Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Audi Q5 problems
Owners filed 209 complaints about the 2018 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between Jan 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (74).
Complaints
209
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system74
- Engine31
- Suspension25
- Structure22
- Service brakes22
- Forward collision avoidance19
- Vehicle speed control14
- Exterior lighting13
- Air bags13
- Steering11
- Power train10
- Seat belts7
- Seats5
- Wheels5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
15
21
10
10
15
45
40
29
24
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
74 reports1 related recall
“The sunroof drainage system on my 2018 Audi Q5 failed to properly channel water away from the vehicle, resulting in significant water intrusion and approximately $6,000 in damage. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership after the vehicle was brought in for inspection in August 2026. I am concerned that this represents a design or engineering defect in the sunroof drainage system rather than ordinary wear. A drainage system intended to remove water should not allow water to enter areas of the vehicle where it can damage electrical components or other systems. Water intrusion into these areas could potentially create electrical failures or other safety-related problems. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Audi dealer, and Audi of America was contacted regarding the issue. Audi declined to cover the repairs. There were no clear warning lights or messages alerting me that the drainage system was failing before the water intrusion and resulting damage were discovered. The vehicle and affected components can be made available for inspection if necessary. I am submitting this complaint because I believe NHTSA should investigate whether…”
Engine
31 reports
“While driving the vehicle after a bump in a pot-hole there was loud clunking noise from the engine compartment and car stopped suddenly. There was a risk of getting hit by the car from behind. Car was towed to Audi Service Center and found to have a Connecting Rod Bearing Failure damaging the whole engine. The act is still at the repair shop and should be available for inspection. It was inspected by the authorized Audi Service center. Insurance advisor will be taking look at it also. There was no warning, messages, or any other symptoms of any problem prior to the incident.”
Suspension
25 reports
“Driving through the expressway a metal noice from the bottom of my car. One of the coil spring was out of the base and the other was broken. As the Audi dealer, the extended warranty doesn’t want to paid due to a corrosion on the bottom of the car. I’m live and drive close to the beach. They gave me thousands excuses to not fix it. My car has 60,000 miles and is from 2018. I was reading that those car may not be coated with special wax for corrosion.”
Structure
22 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owned a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing water to flood into the trunk where the spare tire was located. The water caused electrical failures, short-circuiting the brake lights and indicator lights. The contact stated that the circuit breaker was in the trunk of the vehicle. The message of an electrical failure was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed the failure. The technician at the dealer stated that the failure was a known failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
Service brakes
22 reports4 crashes
“I was pulling into (my usual) handicapped parking space, at a slow speed. As I approached the curb my brakes did NOT respond to stop my car. Not only did my brakes not respond, the car actually sped up - going up the curb and hitting the handicapped sign pole. The pole broke and stopped my vehicle! I was afraid my (out of control) vehicle would keep going through a store front - it did not. Folks gathered around- thinking I had put my foot on the gas . I DID NOT put my foot anywhere except on my BRAKES …which went ‘mushy’ . would not stop my vehicle. My research has found similar incidents reported by other drivers. I am NOT ALONE. Of course the dealership could not reproduce the incident. But they did suggest many other services for a car with 60,000 miles. The AUDI dealership took NO responsibility for the incident. There was a recall on the master cylinder that was supposedly handled before I took delivery of the vehicle in January 2019. Audi denied that anything was currently amiss with my master cylinder. There was a warning message when I tried to start my car about a week before. Because it made no sense - like your tires are low - I dismissed it as just…”
Forward collision avoidance
19 reports2 crashes
“Multiple electrical failures that control numerous safety systems, such as airbags, Collision avoidance, speed control, etc. Airbags will not activate in a collision. Vehicle will shut off at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering control. The vehicle has been inspected by an Audi dealer. Multiple warnings on dash came on when the issue occurred.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.