2025 Audi Q5 Driver assistance Problems

On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway from a T-intersection. There was substantial distance between my vehicle and the turning vehicle. No collision risk existed and no evasive action was required. Despite this, the vehicle's forward collision system overrode my control and initiated emergency braking without cause. As a result of the sudden braking and the force of the seatbelt restraint during the event, I sustained abdominal pain and lower back pain that began immediately following the incident and persisted thereafter. This incident did not occur in isolation. Prior to this event, the vehicle had already exhibited a documented pattern of electronic and driver assistance system malfunctions, including intermittent check engine warnings, repeated false-positive driver assistance alerts, power liftgate malfunctions, sunroof malfunctions, and additional electronic irregularities. All of these concerns were reported to Audi Albany prior to the emergency braking event. Following a service visit, I was told nothing further could be done. The vehicle is currently at Audi Albany undergoing inspection at the request of Audi of America, including a review of the Event Data Recorder. I am filing this complaint to ensure the incident is part of the federal safety record. A driver assistance system that initiates emergency braking at highway speed without a valid hazard present, on a vehicle with a prior history of false-positive alerts, represents a safety defect that I believe warrants federal documentation and review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753919

Incident

May 21, 2026

I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the dealer approximately 7 times all for different warning lights including having the module needing to be replaced that controlled the A/C. The most recent problem is the vehicle locking up its brakes and rapidly fastening down on the seatbelt while driving stating a red danger message that flashes on the informatic screen and then disappears but will not show up on the MMI screen. This has happened twice in the last 10 days. Upon the first visit I was told that Audi has been having a lot of problems with the 2025 Q5 because of the computer. The car is currently back in the shop for continued safety components selectively turning off on their own and the car slamming on its brakes when there is no adverse event. There is supposed to be a patch coming out in Quarter 3 2026, but an actual update isn't set until 04/2027 per Audi service. I have stressed how not having these functions working correctly has made the car a hazard to drive as I never know when it will act appropriately. Also the lane departure feature does not always work appropriately and will try to hold in a improper travel and will jerk the wheel. I have completely turned that function off since it has tried to turn me into on coming traffic.

NHTSA ID

11753405

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

The lane keeping assistance system was engaged as we were traveling at approximately 55 mph and started around a right hand curve. The system aggressively jerked the car to the left and with the wheels on the rumble strip associated with the center double yellow lines. There was traffic flowing the opposite direction and we would have been head to head with an oncoming truck had the driver not stopped the car. The car has been to the dealer, they can not reproduce any issues with the system and have asked that video be taken the next time this happens which is not feasible nor safe. I have not driven with the lane keeping assistance on since this incident, this was not the first time that I had issues with it trying to turn the car out of a lane, and I do not feel comfortable with it engaged any longer. There were no warning lights or messages.

NHTSA ID

11748164

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

I had adaptive cruise control on in moderately flowing traffic on the highway. Without warning the adaptive cruise control on it's own turned off/disengaged and slammed on the brakes. I had not changed lanes nor had anyone moved in front of me. The weather was clear. My safety and the safety of those behind me was put at risk. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to reproduce the issue yet. They inspected the vehicle and took it for an initial 7 mile test drive, said they didn't find any problems and tried to return the car. There were no warning lamps or messages before or after the incident. I didn't notice any when it happened as I was focused on trying to avoid an accident. Prior to the incident the adaptive cruise control has turned off multiple times with the message " Adaptive cruise assist: currently not available" for no apparent reason, but this is the first time hard breaking was applied.

NHTSA ID

11748160

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

The 2025 Audi Q5 has a systemic problem with its Multi Meidia and driver assist features, such as cruise control, side mirrors, back up camera, directional maps, etc, which malfunction at inopportune times causing major distraction while driving. Audi has been aware of the problem since 2025 and had a partial patch available in 2025, but did not inform drivers nor make it available unless requested by vehicle owner. Dealers, such at the dealer we purchased our Audi Q5 from, D-Patrick, Evansville IN, did not make us aware of flaws, and kept inidicating that it was or phones or other situations which could be easily adjusted, which was false. We did not feel safe using the vehicle and conatantly look for alternatives, due to fear and safety concerns. The first incident occured immediately after pruchase of the vehicle and has continued on a repeat basis. There are numerous reviews on line with 2025 Q5 owners reporting safety concerns while operating these vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11746634

Incident

Apr 12, 2025

The airbag light and the driving assistance warning lights appeared on the dashboard randomly one day. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Audi of Columbia), where they kept it for a week and said the software needed to be updated. They updated it multiple times, but the car would not complete the update until the last attempt. When I picked up the car, they reported that several other 2025 Q5 (new model) vehicles were being brought in for the same issue. When I picked up the car, there were no warning lights on the dashboard. Approximately 1-2 weeks later, the same warning lights appeared on the dashboard again. I brought it to the dealership again, where they recalibrated the systems, disconnected the battery, and then cleared the fault code. That cleared the warning lights, and they planned to drop off my vehicle the next business day. While they were driving to drop off the vehicle, the warning lights came back on, so they returned it to the dealership. They have replaced the airbag control module without resolution. They have been working on my vehicle for >1 month to resolve the airbag issue.

NHTSA ID

11740423

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Adaptive cruise control not working....,Intermitently shutting off. This is coinciding with numerous engine, oil and gas warning lights going off in the Audi MMI system. Lead tech at Audi dealership in Norwell MA is telling me that this is a well known issue with the 2025 Audi Q5 needing a software update that will not be available until sometime in the 3rd quarter

NHTSA ID

11739245

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

Regarding the adaptive cruise control, sometimes the system won't engage. The first time this happened a warning popped on the screen saying something about seatbelts. I've learned that the problem can be "fixed" by pulling off the road and turning the car completely off. That includes opening a door to silence the radio. The cruise has always worked afterwards. Sometimes while driving on cruise control, in a straight line, the car brakes abruptly for no apparent reason. Granted we were on the interstate and there was traffic but no reason whatsoever to brake. The cruise control is easily confused on roads with multiple lanes and sharp curves, like on [XXX] between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. The car will brake abruptly, seemingly sensing a car in front of me but in a different lane. Sometimes when reengaging cruise control the speed goes not to the speed I had set but what it "sees" as the posted speed limit. This caused the car to speed up in a construction zone and slow to a speed below the prevailing speed of traffic around us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11739045

Incident

May 17, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related defect involving my 2025 Audi vehicle. Shortly after leasing the vehicle in 09/2025, I experienced electrical and system malfunctions while driving, including warning lights, intermittent adaptive cruise control malfunctions, erratic acceleration, sputtering, and sudden braking without warning. These issues occurred during normal driving and raised safety concerns. On 11/03/2025, the vehicle failed to start and required multiple jump starts, displaying multiple system errors including a check engine light and malfunctioning displays. During a brief attempt to drive, the steering wheel began vibrating, additional warnings appeared, and the vehicle behaved as if on rough terrain despite normal pavement. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 11/04/2025. While there, Audi’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and engineers were involved, and I was informed that internal technical guidance was issued related to this issue, indicating it may not be isolated. After more than two weeks, I was told the vehicle was repaired. On 11/19/2025, immediately after pickup, it malfunctioned again at highway speed. During lane changes, the vehicle resisted steering input and attempted to keep me in the lane despite signaling, creating a loss-of-control situation that required abrupt correction. A rear crash assist malfunction warning also appeared. I returned the vehicle the same day. Although it may start and run, I do not believe it is safe to operate due to the prior loss-of-control event and continued system instability. I have been asked to drive it again to reproduce the issue, which I do not feel is safe. This may involve a defect in driver assistance and electronic control systems.

NHTSA ID

11734604

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

Randomly the MMI screens are blank. This means I have no speedometer, I cannot see my fuel level and there is no audio, such as blinker indicator.

NHTSA ID

11728309

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

My vehicle has now experienced a serious electrical malfunction a few times, including one again today. Each time, the car suddenly loses power and drops to 40 mph, the steering wheel shakes, and all warning lights come on. This is extremely dangerous and puts my safety—and the safety of others—at risk. The Car is Brand new and has about 1200 miles. I took the car in previously, and the dealership admitted they do not know how to fix the issue. Despite this, when I called again today after the problem happened, they refused to take the car in. At this point I do not feel safe driving it or having anyone else in the vehicle. This is severely impacting my daily life and mobility. I need immediate action and a resolution to this unsafe situation. I only get run around when I call Audi Fletcher Jones and my service adviser does not resolve my issue. They don't let me speak to the General Manager and they don't give me his email address. Attached are two photos. I have a video which i can submit per your request.

NHTSA ID

11727376

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

There appears to be a software problem with the car. On the display, there are malfunction messages about the airbags and safety features.

NHTSA ID

11725961

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

The ADAS is not working properly. Adaptive cruise control, emergency assist, lane departure, active front assist, distance warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive light, etc. are all not working. The check engine light is illuminated, the key fob would not open car (not a battery issue) and the seat belt tensioner is not working properly. Those ADAS features are there for a reason and that is to enhance the safety of me, my passengers and other drivers. The key fob allows quick access to my vehicle, which enhances my safety when alone or with others. The seat belt tensioner provides restraint during an accident so neither I nor my passenger will go head first into the windshield, air bags and/or steering wheel/dashboard. The problems have been confirmed with the dealership. Yes, it has been inspected by the dealership. Yes, they first appeared January 2025. My car is currently at the dealership supposedly waiting for a backordered seat belt tensioner. It has been at the dealership for 22 days and I haven't any idea of when I will be getting the vehicle back. I purchased it in October 2025. It has been driven less than 5,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11725789

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

The vehicle triggers the braking system when there is nothing in the road, this has happened when turning across traffic, into parking lots, and when just driving on a road. Luckily this has not caused a crash yet but it has a high likelihood of causing a crash if not properly fixed by Audi. Occasionally the sensors stop working and the seatbelts tighten aggressively. This is especially risky because my wife is pregnant and this tightens for no reason around the baby. This has happened many times in the short time I’ve owned this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11724448

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

I periodically receive warnings for adaptive light malfunctions, headlight assistant malfunctions, active lane assist malfunctions, traffic sign recognition malfunctions, adaptive cruise assist malfunctions, and high beam assist malfunctions. The Audi dealer confirmed these issues and stated a solution is being worked on but currently not available since it appears to be a software issue. These warnings first appeared within the first 250 miles and has continued to periodically appear. These issues are available for inspection. The malfunctions jeopardize the safety measures which are standard on the car.

NHTSA ID

11719434

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has been in the dealership for approximately 42 non-consecutive days for repeated malfunctions of multiple safety systems.While driving, the vehicle displays warnings and disables the following systems: SOS, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Active Front Assist/Distance Warning, Lane Change Warning, Proactive Occupant Protection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Light, Emergency Assist, High-Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, and Distance Warning. These systems intermittently fail and become unavailable, triggering dashboard alerts and warning messages.Despite multiple repair attempts, the same failures continue to reoccur. The dealership has acknowledged the issue and stated that a fix exists; however, they advised that the necessary repair parts or software will not be available for approximately 3–6 months. I was instructed to take the vehicle back and continue driving it until the fix becomes available.I am extremely concerned about operating a vehicle with known unresolved safety defects affecting numerous driver assistance and crash prevention systems. The repeated failure of these systems significantly impacts the safe operation, reliability, and value of the vehicle. I am requesting investigation into this matter and the delay in providing a timely repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11717521

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

The audi presense seems to be too sensitive and it is available for inspection. There have been 3 times that I've been at a complete stop in the middle of the intersection waiting for the opposing traffic to stop so I can turn left and suddenly the car brakes, seat belts engage and it scares us. 2 times I had just started to turn left and the car braked (no opposing traffic) and it was so sudden the car behind me almost hit me since they were not expecting me to suddenly brake as I was turning left. The car has been inspected by 2 different dealers and they can not reproduce the issue. No other warnings.

NHTSA ID

11710552

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

I bought the car on September 2, 2025. The car has been in the dealer 5 times. The last one started on December 2, 2025, and still in the dealer as of today (January 8, 2026) no solution has been found. Most of the time is having problem with the technology in the car. I cannot even drive it. It has problem with cameras, Traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assistant, adaptive light malfunction, headlight assistant malfunction, Audi active lane assistant malfunction, accessibility service malfunction, driver system malfunction (limited vehicle performance), and the list keep on going. I am trying Audi America to buy my car back. I have the car for 4 months and I have use it for approximately 3 weeks (milage as of today 1,529 - several miles done to test the car by the technicians).

NHTSA ID

11709656

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

* Primary Component: Forward Collision Avoidance * Secondary Component (if available): Electrical System / Lane Departure Step 3: The Incident Description (Copy & Paste below) > Summary of Safety Defect: > The vehicle is experiencing a critical, recurring failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). There are two primary life-safety issues: > * Phantom Braking: The vehicle initiates sudden, forceful emergency braking without any external hazard or obstacle present. This rapid, unprovoked deceleration occurs at highway speeds, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. > * Total Warning Failure: The system fails to provide any visual or audible "Pre-Sense" alerts when actual hazards are present. The safety suite is non-functional and fails to warn the driver of oncoming items. > * Context: The vehicle has undergone four repair attempts and has been out of service for over 30 days. As of late December 2025, the manufacturer has been unable to resolve these safety-critical software and sensor malfunctions. >

NHTSA ID

11707017

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

I MOVED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND PUSHED THE BRAKES TO STOP BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE. HOWEVER WHEN THE POLICE DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID

11706201

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

Brand new car, needed a major software upgrade, for engine code, no heat , safety system flashing. It’s going back to the dealer today , for faulty gps and limited camera view for speed signs. The car has major software issues

NHTSA ID

11704922

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed however, I have personally almost had two major traffic accidents when this system engaged in the process of overtaking a vehicle, slamming the brakes and almost causing a accident where he and I was rear ended. This is not a vehicle. I would let a child learn how to drive in.

NHTSA ID

11704583

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

While driving home from the dealership on Route 65 at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully applied the brakes without warning. My husband and I are experiencing symptoms of whiplash including back and neck pain. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles nearby that would have triggered this response. This was a scary experience, and I am concerned it could happen again in traffic or at higher speeds. This incident presents a serious safety hazard to me, my passengers, and others on the road. The auto was purchased one week ago. Had it in for service. According to the service summary, the Driver Assist System had a coding error, and a hard reset of the module was performed. Unfortunately, after the braking incident, upon arriving home and restarting the vehicle, the same error message “Initializing Active Front Assist” immediately reappeared. I drove the vehicle for an additional five minutes, and the message remained. This suggests the issue was not resolved and may indicate a deeper fault in the system.

NHTSA ID

11676887

Incident

Jul 28, 2025