ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
2021 Audi Q5
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 69 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and driver assistance categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,109 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 3 |
| Jun 2021 | 3 | 6 |
| Jul 2021 | 2 | 8 |
| Aug 2021 | 3 | 11 |
| Sep 2021 | 5 | 16 |
| Oct 2021 | 3 | 19 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 21 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 23 |
| Apr 2022 | 3 | 26 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 28 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 29 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 32 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 34 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 36 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 39 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 40 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 42 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 43 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 45 |
| Apr 2025 | 3 | 48 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 49 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 50 |
| Aug 2025 | 3 | 53 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | 55 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 56 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 57 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 58 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 60 |
| Feb 2026 | 3 | 63 |
| May 2026 | 2 | 65 |
| Jun 2026 | 4 | 69 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical2527.5%
- Engine1819.8%
- Driver assistance1213.2%
- Powertrain (other)1011.0%
- Fuel system66.6%
- Brakes44.4%
- Visibility33.3%
- Body & structure33.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
8 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11747226
- Incident
- Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated before the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the check engine, oil, and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the engine bearings had failed, causing catastrophic damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V753000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11745548
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2026
- Mileage
- 43,000 mi
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
- NHTSA ID
- 11745545
- Incident
- Jun 19, 2026
I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed and my seat belt tightened, locking me in place. My dog was thrown forward. It was terrifying! Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have certainly rear-ended me. Nothing was in the road. Absolutely nothing. It happened so quickly in a split second. I put my hazards on and finished the next 2 miles home. I called Audi for a service appointment. I took my car in, again going down back roads with my hazards on. Audi charged me $400 to run a diagnostic report and shows there is a fault code J428. This fault code I researched is for the front/right ACC radar sensor that powers Adaptative Cruise control and Pre-Sense braking system. The fault code erroneously detected an obstacle and did abrupt braking. Audi told me that they would charge me $4,000 to fix it. I contested that as a safety issue it should be fixed as there is also Audi TSB2063502 referencing problems. This is a major safety issue as if I was going 70 MPH, I could cause a massive accident where I could be killed, anyone in my car, as well as others behind me in a massive car pile up. I feel ethically, this must be a safety recall to replace this fault in all vehicles. I am also requesting payment to fix from Audi. As an attorney (#[XXX]), Audi is under notice that they have a major safety defect on their hands and should take steps to protect drivers safety. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11743573
- Incident
- Jun 3, 2026
The car seat comes loose every month and has to be reinstalled
- NHTSA ID
- 11740956
- Incident
- May 29, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious brake-related safety issue involving my Audi vehicle after recent brake service performed by an authorized Audi Meadowland dealership in [XXX] . In December 2025, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for replacement of the brake pads. The repair was completed by the dealership, and I trusted that the vehicle was safe to drive afterward. However, only approximately six months later, and after driving only around 1,000 miles since the repair, the vehicle experienced a dangerous brake-related failure involving the brake pad assembly becoming loose/detached while the vehicle was in operation. This incident occurred while my entire family was inside the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard and placing all occupants at risk. A brake system component should not fail after such a short period of time and limited mileage following dealership service. In addition to the safety concern itself, I am also extremely dissatisfied with the dealership’s handling of the matter. The dealership did not proactively contact me regarding the repair status, and multiple attempts to contact them by phone went unanswered. I believe this issue may involve improper installation, defective parts, insufficient inspection procedures, or other serious safety-related service failures. I respectfully request that NHTSA review and investigate this matter to determine whether similar incidents may affect other vehicles serviced under similar conditions. Thank you in advance for your review on this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11736640
- Incident
- May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the windows independently rolled up and down, and the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within five days. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased. The failure was diagnosed with a failed gateway control module. The contact was informed that the gateway control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the plastic protective bag that covered the gateway control module was filled with water. In addition, the dealer informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electrical System, Structure); recall repair was performed prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 37,200.
- NHTSA ID
- 11720211
- Incident
- Feb 16, 2026
- Mileage
- 37,200 mi
The safety situation happened when my wife's car got stuck while driving at about 25-30 MPH in the middle of the road.Next day At the nearest Audi service center they found that water has gotten into the rear of the trunk and damaged the electronic module which caused the car to stall.The first repair was estimate at 4600 $ .After the repair the car was inoperable.The next repair was estimated at another 4 700 $.After the second repair the car was inoperable again and the service department told me that the car needed to replace the entire transmission .Which they estimated at another 20 000 $. So the total damage is around 30 000$ .I contacted Audi USA about the whole situation when I received a negative message regarding the solution . I would like to point out that up until the moment mentioned we had no problems with the car .After my personal investigation of the problem ,I found that there was a safety recall # 21V-947 for same problem .It was not issued for my car which meets all the criteria.It looks like it was hidden by the manufacturer. Audi distances itself from the whole problem and refuses to cover the costs of the damage.Thank good this happened on the city road where the speed is low .If this happened on the highway at 60 MPH it would have had tragic consequences .Where it would never have been figured out what caused the accident. From a safety perspective ,I m reporting this dangerous and unfair treatment of customers by AUDI USA regarding the hidden recall and denial of resposability that occurred and I request an investigation .
- NHTSA ID
- 11718005
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
STRUCTURE:BODY
This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
A software update is available for the high‑voltage battery on vehicles included in this service action. This update includes quality enhancements that improve battery diagnostic capabilities, allow for more precise analysis of battery modules, and increase the depth and effectiveness of battery repairs. Updated criteria information & owner notification text for postcards added
A software update for the high-voltage battery that contains quality improvement measures is available for Audi Q5 PHEV vehicles. The new software optimizes the diagnostic functions in the battery, enables the battery modules to be analyzed more precisely and increases the repair depth of the battery modules. Updated criteria information
A software update for the high-voltage battery that contains quality improvement measures is available for Audi Q5 PHEV vehicles. The new software optimizes the diagnostic functions in the battery, enables the battery modules to be analyzed more precisely and increases the repair depth of the battery modules. Updated criteria information
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.