Audi Q5 Complaints (2021)

70 consumer complaints on file.

#11675916July 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The small buttons that are part of climate control on the dashboard pop out and fall off. The pieces aren’t supposed to do that. They are actually designed to work as buttons that stay in place but whatever mechanism that is designed to keep them is place comes off. I have tried just putting the buttons back in but they will eventually pop off again. My car is relatively new and should not have buttons popping off. No car of any age should have buttons just falling off. These are small buttons that pop off at any moment if there is a defect and I think could be a potential choking hazard for children and pets. If one falls off and I don’t notice and is just rolling around on the ground, it could be an issue with pets especially. My buttons fell off in the middle of the night and I had to search the vehicle for it. This is also the control system for the fan in the car. In extreme climate, if this falls off, there are no means for controlling the climate of the vehicle. Yes, the problem has been reviewed and confirmed by an Audi Dealership. The only solution seems to be to order a brand new dashboard and climate control system but it’s the same system and can’t guarantee that the buttons won’t pop off on the new ones. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure. The buttons will randomly pop off sometimes with no one in the vehicle or in the middle of just driving somewhere. They will just pop out. Several people are having this issue but Audi refuses to address the problem and instead forces everyone to by a brand new climate control system with the same faulty button system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661004May 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Virtual dashboard where speedometer and safety warning are displayed has stopped working. Display has completely shut down. I cannot see any critical information to drive vehicle. I contacted the dealership to address a serious safety concern that mirrors an issue already under active recall for other models by the manufacturer. Despite this, the dealership has refused to perform any inspection or repairs, stating that my specific model is not currently included in the recall—even though the symptoms and risks are identical. This refusal raises significant concerns, as it leaves a known safety issue unaddressed solely due to recall limitations that may not yet reflect the full scope of the problem. In order to receive any resolution, the dealership is asking to cover diagnostic and service costs for the safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654812April 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
When turning at low speed the vehicle bucks and jitters affecting steering and control of the vehicle. Audi issued a technical service bulletin to address this issue so it's clearly a widespread problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654294April 12, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driver reading light flickers on and off while driving creating a night driving distraction hazard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654027April 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The instrument panel cluster assembly (screen behind steering wheel) needed to be replaced because it would intermittently stop working and I had no idea of how fast I was going, what gear I was in, how much fuel I had or whether the lane assist and other safety features were working. Without knowing speed, I may have followed cars too closely to safely stop or I could have run out of gas and left stranded somewhere. I thought it might have been software updates occurring but after a few days, I went to the dealer for service. Audi Naples was able to detect fault, replicate problem and replaced the assembly on 4/10/2025 for $3,391.96. The dealer kept the part and told me to keep my receipt in case there is a recall. My car currently has 31,489 miles and had a total inspection and was last serviced on 1/22/2025 with 31,487 miles. I find it outrageous that a part like that would fail in such a short period of time. I was lucky I wasn't on a long trip away from home when it occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628102November 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Gateway control module shutdown. After a rain storm vehicle had electrical issues such as rear light turning off, and engine start malfunction alarm on dashboard. To vehicle automatically stoping with no vehicle nearby, seat belt tightening and to engine seized while driving to the dealer for the “engine start malfunction alarm”. The Audi dealer is quoting us $17,000 to repair for damages. Multiple people on this post have also had this issue with one going on 4 months waiting for parts to repair this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627279November 25, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine has failed and I am not sure why my Q5 was not included in the recall for coolant issues leading to engine failure. My issue started last winter when the car would suddenly kick in a loud fan. It would flash a warning that the start/stop malfunctioned as it only happened when stopped and/or parked. It was extremely alarming to hear so I would turn the car off and let it sit. When I started it up, there were no warnings and would drive normally. This continued to happen randomly. Then came the coolant low warning, engine temp, along with an RPM warning that kicked on the loud fan. I added coolant as it was the reservoir was low but never empty and temp gauge was in normal range . All messages would go away, car would drive normally. The coolant message happened a couple more times and always the same but eventually did not return. The Max RPM and temp continued in conjunction with the start stop messages. It was always the same. It would be stopped or Parked with the start/stop engaged. The fan would kick on and increase in severity and the temp gauge always was within normal. I eventually stopped using the start/stop function and it seemed to resolve the issue. The warnings never stayed on so I was not overly concerned since it drove fine and didn't sound rough when the messages and warning weren't active. Then it expelled the oil under the hood and gave zero warning lights. I only figured it out when the oil low warning came on. I thought it was weird because I had just checked the level since I see lots of complaints that Audi burns oil. When I opened the hood, I saw the oil. I know this happened suddenly and was not a leak because I was checking may parking spots. I took it the oil change place and it was cleaned up and replaced. I then took it to have the source of the leak identified but a pressure test revealed nothing. Again, no warning persisted and it drove fine. The next time the oil was expelled, it seized and failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11598584July 3, 2024
POWER TRAIN, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and coming to a stop or making a turn, the vehicle shuddered. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4-WD clutch and rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592350June 4, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten,
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11591936June 1, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Warning lights came on and car completely stopped. Towed to dealer where we were told that Gateway control module part no 80C907468F has failed due to water damage. Dealer informed us that this is not covered by warranty for this reason. We do not believe we spilt any water there as it is located under the back passenger seat. We asked dealer to proceed with repair when we were informed that the part is on back order. We assumed this would be a matter of days or perhaps few weeks. It has been 3 and half month and no ETA yet. I found on Audi World user group that this is a common problem with this model and others have suffered similarly. I believe the OEM is responsible for making parts available within a reasonable time. In dealing with Audi America and the dealer they offered no remedy for this problem. And I am with out a car now going into 4 months. Surely they must be responsible to consumers for providing the services to maintaining the purchased vehicle operating!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11581957April 9, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The Audi "Pre Sense" automatic braking system engaged without warning and without reason bringing the vehicle to a sudden and complete stop in the middle of an intersection and slamming my body backwards and causing my head to go forward nearly hitting the steering wheel. A school bus was directly behind me and was able to stop in time before it ran into the back of my vehicle, but it could have caused serious injury or death to multiple people. It caused a considerable amount of pain in my neck the day after and soreness in my ribs. The vehicle gave no prior warning. It did display a message simultaneously when it applied the brakes and locked the seatbelts that the "pre sense" had been engaged. It has happened three times prior to this incident. The vehicle dealer has told me that they see record of the system engaging but it does not appear to be faulty by the manufacturers standards despite numerous complaints and frequent occurrences.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577308March 14, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine coolant was empty. No indicators about it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549978October 14, 2023
ENGINE
When driving in extreme cold (ambient temperatures of -35 or colder) and I reach a speed of 50mph or higher, my engine fails. The dealership refuses to resolve this issue although they’ve had my vehicle twice now, both for months at a time- and the dealership is 400 miles away from me. They also refuse to authorize the Audi-certified shop in my hometown to perform any type of diagnostics or maintenance work on this vehicle, which would significantly decrease my stress and the inconvenience of shipping my vehicle back and forth. This first occurred within just a few months of purchase of this vehicle, and I am the first owner. I am listing the first time this happened, although it is an ongoing issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534604July 26, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded while I was driving. No apparent cause and it was not a hot day.. 79 degrees. Glass landed all over me, my passengers seat and the back seat. I was startled and confused and was fortunate that no cars were near me.I was 2 miles from home and did not call police but paid almost $1400 for repair and Audi took no responsibility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509529February 28, 2023
WHEELS
Leased new 2021 Audi Q5 from Audi of Coral Springs , FL on Aug 17, 2021. We had the vehicle serviced on 12-24-2022 and where notifed that during the inspection that all 4 tires needed to be replaced and where shocked because our Audi only had about 13,000 miles on the odometer. We asked how to get coverage under our NEW car warranty and where once again shocked when the service rep informed us that Audi doedsnt warrant the tires and we woud have to file a claim with the tire manufacturer Kumho Tires. We called Kuhmo direct at 800-445-8646 who instructed us one of their licensed dealers. We took the Audi to Discount Tires 2629 Weston Rd Weston ,FL with Kumho tires Ref #36136. Discount Tires did their inspection and called us back the next day......notifying us Kuhmo Tires WOULD NOT honor warranty because we where a third party. I cleed Kuhmo direct and asked them to expalin how Iwas considered a third party.....Kuhmo stated they are the first party, Audi is the second party and I was considedred the third party. So I asked if Audi wasn't liable and Kuhmo was n't liable......................who warants the tires on a brand NEW car??? I asked them why their own warranty card on Kuhmo Tires (size 235/55 R19 101H) carries a 60,000 warranty and our Audi had app 13,000 miles how they could deny coverage. I think their process is wrong and needs to be examined, this process really hurts consumers when neither Audi or Kuhmo will accept liability. Looking for assistance in purchasing 4 NEW tires from Audi and or Kuhmo Tires
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508604February 22, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the malfunction warning light illuminated, followed by the vehicle shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that metal fragment was found in the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the contact needed to contact the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 138,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was 44,000. Also the vehicle had 2 oil changes, supposed to have 3. The dealership informed the contact that the engine was blown. The dealer would not honor the warranty because the vehicle needed an oil change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503426January 24, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Please note that this exact same issue has been previously reported by another driver ... While the car was fully stopped at a red light, in drive, and with the brake pedal depressed, the Audi pre sense system falsely triggered. There were no vehicles or pedestrians in close proximity and there was no apparent reason for the trigger. The seat belts were forcefully retracted and the pre sense light came on on the dash. If the car had been moving, this could have caused a serious accident. There have been multiple reports on this on Audi's discussion boards. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/s4-b9-platform-discussion-214/freaked-out-pre-sense-seat-belt-tightening-no-reason-all-3020878/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/pre-sense-seat-belt-jolt-3046494/
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498807December 25, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Several electrical system malfunction lights came on the dash. Audi says it is the starter generator. Car almost stopped in the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495208November 28, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, she noticed that after driving several miles, the fuel gauge displayed that the vehicle was full. The contact then stated that the fuel gauge remained on full although her fuel tank was close to empty. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was a pending recall and to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact stated that there was a four-hour hold. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488604October 10, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
While the car is fully stopped at a red light, in Drive, and brakes fully depressed, the Audi Pre Sense falsely triggered. The seat belts were forcefully retracted and the pre sense light came on on the dash. Since the car was stopped, there was no imminent safety issues. However, had the car be moving, this could cause serious injury such as a crash. Also, for someone with health condition, this could trigger a panic attack, heart attack, etc. There has been multiple reports on this on Audi's discussion boards. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/s4-b9-platform-discussion-214/freaked-out-pre-sense-seat-belt-tightening-no-reason-all-3020878/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/pre-sense-seat-belt-jolt-3046494/
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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