2018 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

GoodDo-not-drive recall

Ranks 11th of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 232; 3 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 20.1; 114,076 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.80×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 101; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6; 1 urgent
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 Q5 2019 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2018 Audi Q5?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Audi Q5 is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 11th of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is the control module, mostly damage (37 of 232 complaints). Owners also complain about the wiring, fuses or body control module and sunroof drains. 101 of the 232 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls, including 1 do-not-drive. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the air conditioning, fuel system, drive axles and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 77.

Before you buy, make sure the do-not-drive recall was repaired, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-01 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 73
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Control module (unspecified): damage37 complaints
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage29 complaints
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in27 complaints
1 do-not-drive recall

How the 2018 Q5 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.82×	−9
Everyday problems	0.75×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.59×	−7
Recalls	1.6×	−7
Score		73

What Owners Report

We read all 232 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi Q5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 232.

Control module (unspecified): damage
37 complaints (16%)
Damage, a failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion. 20 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
29 complaints (13%)
Damage, a failure and rust or corrosion. 10 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
27 complaints (12%)
Water leaking in. 1 of these 27 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
25 complaints (11%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 18 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
25 complaints (11%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
24 complaints (10%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and early wear. 1 of these 24 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
13 complaints (6%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and overheating. 6 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
10 complaints (4%)
Locking up, warning lights and loss of steering control. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Engine failure
8 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
7 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Screen and audio: view setting not retained
7 complaints (3%)
View setting not retained, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Seat belts: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own, locking up and problems that come and go. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Brakes: unusual noises
6 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, loss of braking and spongy pedal. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Engine: a loss of power
5 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, stalling and reduced power or limp mode. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.

Show 28 more problems

Engine mounts: a leak
5 complaints (2%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
5 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, a stored fault code and problems that come and go.
Start-stop system: warning lights
4 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, stalling and hesitation. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and the system not working when needed.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Exterior lights: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and not shutting off.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Parking brake: warning lights
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and the car rolling away. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
3 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, locking up and a feature that stopped working.
Rearview camera: view setting not retained
3 complaints (1%)
View setting not retained and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and warning lights. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a leak.
12V battery: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
AWD or rear differential: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.
Brake power assist failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Forward collision warning: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and the system acting on its own.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and surging.
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive and slipping. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Turbocharger failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.

Reported Once (28)

Show the 28 problems reported once

ABS: fault code
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel system: a bad smell
Headlights: not shutting off
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition coils or spark plugs: parts breaking or coming apart
Ignition or push-button start: stopped working
Key fob: stopped working
Oil pressure: warning lights
Brake pressure sensor failure
Electrical system failure
Engine oil level message (reduce oil level): warning lights
Fuel sensor failure
Head-up display: white reflection box in sunlight
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Piston rings: parts breaking or coming apart
Stability control (ESC): the system not working when needed
Stall (cause not stated)
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
Transmission fluid leak
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield wipers: the system acting on its own

How the 2018 Audi Q5 Compares With Other Years

The other Q5 years of the 2nd generation, 2018 to 2025, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2026	Too new	–	–	20.8	0	Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
2025	Provisional 64	–	–	8.0	1	Adaptive cruise control: works on and off
2024	Good	73	0.76×	5.4	4	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2023	Good	74	0.75×	7.2	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2022	Good	75	0.77×	8.6	9	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021	Caution	68	1.2×	18.2	8	Control module (unspecified) failure
2020	Good	78	0.54×	9.5	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019	Good	77	0.50×	11.5	5	Turbocharger failure
2018 This year	Good	73	0.80×	20.1	6	Control module (unspecified): damage
2017	Excellent	81	0.36×	10.7	5	Cooling system: a leak

See every Q5 year

2018 Audi Q5 Recalls

Six recalls cover the 2018 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in December 2021: “Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power.” One says not to drive the car, or to park it outside, until it is repaired. A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Insufficient Coating on Brake Caliper Pistons
Do not drive
The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V369000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 1, 2018. By the fourth quarter of 2019, 99% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V947000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 8, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Wheel Arch Cover Trim May Detach, October 2019
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V737000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 16, 2019. By the first quarter of 2021, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Wheel Arch Cover Trim May Detach, June 2019
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V416000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 5, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Hydraulic Brakes May Fail
A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
NHTSA 19V277000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 8, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 98% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air Bags or Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy
In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 16V955000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 29, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 86% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2018 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2018 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the air conditioning, fuel system, drive axles and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-01
Air conditioning evaporator failure
The problem:
The air conditioning evaporator can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed A/C evaporator, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain A4, S4 and Q7 from model year 2017 and A5, S5 and Q5 from 2018. The bulletin gives no last model year. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-05
Faulty electric fuel pump
The problem:
The electric fuel pump can be faulty. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty electric fuel pump, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2018 to 2021 S4, S5 and SQ5, 2019 to 2021 Q8 and A8, and 2020 and 2021 Q7. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-02
CV joint failure
The problem:
A CV joint can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not say which joint or describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the CV joint and replaces it for free if it failed from a defect.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2018 Q5 and Q7, 2019 A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8 and e-tron, and 2020 A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q8. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
Coverage:
5 years or 60,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2018 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD Later Release and SUV AWD Early Release

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

SQ5 SUV AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 Q5, from its six recalls, four Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Insufficient Coating on Brake Caliper Pistons NHTSA 18V369000
Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power NHTSA 21V947000
Wheel Arch Cover Trim May Detach, October 2019 NHTSA 19V737000
Wheel Arch Cover Trim May Detach, June 2019 NHTSA 19V416000
Hydraulic Brakes May Fail NHTSA 19V277000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-21-01: air conditioning evaporator failure
AWA-22-05: faulty electric fuel pump
AWA-23-02: CV joint failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Control module
Wiring, fuses or body control module
Sunroof drains
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Q5 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.