2021 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 16th of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 116; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 18.2; 63,145 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.2×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 63; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 Q5 2022 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q5?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi Q5 is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.2 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is the control module (29 of 116 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and engine failure. 63 of the 116 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the air conditioning, fuel system and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 78 and the 2022 scores 75.

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

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Control module (unspecified) failure29 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead10 complaints
Engine failure8 complaints

How the 2021 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	1.4×	−12
Everyday problems	0.88×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.87×	−8
Recalls	1.7×	−8
Score		68

What Owners Report

We read all 116 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 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 116.

Control module (unspecified) failure
29 complaints (25%)
A failure, rust or corrosion and damage. 26 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
10 complaints (9%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Engine failure
8 complaints (7%)
A failure, locking up and unusual noises. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
7 complaints (6%)
A leak, coolant loss and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
6 complaints (5%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
6 complaints (5%)
Failure or loss of drive and a loss of power. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
4 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, a hard pedal or less assist and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Screen and audio failure
4 complaints (3%)
A failure and problems that come and go. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
4 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
AWD or rear differential: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
3 complaints (3%)
Wrong readings.
Steering: locking up
3 complaints (3%)
Locking up, pulling or wandering and loss of steering control.
Dual-clutch transmission: a loss of power
2 complaints (2%)
A loss of power and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working.

Show 6 more problems

Rearview camera: works on and off
2 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go.
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Tires failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Transmission computer: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.

Reported Once (30)

Show the 30 problems reported once

A/C condenser: a leak
EV charging: stopped working
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
Airbag warning light
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Alternator or charging failure
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Climate controls: parts breaking or coming apart
Several warning lights at once
Engine oil leak
Engine sensors or computer failure
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel pump: a leak
Fuel leak
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Hybrid battery failure
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Driver-assist camera and radar: fault code
Interior reading light: works on and off
Piston rings failure
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
Start-stop system: warning lights
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Vibration (cause not stated)
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2021 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 This year	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	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

2021 Audi Q5 Recalls

Eight recalls cover the 2021 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in February 2025: “High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire
A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 25V080000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 12, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 23V842000 Recall 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.
Damaged Connecting Rod Bearings
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 22V753000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 7, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V742000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 93% 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 22V034000 Recall 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 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.

Show 2 more recalls

Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% 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 21V295000 Recall 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.

2021 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2021 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the air conditioning, fuel system 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-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)

2021 Audi Q5 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2021 Audi Q5. It has closed.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A 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 DP22005 Opening 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 2021 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and Sportback SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

SQ5 SUV AWD and SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2021 Q5, from its eight recalls, three 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.

High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 25V080000
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA 23V842000
Damaged Connecting Rod Bearings NHTSA 22V753000
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 22V742000
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned NHTSA 22V034000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 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-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.
Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.

Ask the Seller

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

Control module
Automatic emergency braking
Engine failure
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.