2023 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 6th of 16 Q5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 60; 3 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 7.2; 79,626 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.75×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 29; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2022 Q5 2024 Q5 →

Should You Buy the 2023 Audi Q5?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Audi Q5 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 16 Q5 years we score.

The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (14 of 60 complaints). Owners also complain about unintended acceleration and engine failure. 29 of the 60 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2022 scores 75 and the 2024 scores 73.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-24-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 74
Fewer problems than 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 ahead14 complaints
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)6 complaints
Engine failure3 complaints

How the 2023 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	0.80×	−9
Everyday problems	0.62×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.44×	−6
Recalls	1.6×	−7
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 60 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 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 60.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
14 complaints (23%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system not working when needed and not releasing. 8 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (10%)
Sudden acceleration. All 6 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Engine failure
3 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Phone and navigation: warning lights
3 complaints (5%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (5%)
The system acting on its own and a failure.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (5%)
Vibration or shudder.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
3 complaints (5%)
A failure, damage and a stored fault code. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (3%)
Warning lights.
Control module (unspecified): works on and off
2 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a stored fault code.
Engine: smoke or a burning smell
2 complaints (3%)
Smoke or a burning smell and a fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Lane keeping assist: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (3%)
The system not working when needed and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Tires: damage
2 complaints (3%)
Damage and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.

Reported Once (22)

Show the 22 problems reported once

EV charging: stopped working
Alternator or charging failure
Brakes: loss of braking
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control arm bushings: shattering or cracking
CV axles: a leak
Dual-clutch transmission failure
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
Instrument cluster failure
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Key fob: stopped working
Rear cross-traffic and pedestrian detection: works on and off
Parking brake: not releasing
Piston rings failure
Rearview camera: works on and off
Seat belts: warning lights
Stall (cause not stated)
Steering: unusual noises
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)

How the 2023 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 This year	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	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

2023 Audi Q5 Recalls

Six recalls cover the 2023 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in May 2025: “Oil Leak from Loose Cylinder Head Cover Screws.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Oil Leak from Loose Cylinder Head Cover Screws
The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 25V294000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 7, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire, February 2025
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.
High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire, November 2024
A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V898000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 27, 2024.
Front Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate
A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V251000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 3, 2024. By the first quarter of 2026, 91% 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.

2023 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has one warranty extension for the 2023 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

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 2023 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 2023 Q5, from its six recalls, an Audi warranty extension 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.

Oil Leak from Loose Cylinder Head Cover Screws NHTSA 25V294000
High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire, February 2025 NHTSA 25V080000
High-Voltage Battery May Overheat and Cause Fire, November 2024 NHTSA 24V898000
Front Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate NHTSA 24V251000
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat NHTSA 23V842000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

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.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Open and close the liftgate several times and check that it holds open.

Ask the Seller

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

Automatic emergency braking
Unintended acceleration
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.