Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2021 Audi Q5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 103 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5. Most complaints involve electrical system (33) and engine (22). The EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Feb 2025
Owner complaints
103
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: traction battery

Remedy pending

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Electrical systemReported Feb 13, 2025NHTSA 25V080000

Electrical system: cable

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

Electrical systemReported Dec 13, 2023NHTSA 23V842000

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

Engine and engine coolingReported Oct 7, 2022NHTSA 22V753000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

103 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system33
  2. Engine22
  3. Power train20
  4. Forward collision avoidance14
  5. Fuel/propulsion system7
  6. Back over prevention5
  7. Service brakes5
  8. Steering5
  9. Wheels4

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200931
2010100
2011143
20124
201392
2014106
2015100
201678
201742
2018209
201953
202037
2021103
202420
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

33 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

22 reports1 crash
“Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) e-quattro Component: Engine (Engine Block, Connecting Rod Bearings, Cylinders)Description of Incident:My 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon professional diagnostic inspection at an authorized Audi dealership, technicians discovered destructive metal debris and fragments inside the engine cylinders and oil circuit.This exact mechanical failure, engine block damage, and presentation of metal shavings perfectly mirrors the known manufacturing defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 22V753 (Audi Recall Campaign 13i5) for improperly machined connecting rod bearings. However, when checking the vehicle's VIN, it shows as currently excluded from the active recall list.The vehicle has experienced the identical catastrophic manufacturing defect identified in the 13i5 campaign, suggesting the vehicle identification parameters of the original safety recall were under-inclusive. The authorized Audi dealership is currently refusing coverage because the VIN is not flagged, despite the identical mechanical failure. Safety Risk Statement:Severe internal engine damage from…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026EngineODI 11766043

Power train

20 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 Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
EV range
400 mi (EPA)

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

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 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
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV · All-Wheel Drive
252927$2,950166
Q5
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid · All-Wheel Drive
232825$3,200349
  • Q5
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV
    25 city · 29 hwy · $2,950/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Q5
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid
    23 city · 28 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 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 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 Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 15897
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 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?

8 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Audi Q5 problems?

Owners filed 103 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (33), engine (22), power train (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Audi Q5 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Audi Q5 at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Audi Q5?

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

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026