This page covers 6 recalls, 46 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Audi Q5.
24 mpg combined
9.8 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
Steering complaints dominate the 2019 Q5 owner reports, with drivers describing unexpected behavior or loss of response that prompted warning lights. Engine complaints are the next most common, where owners report reduced power, hesitation under acceleration, and warning lights tied to what appears to be turbocharger or wastegate issues, in some cases the engine loses enough power that reaching normal road speeds takes noticeably longer. Powertrain complaints follow a similar pattern: owners describe the all-wheel-drive system flagging a malfunction warning, sometimes accompanied by drivetrain hesitation or the vehicle jerking at low speeds. A handful of reports also mention an electrical control module failure message appearing alongside a master warning light. The passenger seat occupancy sensor generating intermittent seatbelt warnings appears in at least one report, which Audi addressed through a limited warranty extension on that component.
46
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Audi Q5 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a brake master cylinder that can cause sudden, complete brake failure while driving, though the electronic parking brake remains functional.
A separate issue involves the gateway control module, a central electronics hub that can shut down if liquid from a spill or water seeping through a body seam reaches it, causing an abrupt loss of engine power. On the occupant safety side, the instrument panel structure can crack when the front passenger airbag deploys in a crash, which can damage the airbag and prevent it from inflating properly, reducing protection for the passenger. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and it is covered under two separate filings. There is also a trim concern: the rear wheel arch cover can loosen and detach from the vehicle, leaving debris on the road that can create a hazard for other drivers.
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
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal the underbody seam to prevent liquid entry.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
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
In a crash, the passenger air bag deploys and the instrument panel carrier may break due to welding defects, potentially damaging the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the instrument panel and passenger air bag at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel structure may break when the passenger-front airbag deploys in a crash, potentially damaging the airbag and preventing it from inflating properly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the instrument panel and passenger-front airbag.
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.
