2018 Audi Q5 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 68

“My 2018 Audi Q5 experienced significant water intrusion due to a failure of the panoramic sunroof drain system. Water entered the vehicle interior and traveled down into the electrical compartment, submerging the comfort module and damaging multiple wiring harnesses. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable and unable to start. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2075969/2 describing this exact defect. The bulletin states that the sunroof drain hoses can be kinked during factory installation of the headliner, which blocks drainage and causes water to enter the vehicle. This is a ma…”
NHTSA complaint #11751123, 2026

“I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module. Summary of the issue: My vehicle recently experienced a complete gateway control module failure due to water intrusion. I lost steering and brake assist warnings while driving, and the vehicle would not restart after being pulled over safely. It was towed first to the nearest Audi mechanic who diagnosed the issue as Recall 90S9. We then contacted Audi Memphis for inspection by them since it was a recall issues and paid a…”
NHTSA complaint #11750841, 2026

“The dashboard displayed a solid red brake light with a flashing warning “stop vehicle safely” light. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed a permanent hard fault on the ABS control Module (J104) and Hydraulic Unit (N55). The vehicle has only 66,755 miles. Independent repair shops cannot service this unit because it requires highly restricted, specialized Audi factory programming and coding software, forcing consumers to face massive dealership replacement costs for a premature electronic failure ona critical safety system.”
NHTSA complaint #11744593, 2026

Unknown Or Other 43 2 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572844, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“1.I HAD AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 10:45 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 IN THE PARKING LOT FOR THE MEDICAL OFFICES LOCATED AT 2000 SOUTH MAYS STREET, ROUND ROCK, TEXAS. 2.I PARKED IN A SPACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS PART OF THEIR PROPERTY. 3.MY NORMAL HABIT IS TO PLACE THE CAR IN 'PARK' WHEN I STOP IN A PARKING SPOT. 4.SINCE IT WAS VERY WARM, I LEFT THE MOTOR RUNNING SO I'D HAVE AIR CONDITIONING AS I PLACED THE SUN SCREEN OVER THE WINDSHIELD. 5.THE SUN SHADE IS ONE PIECE AND TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT TO PROPERLY INSTALL. 6.WHEN I COMPLETED INSTALLING THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258331, 2019 · crash

“I am submitting this complaint to report a safety defect involving a 2018 Audi Q5 (Premium Plus, Technology Package). The vehicle’s MMI infotainment/navigation system intermittently shuts down or reboots during operation. When this occurs while the vehicle is in in reverse, the rearview camera display immediately goes blank and remains unavailable until the system completes its reboot cycle. This failure has occurred during active reversing maneuvers, creating a significant safety concern. An incident already occurred that resulted in an impact to another object during backing and the camera d…”
NHTSA complaint #11720420, 2025

Engine 30

“My 2018 Audi Q5 experienced significant water intrusion due to a failure of the panoramic sunroof drain system. Water entered the vehicle interior and traveled down into the electrical compartment, submerging the comfort module and damaging multiple wiring harnesses. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable and unable to start. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2075969/2 describing this exact defect. The bulletin states that the sunroof drain hoses can be kinked during factory installation of the headliner, which blocks drainage and causes water to enter the vehicle. This is a ma…”
NHTSA complaint #11751123, 2026

“I was driving home from the farmers market with my two young kids. I was turning left at a busy intersection when the engine died and an engine warning flashed on the dash (I don't recall the exact message; it sounded catastrophic). There were no "check engine" or any other warning messages prior to the incident. I was able to restart the car immediately and give it a lot of gas to get out of the intersection - thank goodness - but didn't feel it was safe to drive the full 1 mile home, as there are several inopportune locations for an engine to die along the route, so I parked it in a resid…”
NHTSA complaint #11733919, 2026

“Vehicle: 2018 Audi Q5 Prestige Mileage: Approximately 34,000 miles On December 14, 2024, while driving at normal road speeds, my vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed multiple warning messages, including drivetrain and system malfunction alerts. The vehicle became unstable and unsafe to operate while I was in traffic, forcing me to carefully maneuver off the roadway. This occurred without any prior warning or abnormal engine behavior, it was just so sudden. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership the following day. After inspection, the dealership diagnosed a catastrophic…”
NHTSA complaint #11705757, 2025

Suspension 24

“The front subframe on the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded through rust. Part of it has fallen off, and the rest of it is badly damaged. A structural integrity, a major safety risk. The Audi Dealer inspected it and confirmed. The car is unsafe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11707367, 2025

“The rear passenger side suspension coil was found broken with a clean break but embedded into the coil boot during a 70k service at the Audi dealer with ~61k miles. No alarming condition of the failure was present, and if it would have dislodged while at speed on the interstate would have resulted in complete loss of control and bodily harm to the driver as well as other vehicles on the road. This was a CPO vehicle garage kept and routinely serviced by Audi, yet they denied any liability and provided no assistance when I escalated to corporate due to being out of CPO warranty by ~2 months. A…”
NHTSA complaint #11662908, 2025

“When going in for an oil change and tire change the dealer noticed both rear springs were broken.”
NHTSA complaint #11614531, 2024

Service Brakes 21 3 crash

“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 complaint #11498164, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A STAIRWAY RAIL OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI LIVERMORE (3400 LAS POSITAS RD, LIVERMORE, CA 94551) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11278273, 2019 · crash

“1.I HAD AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 10:45 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 IN THE PARKING LOT FOR THE MEDICAL OFFICES LOCATED AT 2000 SOUTH MAYS STREET, ROUND ROCK, TEXAS. 2.I PARKED IN A SPACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS PART OF THEIR PROPERTY. 3.MY NORMAL HABIT IS TO PLACE THE CAR IN 'PARK' WHEN I STOP IN A PARKING SPOT. 4.SINCE IT WAS VERY WARM, I LEFT THE MOTOR RUNNING SO I'D HAVE AIR CONDITIONING AS I PLACED THE SUN SCREEN OVER THE WINDSHIELD. 5.THE SUN SHADE IS ONE PIECE AND TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT TO PROPERLY INSTALL. 6.WHEN I COMPLETED INSTALLING THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258331, 2019 · crash

Structure 20 2 crash 1 injury

“I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 4/21/2017, I WAS SOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP ON THE ADVERTISED SAFETY FEATURE CALLED THE AUDI PRE SENSE. AUDI PRE SENSE DETECTS COLLISION HAZARDS ALL AROUND THE CAR AND INITIATES SPECIFIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES. ON 1/20/2018 AT 9AM I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 10-15 MPH, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS DRIVING OFF FROM THE INTERSECTION DUE TO THE GLARE IN MY EYES I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE A CEMENT PILLAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR COLLIDED AND THERE THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS SMASHED IN, THE ENGINE BELT WAS CLIPPED.I CONTACTED AUDI HE…”
NHTSA complaint #11076352, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AS I WAS PREPARING TO PARK AT MY LOCAL GROCERY STORE IN AN ASSIGNED SPACE I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE FRONT END SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO BOTH MY VEHICLE AND THE RETAINING WALL. THE CAR WAS PRACTICALLY AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THIS OCCURRED. ADDITIONALLY WHEN I REVERSED THE CAR IT ACCELERATED BACK AT A RAPID SPEED. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS INJURED OR WORSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS OR FATAL SITUATION AND I FEEL THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF ELECTRONIC FAILURE. CONSIDERING THE SAFETY RECORD ON THIS CAR I F…”
NHTSA complaint #11165262, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the body control module(BCM) was floating in water. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electri…”
NHTSA complaint #11674315, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 18 2 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572844, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11498164, 2022 · crash

“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 complaint #11719269, 2026

Air Bags 12 1 crash 2 injury

“CAR STATIONARY ON HIGHWAY AFTER TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP DUE TO A TRAFFIC INCIDENT AHEAD. REAR ENDED BY VEHICLE GOING IN EXCESS OF 40MPH. CAR PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT (CAR 3), SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE SAME CAR (CAR 3) IN THE FRONT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL WITH INJURIES.”
NHTSA complaint #11388901, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The Seat Occupancy Detection System is malfunctioning. The passenger airbag warning light activates when a passenger occupies the passenger seat and the passenger overhead reading light remains on when the seat is occupied including overnight. These are established symptoms of Seat Occupancy Detection System failure. The manufacturer issued a warranty extension specifically covering this defect for 10 years and unlimited miles. When the vehicle was presented at an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair under the warranty extension, the service advisor deliberately omitted the airbag warnin…”
NHTSA complaint #11725152, 2026

“Car displayed a warning sign that safety system malfunctioned. Airbag indicator showed “passenger airbag off”. This error occurred sporadically and for a limited amount of time. It also kept sensing that passenger seat was occupied when it wasn’t. From what I understand , the issue is related to passenger side PODS sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11692617, 2025

Exterior Lighting 12 1 crash

“AS I WAS PREPARING TO PARK AT MY LOCAL GROCERY STORE IN AN ASSIGNED SPACE I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE FRONT END SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO BOTH MY VEHICLE AND THE RETAINING WALL. THE CAR WAS PRACTICALLY AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THIS OCCURRED. ADDITIONALLY WHEN I REVERSED THE CAR IT ACCELERATED BACK AT A RAPID SPEED. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS INJURED OR WORSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS OR FATAL SITUATION AND I FEEL THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF ELECTRONIC FAILURE. CONSIDERING THE SAFETY RECORD ON THIS CAR I F…”
NHTSA complaint #11165262, 2019 · crash

“My 2018 Audi Q5 experienced significant water intrusion due to a failure of the panoramic sunroof drain system. Water entered the vehicle interior and traveled down into the electrical compartment, submerging the comfort module and damaging multiple wiring harnesses. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable and unable to start. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2075969/2 describing this exact defect. The bulletin states that the sunroof drain hoses can be kinked during factory installation of the headliner, which blocks drainage and causes water to enter the vehicle. This is a ma…”
NHTSA complaint #11751123, 2026

“On 06/13/24, milage 61023, I experienced a failure in Left Tail Light. There was no damage to the housing unit, ie a crack in the lighting unit, but I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. The repair was $470.00 for parts and $100 in labor subtotal $570.00 before tax and a dealer discount of $57. 03 total $541.51. I was shocked that it was over $500 to replace a brake light. Then 09/12/24, milage 63515, (3) months and 2,492 miles later I experienced a failure in the Right Tai…”
NHTSA complaint #11615892, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 12 3 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11572844, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730665, 2026 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A STAIRWAY RAIL OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI LIVERMORE (3400 LAS POSITAS RD, LIVERMORE, CA 94551) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11278273, 2019 · crash

Steering 10

“I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module. Summary of the issue: My vehicle recently experienced a complete gateway control module failure due to water intrusion. I lost steering and brake assist warnings while driving, and the vehicle would not restart after being pulled over safely. It was towed first to the nearest Audi mechanic who diagnosed the issue as Recall 90S9. We then contacted Audi Memphis for inspection by them since it was a recall issues and paid a…”
NHTSA complaint #11750841, 2026

“Title - Sudden Loss of Steering Control While Driving – 2018 Audi Q5 (Aug 2024) While driving my 2018 Audi Q5 at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. A dashboard alert stating “Power Steering Malfunction” appeared simultaneously with an immediate and severe increase in steering effort, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and effectively resulting in a loss of steering control. This incident occurred on a public roadway while I was transporting my family, including two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ). The un…”
NHTSA complaint #11731510, 2026

“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 complaint #11640890, 2025

Power Train 9 2 crash

“On 10/27/25 as I was slowly pulling into a parking space, my Audi Q5 lurched forward and jumped the curb crashing into a tree. Happened too quickly to apply the brakes. No warning indications at the time of the incident. Car would not start and had to be towed to a repair shop. The insurance adjuster is evaluating the damage, probably the vehicle will be totaled. Luckily the tree stopped the car and nobody was in in front as the car jumped the curb.”
NHTSA complaint #11695983, 2025 · crash

“1.I HAD AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 10:45 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 IN THE PARKING LOT FOR THE MEDICAL OFFICES LOCATED AT 2000 SOUTH MAYS STREET, ROUND ROCK, TEXAS. 2.I PARKED IN A SPACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS PART OF THEIR PROPERTY. 3.MY NORMAL HABIT IS TO PLACE THE CAR IN 'PARK' WHEN I STOP IN A PARKING SPOT. 4.SINCE IT WAS VERY WARM, I LEFT THE MOTOR RUNNING SO I'D HAVE AIR CONDITIONING AS I PLACED THE SUN SCREEN OVER THE WINDSHIELD. 5.THE SUN SHADE IS ONE PIECE AND TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT TO PROPERLY INSTALL. 6.WHEN I COMPLETED INSTALLING THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258331, 2019 · crash

“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 complaint #11719269, 2026

Seat Belts 7 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with her son was in the car seat, the rear driver’s side seat lap band was twisted and was stuck around his waist. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract, and the contact had to cut the seat belt with a pair of scissors. The contact stated that the child had a bruise on his lower stomach near his hip however, medical attention was not needed. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not re…”
NHTSA complaint #11694488, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 happ…”
NHTSA complaint #11686158, 2025

“The seatbelt and passenger airbag systems go on and off making alarms go off. Making the vehicle unsafe in accidents. After taking my vehicle in for inspection, Audi stated that the component that has to be changed has been a recall in other Audi vehicles and is not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11592191, 2024

Seats 5

“The Seat Occupancy Detection System is malfunctioning. The passenger airbag warning light activates when a passenger occupies the passenger seat and the passenger overhead reading light remains on when the seat is occupied including overnight. These are established symptoms of Seat Occupancy Detection System failure. The manufacturer issued a warranty extension specifically covering this defect for 10 years and unlimited miles. When the vehicle was presented at an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair under the warranty extension, the service advisor deliberately omitted the airbag warnin…”
NHTSA complaint #11725152, 2026

“The comfort control module in the trunk of the car was sitting in water due to an ingress of water coming in the car. The car would not start due to this water ingress and could have shut off completely on the freeway or while driving. This caused my car to completely shut off and malfunction. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem. I found out about the problem by taking the car to the Audi dealership. They originally thought the problem was the gateway module which has already been recalled due to the same problem of an ingress of water. The Audi dealership has claimed that t…”
NHTSA complaint #11614106, 2024

“Audi of Greenville gave us a quote to replace the pods unit that is causing this code and said that the air bag could deploy at anytime. Here is the quote that was given for the PODS unit. The code that was stored in the system was B1022F0. The Occupant Sensor Control Unit suppresses the deployment of passenger air bag when the condition of the passenger seat is empty or child and child-seat. And turns on the cut-off telltale lamp when the condition of the passenger seat is child-seat and child. In the case of malfunction, the blinking of the SRS air bag warning lamp reports the malfunction…”
NHTSA complaint #11595018, 2024

Wheels 5

“AUDI USA ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE WHEEL WELLS OF MY CAR, AND DESPITE MY REPEATED ATTEMPTS OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET AUDI SAN FRANCISCO TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR, THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALLS OR SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT I'M DRIVING AROUND WITH A SAFETY ISSUE, AND AUDI SAN FRANCISCO DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE OR TO BE LIVING UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX SAFETY RECALL ISSUES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11277069, 2019

“ON JULY 16, 2019 WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING 2018 AUDI A5 ONE OF THE RIMS BLOW OFF (CRACKED) FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE WAS NOT INJURED SINCE IT WAS THE REAR RIM, SHE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE IS NO EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE RIM OR TIRE TYPICAL MARKS WHEN YOU HIT POTHOLE ON THE ROAD. I BELIEVE IT IS MANUFACTURE ISSUE OF THE RIMS. I SENT WRITTEN COMPLIANT REGARDING SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS CAR TO AUDI USA AND ASKED FOR INVESTIGATION. KNOWING THE OTHER THREE RIMS ARE FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURE BATCH I WOULD EXPECT AUDI USA WILL AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. AFTER ALMOST FOUR WEEKS I HAV…”
NHTSA complaint #11243585, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V416000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ROYAL AUTO GROUP SERVICE (LOCATED AT 1525 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, (415) 241-8100) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11232579, 2019

Back Over Prevention 3

“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 complaint #11727995, 2025

“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 complaint #11561231, 2023

“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 complaint #11490901, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“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? FRANK…”
NHTSA complaint #11361398, 2020

“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING THE AUDI Q5 THE PRE-SENSE ENGAGES INAPPROPRIATELY (NO TRIGGER) RESULTING IN AN IMMEDIATE AND HARSH BRAKING OF THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN TRAFFIC, THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL BODILY INJURY. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE IS DESIGNED TO STOP A CAR FROM AN IMMINENT CRASH, HOWEVER AN APPARENT FLAW IN THE TECHNOLOGY ENGAGES THE PRE-SENSE WITHOUT TOTALLY UNNECESSARILY (NO CROSS TRAFFIC, AT LEAST 10 FEET FROM A BUSH OR OTHER OBJECT). NOT ONLY DOES THE UNEXPECTED AND UNNECESSARY HARD AUTO-BRAKING ADD WEAR AND TEAR TO THE BRAK…”
NHTSA complaint #11186236, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY IN CHICAGO, TRANSMISSION, AND ALL SAFETY FEATURES COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT, AND WITH LIMITED STEERING WAS ABLE TO PULL TO ROADSIDE BARELY MISSING HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC. EXPRESSWAY ROADSIDE IS NARROW, SO WAS NEARLY HIT BY MANY CARS WHILE WAITING FOR TOW SERVICE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND WITH FULL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION, NO ABILITY TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL. AUDI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DID NOT PROVIDE TIMELY TOW SERVICE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE.”
NHTSA complaint #11076013, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“Fuel pump has been recalled on other models but not mine. I have a 2018 audi q5. It had a warranty extension but the previous owner never claimed but if it would have been a recall then I wouldnt be having this problem . Now I have to replace the water pump and pay almost $2k for something that wasn't a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11660676, 2025

“WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL FROM STOPPED (OR NEAR STOPPED) POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO RESPOND BEFORE MOVING FORWARD. THIS MOST FREQUENTLY OCCURS WHEN PULLING ONTO OR CROSSING A STREET, AND I'M CONCERNED IT WILL EVENTUALLY BE THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT SAYS THAT THE RECORDER SHOWS NO PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME, AND NO DEFAULT IS RECORDED, BUT IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR EVEN AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS. DEALER HAS A NUMBER OF SERVICE REQUESTS FOR THIS ISSUE, ALL MARKED AS NTF. I ALSO HAVE COPIES OF 10 OR MORE EMAIL COMPLAINTS TO DEALER THAT C…”
NHTSA complaint #11240812, 2019

“THE CAR HAS ABOUT 10K MILES. IT SMELLS LIKE UNBURNT RAW FUEL WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN RESIDENTIAL INDOOR GARAGE. WHEN THERE IS NO CAR IN THE GARAGE, THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE AUDI DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THE SMELL CANNOT BE REPRODUCED. IT IS A SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT ISSUES HENCE REPORTING.”
NHTSA complaint #11128816, 2018

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals were inoperable. The contact pulled over and noticed that the rear lights including brake lights and turn signals were not operational. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause was diagnosed as a sunroof drain line leakage that caused electrical damage due to water build-up, which damaged the control module. The contact stated that the drain lines needed to be unclogged and the control module needed to be replaced. The contact stat…”
NHTSA complaint #11609505, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto START/STOP, fog lights, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing the rear driver's side comfort control module to be flooded with water. The dealer determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11571686, 2024

“2018 AUDI Q5 PRESTIGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE HEADS UP DISPLAY FUNCTION ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE SUN REACHED A CERTAIN ANGLE, A WHITE SOLID REFLECTION BOX APPEARS ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CREATED A VISIBILITY ISSUE FOR THE DRIVER. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11096268, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message "Shut off Engine, Check Cooling" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that the engine temperate gauge was elevated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked coolant line. The vehicle was repaired twice however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion and the vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, th…”
NHTSA complaint #11640813, 2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle had dealt with a loss of automotive power. A warning message "Shut off Engine, Check Cooling" had appeared in the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that the engine temperate gauge had risen. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked coolant line. The vehicle was repaired twice however, the failure had occurred. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where the vehicle was diagnosed…”
NHTSA complaint #11640878, 2023

Lane Departure 2

“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 complaint #11565118, 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 complaint #11561231, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 2

“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 complaint #11727995, 2025

“The Audi Q5 sunroof drain that is intended to keep water out of the vehicle, leaked where water collected and pooled in the car beneath the car liner. The water collected on the "comfort module" and electrical fuse box resulting in immediate electrical failure of several vehicle features/systems including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, windshield wipers, etc. to name a few. In addition to repairs in excess of $10k, the vehicle will be totaled by the insurance company. After an exhaustive search, several Audi users of the same make, model and year have faced a similar issue. This…”
NHTSA complaint #11627813, 2024

Fuel System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AS THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ENGINE FAILURE - CONTACT DEALER, MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AUDI TULSA (4208 S MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74145) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE FUEL SENSOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR AND THE FUEL TANK AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACT…”
NHTSA complaint #11415004, 2020

Tires 1

“We got a screw in our tire while driving on the highway and received a low tire pressure indicator. We kept driving, not knowing it was a screw, until we could find a rest stop. Before we were able to reach a safe place to stop, the entire tread of the tire came off while we were driving, immediately disabling the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11421673, 2021