Summary
The Audi Q5 has 34 recalls spanning 2006 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a high-voltage battery that can overheat on 2021–2024 plug-in hybrid models, creating a risk of fire.
On the current generation, 2025 models have a recall where seatbelt pretensioners in the front seats may not tighten properly in a crash, reducing occupant restraint. The 2022–2024 Q5 and Q5 Sportback have an engine cylinder head cover where screws can loosen and allow oil to leak onto hot components, raising the fire risk. The 2022 model year also has a separate engine control unit fault that can cause the engine to stall suddenly while driving. On 2018–2022 models, liquid reaching the gateway control module, either from a spill in the rear seat or water entering through a body seam, can shut the module down and cause a sudden drop in engine power.
The 2021 model year has a connecting rod bearing defect that can cause the engine to fail and leak oil, both a crash risk and a fire risk. The 2020 model has front seat frame welds that may not hold in a rear-end collision, allowing the backrest to break and reduce occupant protection. On 2019 models, the instrument panel structure behind the passenger airbag can crack during deployment, damaging the airbag and preventing it from inflating correctly. The 2018–2019 model years have a brake master cylinder that can be too short, causing sudden and complete loss of hydraulic braking, though the electronic parking brake remains functional.
Going back further, 2013–2017 models have a fuel pump flange that can crack and leak fuel near ignition sources. Vehicles from that range that received only a butyl tape interim repair under an earlier recall may still be at risk if the flange was never fully replaced. The 2013 model year also has an electric coolant pump that can short-circuit or overheat and start a fire. On 2011–2017 models, water entering through the sunroof drainage system can corrode the side curtain airbag inflator canister over time, and if the inflator ruptures during deployment, metal fragments can be propelled into the cabin. The 2015 model year has a separate seat-mounted airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash for the same reason. The 2009–2012 model years are covered by a Takata-related driver's frontal airbag recall where the inflator can explode under excessive pressure and send metal fragments toward occupants. The 2017 model has a gearbox defect that can allow the vehicle to roll even when Park is selected. The 2012 model year has a sunroof glass panel that can shatter in very cold temperatures, dropping glass onto occupants. On 2009 models, A-pillar trim clips may not hold during a side curtain airbag deployment, allowing the trim to come loose and strike front seat occupants.
