2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

“The instrument cluster on my 2021 Audi Q5 failed completely — the display went black, with no speedometer or warning indicators. The failure occurred immediately after a car wash, and the vehicle then lost all electrical power. I had the vehicle towed to Audi Meadowlands on 10/26/26. On 10/29/26, the dealership replaced the battery and performed diagnostics ($972.78, RO# 76004260/1). The dealership diagnosed the failed instrument cluster and quoted $4,000-$4,500 to replace it, but did not repair it. The dealership then released the vehicle to me with the instrument cluster inoperative, after assuring me the vehicle was fine to drive. I drove the vehicle on public roads with no speedometer, no gauges, and no warning displays. Within 48 hours, after approximately two miles of driving, the vehicle lost all power again and would not operate. On 11/5/2026, the vehicle would not start. A first tow truck could not jump-start it; a second tow truck succeeded, and when I drove the vehicle out, reverse was not working properly. The vehicle was taken directly to Audi Englewood for independent diagnosis and is not safe to drive. I believe this involves two existing safety…”

“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.”

“We took our 2021 Audi Q5 to the Audi dealership because our vehicle seemed to be skipping gears and making jerking motions while driving. I believe it began happening at least a couple of months ago when my wife noticed a change in driving dynamics. She is the vehicle's sole driver. After taking it to the Audi dealership and driving with the technician in the passenger seat, a diagnosis was made immediately while backing from the parking space. The technician indicated there was no need to go any further because he could determine it needed a differential fluid change. He also indicated it was a common problem with this model Q5 and it is occurring at a high rate with these vehicles. This was a $512.38 (with a 25% discount) expense that should not have occurred for a vehicle this age which was purchased new from this manufacturer. This should not be happening with this vehicle and shouldn't a recall have been made for such a frequently occurring problem? Please investigate and reply”