restrained by the seat belt during the event and unable to move normally. This specific freeway incident has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. I reported it to Audi Fremont immediately and requested inspection. The vehicle has previously been serviced for other unresolved safety-related issues, including a parking-related condition acknowledged by Audi as a Pending Service Solution with no repair currently available. There were no warning lamps or messages immediately before the sudden braking event. Afterward, once I was safely able to do so, I photographed the instrument cluster displaying “Emergency assist: canceled.”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763773September 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Brake Electronics Control Unit Failure (DTC U041800): Logged active diagnostic code U041800 (implausible signal in address 812C). Dealership records confirm no permanent remedy exists, with software patches delayed into Q3 2026, leaving active braking and electronic system faults unaddressed. Electrical Grid Collapse & Parasitic Battery Drain: Vehicle experienced exterior lights activating independently during sleep mode and cyclical 300mA to 2.0A parasitic draws. Required warranty replacement of the Central Electrical Control Module (J519), Low Voltage Power Distributor Module (J1282), and primary 12V battery (RO #AUCS214055). Powertrain & Transmission Engagement Failures: Experienced Check Engine Light cycling and a total failure to engage "Park" for 20 minutes. Scanned hard factory codes P187C00 (gear actuator 3 failure), P086900, and P270800, requiring ten consecutive distance sensor calibrations. Adaptive Cruise Control & Restraints Malfunctions: ACC fails to engage due to false occupant-detection logic errors, triggering phantom rear-seat belt warnings while driving solo and throwing error messages that compromise restraint safety architecture. Liftgate Architectural Failures: Rear trunk lid fails to open or latch fully due to software conflicts with the mobile key platform, causing the control unit to lose its calibrated position.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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

← Back to Audi Q5