Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2021 Audi Q5 SportbackRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 74 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback. Most complaints involve electrical system (27) and engine (17). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
74
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

74 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system27
  2. Engine17
  3. Power train13
  4. Forward collision avoidance11
  5. Fuel/propulsion system4
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Back over prevention3
  8. Structure3
  9. Steering3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Q5 Sportback model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202174
20230
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

27 reports
“Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Component Affected: Electrical System / Electronic Control Unit (Body Control Module / BCM2) Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the Body Control Module (BCM / BCM2) caused by water ingress originating from a defective rear sunroof drainage tube assembly. The manufacturing failure of the panoramic sunroof drain allows water to pour directly down the vehicle's interior D-pillar. Because of a severe design flaw, Audi positioned this highly critical central electrical computer completely unshielded in the exact cargo cavity where this water runoff pools. When the Body Control Module shorts out due to this water ingress, it creates an immediate and severe safety hazard. The vehicle experiences sudden, unpredictable electrical malfunctions while in motion, including the risk of uncommanded engine shutdown, a total loss of exterior lighting, failure of the central locking safety systems, and a disabled key transponder system. Audi is fully aware of water ingress vulnerabilities affecting central modules in the floorboards and cargo areas of this platform (as evidenced by NHTSA Recall 90S9 for…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11767711

Engine

17 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2026EngineODI 11747226

Power train

13 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Power trainODI 11766803
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q5 Sportback
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
232825$3,200349
  • Q5 Sportback
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 28 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 16006
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 Q5 Sportback questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback problems?

Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (27), engine (17), power train (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026