YearToAvoid

Audi Q5 e Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)

Among Audi Q5 e years, 2021 and 2024 stand out as Avoid years, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100, the highest of the six model years tracked. 2023 is a Caution year at 60. 2020 (index 40) is comparatively the strongest year with no clear best-year pick yet.

Avoid 2021Avoid 2024

Model years
6
2020–2025
NHTSA complaints
64
Recall campaigns
0
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Top problem area
Electrical System

Q5 e Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Audi Q5 e problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2020Good4012010Electrical System——
2021Avoid8029000Engine——
2022No verdict01000Electrical System——
2023Caution607100Electrical System——
2024Avoid10014000Electrical System——
2025No verdict201000Brakes——

Q5 e years to avoid: what went wrong

2024 Audi Q5 e Index 100 · 14 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2024 Q5 e has the worst complaint index (100) of any year, driven mainly by electrical system problems, which made up 57% of its complaints with a median failure mileage of 4,000. Owners reported sudden loss of power and stalling on the highway, unexpected lane-keep steering corrections, and unresolved battery-related concerns tied to fire risk. Collision avoidance and fuel system issues each accounted for 21% of complaints. Two injuries were reported, and no crashes or fires were recorded despite the battery fire concerns raised by owners.

2021 Audi Q5 e Index 80 · 29 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2021 Q5 e logged 29 complaints, the second-worst year by complaint index (80). Engine and transmission/powertrain issues each made up 24% of complaints, with engine failures reported around a median of 10,000 miles. Owners also reported electrical system failures, some near 2,000 miles, including messages like "electrical system failure" that prevented the car from starting or caused steering and acceleration problems while driving. Collision avoidance complaints, including unexpected automatic emergency braking, appeared near a median of 11,000 miles. One injury was reported. No recalls are listed for this year.

Most common Audi Q5 e problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

  1. Electrical System25 (39%)
  2. Engine15 (23%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras11 (17%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain9 (14%)
  5. Brakes8 (13%)
  6. Fuel System8 (13%)
  7. Other8 (13%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (13%)
  9. Lane Departure4 (6%)
  10. Steering2 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Audi Q5 e years should I avoid?
NHTSA complaint data flags 2021 and 2024 as Avoid years for the Q5 e, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100, the two highest among all model years covered.
What is the most common problem area for the Audi Q5 e?
Across all years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 25 of 64 total complaints, or 39%.
Is the 2024 Audi Q5 e reliable?
The 2024 Q5 e has the highest complaint index (100) of any Q5 e model year, based on NHTSA data, with electrical system issues making up 57% of its complaints, so it ranks as an Avoid year relative to other Q5 e years.
Is there a best year for the Audi Q5 e?
No year is currently marked as a Best year; 2020 has the lowest complaint index among years with meaningful complaint counts, at 40.
Are there recalls on the Audi Q5 e?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Q5 e across all model years in this data, though owners in 2024 described an active unresolved recall related to battery fire risk in their complaint narratives.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.