NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid from a spilled drink in the rear seat or water seeping through an underbody seam can reach the gateway control module and cause it to shut down.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls, 194 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Audi Q5.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2018 Audi Q5 spread across suspension, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with suspension and electrical each drawing the most reports. On the suspension side, owners describe sudden loss of power steering assist while driving at normal speeds, leaving the wheel heavy and difficult to control. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms, battery failures, no-start conditions, and a recurring issue with the backup camera failing to display when shifting into reverse, something multiple owners say a dealer confirmed but couldn't resolve. Forward collision avoidance complaints center on the system activating unexpectedly or behaving erratically. A smaller number of owners report unintended acceleration events, typically at low speeds in parking situations. The backup camera failure stands out as a repeated pattern: owners describe the screen going dark on every reverse shift, with the fault persisting even after dealer diagnosis.
194
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Audi Q5 has 7 recalls, the most serious being a brake master cylinder that can be too short internally, causing sudden and complete loss of hydraulic braking while driving.
Two separate issues affect the brakes. Beyond the master cylinder defect, the brake caliper pistons on certain vehicles may lack sufficient coating, which allows corrosion or wear to reduce braking performance over time, again raising the risk of a crash. On the electrical side, liquid from a spill in the rear seat or water seeping through an inadequate body seam underneath the vehicle can reach the gateway control module and cause it to shut down, which suddenly cuts engine power while driving.
There is also an airbag and seatbelt concern: frontal and head airbags may not deploy properly in a crash, and the seatbelt pretensioners may fail to tighten, leaving occupants with less protection at the moment they need it most.
The remaining recalls all involve the rear wheel arch cover trim, which can loosen and detach from the vehicle while driving. A piece of plastic trim falling off at speed becomes road debris that following drivers may not be able to avoid.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid from a spilled drink in the rear seat or water seeping through an underbody seam can reach the gateway control module and cause it to shut down.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal the underbody seam to prevent liquid entry.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel arch cover trim can loosen and fall off because the clips holding its front section may fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the four clips that secure the front of the rear wheel arch trim at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trim cover on the rear wheel arch can loosen and detach while the vehicle is being driven.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the four clips that secure the front of the rear wheel arch trim covers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The plastic trim covering the wheel arch can loosen and fall off the vehicle.
What the fix does
A dealer will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder casting may be manufactured shorter than designed, potentially affecting brake system function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake caliper pistons may lack sufficient protective coating, which can reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver, passenger, or head air bags may fail to deploy in a crash. On some models, seat belt pretensioners may not activate during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
