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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system27
- Engine17
- Power train13
- Forward collision avoidance11
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Service brakes4
- Back over prevention3
- Structure3
- Steering3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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…”
Engine
“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.”
Power train
“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”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 Sportback Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $3,200 | 349 |
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.4%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.