2018 Audi Q5 Driver assistance Problems

I was pulling slowly into a parking space at a grocery store, with my right foot on the brake, nearly stopped. Then the car rapidly and suddenly accelerated unintentionally. The car jumped over a bush, a median, rammed into a parked car, pushing it across the next parking lane into a third car. The third car, in turn, bumped a fourth car. Safety: The air bags did not deploy. The potential for significant injury to me, nearby pedestrians and people in cars was extremely high. Luckily, I was able to brace myself sufficiently, there were no pedestrians nearby and no one was in any of the cars. There were no warning lights, beeps, messages or any other information to indicate a defect or potential malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11730665

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

The rear view camera is not operating when shifting to reverse. I can demonstrate this malfunction at any time to anyone. Driver is unable to detect short objects or small children directly behind the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the dealer during a service visit. At that time, the service technician checked power and ground to the control unit and verified good. Attempted calibration for camera, vehicle would not calibrate. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other agencies. There were no warning messages, or lamps or any other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11727995

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

Yellow warning light..drive system malfunction. Red warning light..low oil pressure at idle. Says stop engine..after engine restart lights go off and is fine.. for a little bit.

NHTSA ID

11719269

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

Safety System Malfunction message appears on dash. Passenger side air bag goes on and off while driving. Whole system chimes and random messages flashing on screen constantly. At times system doesn’t recognize that I have my drivers side seatbelt buckled. So system keeps chiming cars Stanton. Random messages flash on dash. Traffic jam assist (3 cars symbol) unavailable and image flash on dash and does another chime. Vehicle has given random warning beeps when reversing 2 times since these issues started and has done automatic breaking both times as I was trying to reverse. Issues happen randomly and started about 300 miles ago (2 weeks or so) seem to be getting more frequent in past few days. I was trying to check today for open recall and was surprised to not have any for this issue / vehicle. I have not yet called the dealership but plan on doing so this week. This “Safety System Malfunction” and all the chimes, flashes, beeps, screen messages and the automatic vehicle responses is VERY dangerous!!

NHTSA ID

11686158

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, with no other vehicles or objects nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance system unintendedly activated. The contact stated that within seconds, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged, greatly reducing the speed before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure with Forward Collision Avoidance system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11678911

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

While driving, the power steering completely went out and lost the ability to steer, while on the road. There were no prior warnings or feeling in the steering to present a possible future failure of steering under power. Put myself, my wife and the other operators at risk as I lost all power steering and had to pull over immediately. I have a current repair order open at a local shop and the PSM module has failed, of course requiring a full steering rack replacement to the tune of +$5k.

NHTSA ID

11640890

Incident

Jan 27, 2025

While driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked up and could not be turned. Several warning lights simultaneously appeared on the dashboard including: "Steering malfunction! Please stop vehicle", "Audi adaptive light malfunction! See owners manual", "Start/stop system malfunction! Function unavailable", and "Audi pre sense currently limited" - No warning lights were present prior to this event. The sudden loss of steering could have caused serious injury to myself and to other drivers or pedestrians nearby. I was thankfully able to stop the vehicle, but I could not pull over because the steering wheel could not be turned. The car was towed to the Audi dealership and I was told the "Electronic power steering rack" would need to be replaced costing nearly $5,000.00.

NHTSA ID

11632466

Incident

Dec 21, 2024

Such incident happened two times: when I was driving at normal speed, another vehicle quickly approached me from back while switching to my lane. Out of any instruction, my vehicle applied brakes to decelerate. This almost caused crash and put my safety at high risk!

NHTSA ID

11611313

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The panel showed vehicle lights malfunction. The side marker lights are on all the time. This happened without any accident or changes of the setting.

NHTSA ID

11611311

Incident

Aug 27, 2024

Car was left outside for two weeks while we were gone on a trip. When we returned and attempted to start the car numerous warning lights went off related to turn signals, tail lights, engine ignition, key recognition, etc. We were able to drive the car home but the turn signals and tail lights were malfunctioning and the engine would lose power unexpectedly. Upon researching on AudiWorld Forums I came to learn I should check to see if there was any moisture in certain areas, including the rear fuse box area at the rear of the car. I checked that location and found many inches of water in the fusebox!!! I learned that MANY, MANY people with q5s have had the same problem which is RAINWATER ENTERING THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DUE TO NON-OPERABLE SUNROOF DRAIN PORTS. Yes, I searched and found an unrelated recall 90s9 but the dealer said this was not the issue, the issue is non-operable sunroof drains and the repair cost is $8,000. Having no idea of the danger I was placing my family in by driving this vehicle while its electrical system was swamped with water, I feel a class action lawsuit should be brought against the company for damages for material, labor, as well as the risk of injury or death I placed my wife and I in by driving this vehicle under such unsafe conditions. I noted there was a suit settled for this issue with other models, but not the 2018 q5. [XXX] V Audi/Volkswagon [XXX] . The idea that someone should have to face death for leaving their car in the rain does not even pass the laugh test. Someone in Audi's risk management department needs to address this and make owners whole again. Please advise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11603086

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

This was unintentional acceleration case: When I got into the parking space, the car was almost stopped and I was about to press the park button (gear) and the car suddenly accelerated and in a fraction of a second, climbed the curb, crashed into the fence, broke the fence and crushed on a tree. I was still applying brake to stop it and I could not do anything else. The following facts show that the acceleration was totally out of my control. 1.vehicle climbed the curb 2. and climbed the dirt part, shrubs 3. to hit the fence and broke it; It looked like something mall functioned. As a matter of fact, no safety feature worked and no sound signals went on ! Even vehicle's collision system did not kick in when car was climbing over the curb. Fortunately, I could get out of that car and my body was aching due to the seat belt and airbag explosion. (Driver side bag exploded for sure. I do not remember if the other side bag exploded.)

NHTSA ID

11572844

Incident

Nov 29, 2023

I have a 2018 Audi Q5. The electrical system basically went into complete failure, and upon taking it to the dealership, was told the sunroof draining system "clogged" and the flooding caused by this caused the damage. After significant research online, I have noted this seems to be a very well-known issue.

NHTSA ID

11565118

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

Steering rack completely failed while driving. Causing steering to become unusable nearly causing a wreck putting everyone on the road at risk. Vehicle has less 80k miles and is driven occasionally. This was an issue on early models and seems to not have been fully fixed on this model either. Warning lamps require vehicle to pullover and stop.

NHTSA ID

11561231

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Suddenly car entry stopped working. Warning messages on display about start/stop, engine starting malfunction, every single light. I found the driver rear side full of water where the fuse panel and control modules are located. There was water soaked into the insulation at the bottom of the space as well as the insulation over the wheel well. Water drops were viewed on the controllers in that space.

NHTSA ID

11552232

Incident

Oct 14, 2023

recently on a number of occassions the car stopped because the pre-sense sensor went off prematurely. There were no cars within 500 feet of my car on all occassions. Now the Pre-Sense has completely turned off and will not turn back on

NHTSA ID

11534219

Incident

Jul 22, 2023

Regarding my 2018 Audi Q5 34000 miles. Driving on a busy highway a few ounces of water spilled in the backseat. Car lights up like a xmas tree and car came to a screeching stop. Two lanes of high speed traffic on both sides. Fiance just had both hips replaced, Ends up popping one of them out of socket during ordeal. Recall was issued for installation of 'protective cover' over gateway control module. Car received recall work. Part still failed. Audi won't cover the part. I'm out of warranty. Total bill $1800. Dealer has had car 3 weeks. I've been out of pocket for rental car

NHTSA ID

11533882

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

We purchased our 2018 AUDI Q5 in May 2018, which currently has 31,567 miles. Having done the majority of the driving, I am pleased overall, and continue to be a proud AUDI owner. However, as with all new cars, we had some glitches. For example, when backing out of the garage, the pre-sense would activate for no apparent reason, causing the brakes to lock up This happened three times and each time the Service Department was able to recalibrate the system. I felt the problem was resolved until recently when it occurred for the fourth time. This is not the reason for my letter but is intended to provide background information I feel is related to a more serious problem. Recently I have experienced situations that concern my safety and the safety of my passengers, not to mention other drivers, especially those immediately behind me. On two occasions while driving on the open road, the brakes have slammed on even though, fortunately, there were no other vehicles or impairments near us. (Incident dates: 05/28/2023 and 06/09/2023.) It was indeed a frightening experience, to the point where my wife will not drive the car believing that the potential for another incident could occur (reference previously mentioned backup issues). My AUDI Advisor, whom I highly regard, has provided me with a five step procedure for bypassing the associated emergency braking pre-sensor(s), which requires being activated with each drive cycle. I did some online investigating and discovered that this is a known problem since at least 2016 as you will read in the attached article. Also included is a related Audi Technical Service Bulletin. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-b9-platform-discussion-212/permanently-disable-pre-sense-2945351/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176756-0001.pdf Reference Page 7. After years of known awareness on the part of AUDI corporate, I would conclude this work-around is not a fix but a design flaw and known safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11532835

Incident

May 28, 2023

The car is totalled. My car tripped 9+ malfunction warnings, after starting and driving. These included rear brake lights, directionals, start/stop system, and more. It appears that the sunroof leaks, and the roof drains were clogged (even though they were specifically checked and cleaned by the dealer 2 months earlier). This led to water accumulating in the areas under the back seat (a prior recall which allegedly had been addressed...NHTSA campaign number: 21V947000. Audi’s number for this recall is 90S9.), and in the rear wheel well area, where electronics control modules live. The car eventually had to be towed to the dealer. It was initially estimated to cost $9,500 to repair. But, after several weeks, more water was found and it was declared not worth repairing.

NHTSA ID

11525085

Incident

May 1, 2023

Jan. 2023 my coolant pump had blockage which caused the coolant hose to break and discharge coolant all over my engine and overheat. I have the repair receipt from Audi Dealer and requested a copy of the inspection report from them. Pictures also attached. I also have my car at the Audi dealer as we speak due to a week later the car would not accelerate properly with a Drive System Malfunction error light, which is now the Turbo Charger needing replacement. Towed to Audi Dealer on 2.7.2023 and waiting for Turbo Charger delivery, currently on back-order. These are not normal wear and tear items on a vehicle with 53,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11510821

Incident

Jan 30, 2023

Two issues. My temperature housing unit is leaking coolant. This car has very low mileage and is barely driven so it is very strange that this part is already defective. Seems the original integrity of the part may not have been good. Second, My Audi pre sense comes on while the car is driving and brings the car to a screaming halt as is there is something in the cars path. The problem is there is nothing in the cars path when this feature kicks in . It’s quite dangerous as this has happened to me while driving on busy roads .

NHTSA ID

11502737

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

I was trying to park my car in my office parking space, after right turn to parking space, I applied brake to stop, but the car suddenly accelerated and within few seconds it crashed into the office building. I was still applying brake when it accelerated and I could not do anything else. The fact that vehicle climbed two levels of curbs to hit the building shows that the acceleration was out of my control. And even vehicle's collision system did not kick in when car was climbed over the curb. Polic report #: 22-350-0239C Agency: SCCSO

NHTSA ID

11498164

Incident

Dec 16, 2022

Hello, My Q5 top view(360) camera. The MMI wont be able to save my settings - when it is changed from Graphic to Camera. It always goes back to default as Graphic. I need to adjust almost every time when I park the car. It is distracting and safety conerning. This issue came with the car since it was bulit. And this is the common issue across the MY18 for Audi products. Audi dealer needs to charge me to fix the issue, due to the car is out of warrenty. But this is not caused by wear and tear. Thanks,

NHTSA ID

11490901

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

The cars emergency brake system malfunctioned on our 2018 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, causing the brakes to lock up for no reason while traveling on a busy street at 35 mph. The force of the braking was enough to cause a bruise from the seatbelt. The risk is potential loss of control of the car, especially if this occurred at a higher speed, or being rear ended. We immediately took the car to an Audi dealer who could not ID an issue from looking at fault codes. We have been experiencing other bogus warning messages: light system warning (nothing wrong), engine RPM exceeded warnings (engine RPMs never close to being exceeded), phone SOS errors. NO warnings or symptoms regarding the brake system. Dealer says to monitor. We have been driving the car for about a week since, and have not experienced the same issue again.

NHTSA ID

11455805

Incident

Mar 3, 2022

It says driver system malfunction. Day before that it says Auto Start and Stop malfunction failure. When you are the traffic light and slow down and take a turn then the car gives kinds of couple of pushes as if the It gearbox is not able to adjust the speed automatically . You need to accelerate to keep the balance of the Car. Every passenger of the car feel the same. After 2 days I started getting Driver system malfunction warning. The car is not safe to drive on highways or local road as gearbox has some issues. There is a class action lawsuit for the similar problem which Audi did not address yet. https://margarianlaw.com/audi-class-action-lawsuit/

NHTSA ID

11427158

Incident

Jul 28, 2021

TWICE IN 2019 MY CAR SLAMMED TO A STOP WHILE BACKING UP AT 2-3 MPH. I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING AND NO DAMAGE TO CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING TO HIT, JUST A VACANT AREA. YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT 35-40 MPH ON A MAIN STREET WITH THE CLOSEST ONCOMING CAR 1 BLOCK AWAY MY CAR SLAMMED TO A DEAD, WALL SLAMMING STOP. IF A CAR HAD BEEN BEHIND ME THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I EMPHASIZE: THIS WAS A DEAD, NO SLOW-DOWN STOP. I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT 50 MILES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS PICKED IT UP AND TOLD ME THE SENSORS WERE SET TOO SENSITIVE. IF SO, WHY DID THIS NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME I DROVE? FRANKLY, I AM AFRAID I WILL BE FORCED TO DRIVE THIS CAR FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS UNTIL MY LEASE EXPIRES. THE DEALER WILL NOT GIVE ME A LOANER. I THINK THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CAR. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE WAY THIS IS BEING HANDLED. FOR YOUR INTEREST, I WAS GIVEN A RIDE TODAY IN THE 2019 SEDAN MODEL. UNBELIEVABLY IT SLAMMED TO A STOP WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID

11361398

Incident

Sep 24, 2020

Mileage

10,400 mi