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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-AUDI-Q5
2021 · audi

audi Q5 problems

0 safety recalls. 63 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
18 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
8 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
3 reports · avg $700
severe
visibility
3 reports · avg $350
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Q5 · electrical
Several electrical system malfunction lights came on the dash. Audi says it is the starter generator. Car almost stopped in the road.
12/25/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498807.0
2021 Q5 · powertrain
While driving my 2021 Audi Q5, the vehicle experienced a sudden transmission disengagement without warning. The vehicle behaved as if it had shifted into neutral while in motion. When this occurred, pressing the accelerator produced no response — the engine would not rev and the…
12/09/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11704035.0
2021 Q5 · steering Crash
I was driving down a slight hill in 1/2 inch of snow at 5MPH and when I tired to gently brake as I descended the hill, the brake pedal had no resistance and went flat to the floor. I had no brakes. I then tried to steer towards the side of the road and the steering wheel…
12/04/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11442684.0
2021 Q5 · electrical
The failed component is the gateway module that sits underneath the rear seats below the cup holders. In my case approximately 5 oz of water seeped out of my briefcase via a leaky water bottle and it shut down the gateway module and rendered the car inoperable.. losing all power…
12/01/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11442318.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Audi Q5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Audi Q5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 18 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Audi Q5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Audi Q5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 63 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 18 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with audi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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