2020 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 3rd of 16 Q5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 45
- 5 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 9.5
- 41,888 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.54×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 20
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 6
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2020 Audi Q5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Audi Q5 is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 16 Q5 years we score.
The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (7 of 45 complaints). Owners also complain about the control module and uneven tire wear. 20 of the 45 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 6 recalls. 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 and the 2021 scores 68.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, 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 78
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead7 complaints
- Control module (unspecified) failure5 complaints
- Uneven tire wear: early wear4 complaints
How the 2020 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.58× | −8 |
| Everyday problems | 0.44× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.41× | −5 |
| Recalls | 1.2× | −6 |
| Score | 78 |
What Owners Report
We read all 45 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 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 45.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
7 complaints (16%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Control module (unspecified) failure
5 complaints (11%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and the car not starting. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
4 complaints (9%)
Early wear.
Cooling system: a leak
4 complaints (9%)
A leak and coolant loss.
Brake power assist: unusual noises
3 complaints (7%)
Unusual noises, warning lights and damage.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (4%)
Water leaking in.
Hybrid battery: a fire
2 complaints (4%)
A fire and a stored fault code. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (4%)
Shattering or cracking.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Reported Once (18)
Show the 18 problems reported once
- PCV valve or crankcase breather: damage
- Airbag warning light
- Brakes: unusual noises
- Several warning lights at once
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Engine: rough running or misfires
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
- Hood latch: not closing or latching
- Ignition or push-button start: stopped working
- Key fob: warning lights
- Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
- Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
- Phone and navigation: stopped working
- Rearview camera: works on and off
- Seat belts: warning lights
- Transmission: failure or loss of drive
- Turbocharger: a fire
How the 2020 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 This year | 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 | Good | 73 | 0.80× | 20.1 | 6 | Control module (unspecified): damage |
| 2017 | Excellent | 81 | 0.36× | 10.7 | 5 | Cooling system: a leak |
2020 Audi Q5 Recalls
Six recalls cover the 2020 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in December 2023: “Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 23V842000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V034000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 26, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 97% 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 21V947000Recall 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.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V295000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Front Seat Backrest Frame Not Welded Properly
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
NHTSA 20V505000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 26, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Wheel Arch Cover Trim May Detach
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V737000Recall 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.
2020 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2020 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
2020 Audi Q5 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2020 Audi Q5. It has closed.
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound standard to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. NHTSA's file lists Audi hybrid and electric models from 2013 to 2022, including the e-tron, A3 e-tron, Q5, A7 and A8. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
SQ5 SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2020 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.
- Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA 23V842000
- Rear Axle May Be Misaligned NHTSA 22V034000
- Control Module Shutdown Can Reduce Engine Power NHTSA 21V947000
- Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break NHTSA 21V295000
- Front Seat Backrest Frame Not Welded Properly NHTSA 20V505000
- 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
- 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.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Control module
- Uneven tire wear
- 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