NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The high-voltage battery in your vehicle may overheat, creating a potential safety risk.
This page covers 10 recalls, 64 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi Q5.
25–27 mpg combined
8.7–9.4 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. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most consistent pattern in 2021 Audi Q5 complaints centers on the electrical system, followed by engine and powertrain concerns. Owners frequently report multiple warning lights illuminating without clear cause, vehicles stalling mid-drive, and failures to restart, sometimes recurring several times within a short period. A recurring sub-theme involves control modules, particularly units located in areas vulnerable to moisture exposure, failing and triggering cascading electrical and engine problems. Several owners describe windows operating on their own alongside these stalling events. On the powertrain and engine side, complaints generally track back to the same stall-and-no-start pattern rather than distinct mechanical failures. A smaller cluster of complaints involves driver assistance systems losing calibration following body repairs, leaving features like automatic emergency braking and other ADAS functions non-operational or improperly configured after the work is done.
64
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Audi Q5 has 10 recalls, the most serious being connecting rod bearing damage that can cause sudden engine failure or an oil leak, either of which raises the risk of a crash or fire.
A rear axle lock nut can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control. Separately, liquid reaching the gateway control module, whether from a spill in the rear seat or water entering through a body seam underneath, can shut the module down and suddenly cut engine power. The high-voltage battery on plug-in hybrid models can overheat, raising the risk of fire, and the onboard charging cable can also overheat during charging, posing a similar fire risk.
On the restraint side, two recalls address the same underlying problem: the seatbelt automatic locking retractors in the rear seats may not lock properly, meaning a child safety seat secured with the belt may not be held firmly in a crash. There is also a recall for the rearview camera display going blank while reversing, reducing what the driver can see behind the vehicle. A rear axle alignment issue rounds out the list, where misalignment causes uneven or accelerated tire wear that can affect handling over time.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-voltage battery in your vehicle may overheat, creating a potential safety risk.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software. Your battery will be replaced if necessary. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When charging at 100% using the 220V/240V portable charging cable, some home outlets lack sufficient capacity, causing the outlet or cable to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the 220V/240V charging cable with a new one equipped with a temperature sensor at no cost. Use only 110V charging or public stations until replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may become damaged, causing unusual engine noises and a warning light to appear. Continuing to drive could lead to complete engine failure or oil leaks.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership for an engine inspection. The engine will be replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, potentially causing complete engine failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor may be defective, preventing the seat belt from properly locking to secure a child seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger seat belt and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
