Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Audi Q5 problems

Owners filed 103 complaints about the 2021 Audi Q5 with NHTSA between Jan 2021 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (33).

Complaints
103
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Structure4
  11. Lane departure3
  12. Vehicle speed control3
  13. Tires2
  14. Visibility2

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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202125
202217
202312
202411
202516
202622

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

33 reports3 related recalls
“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

Forward collision avoidance

14 reports
“When attempting a left-hand turn, despite the oncoming vehicle already passed me, the Audi auto-breaks leaving me in the center of the oncoming lane and causes the vehicle behind me to almost crash into me. Very dangerous.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11765676

Fuel/propulsion system

7 reports
“If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped on the gas the car went into limp mode as I was in the middle of my turn. The power steering then went out in the turn and the wheel yanked to the left and put me half way into the lane next to me. Thankfully no one was there. I had to yank it back to the right to get off of the highway on to the side of the road. I do not think that the power steering should be associated with that module or at least a water indicator sensor should be added. What happens if someone is on the interstate is driving 75 mph and their power steering goes out. It's in the shop and there is no damage other than now I am scared to drive it”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11745545

Back over prevention

5 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5E. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer due to an accident unrelated to a failure; however, the contact stated that while his vehicle was being serviced at the dealer, he was notified by the technician that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention) however, during the software update, the infotainment module became corrupted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2023Back over preventionODI 11520086
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.