2021 Audi Q5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#7 most-complained of 16 Q5 years
The 2021 Audi Q5 has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 7th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 73 complaints, 8 recalls, 2 crashes, and 2 injuries, with electrical system issues making up 37% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 73
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 28 hwy
Top 2021 Audi Q5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System27 (37%)
- Engine19 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (16%)
- Other9 (12%)
- Fuel System6 (8%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Steering3 (4%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the gateway control module under the rear seat corroding after water spills, cutting power to the engine, steering, and electrical systems.
- Some drivers describe sudden loss of brake pedal resistance combined with a locked steering wheel while moving at low speed.
- Several complaints describe the car entering a 'panic mode' with windows moving on their own, steering warnings, and unexpected shutdowns.
- Owners report the panoramic sunroof shattering spontaneously while driving with no prior warning.
- Multiple owners describe the plastic fuel tank rupturing or leaking after contact with road debris, including metal fragments and aluminum strips.
- One owner reports the vehicle going into reverse at full throttle with no brake response, resulting in a collision.
2021 Audi Q5 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V080000Feb 12, 2025Electrical System20,201 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.
- NHTSA 23V842000Dec 13, 2023Electrical System93,196 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
- NHTSA 22V753000Oct 7, 2022Engine76,515 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
2021 Audi Q5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Q5 carries a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 7th worst among 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than the worst years like 2018 (204 complaints, index 100) but more than the best years like 2024 (20 complaints, index 7).
- What are the main problems with the 2021 Audi Q5?
- Electrical system issues account for 37% of complaints (27 of 73), followed by engine problems at 26% and transmission & powertrain issues at 18%. NHTSA also lists 8 recalls covering the high-voltage battery, engine connecting rod bearings, infotainment software, and body seam water ingress.
- Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have a recall for water damage?
- Yes. Recall 21V947000 covers a liquid spill or water ingress issue affecting the gateway control module, and Volkswagen's remedy is to install a protective cover and seal an underbody seam.
- How does the 2021 Q5 compare to other Q5 model years?
- The 2021 Q5's Complaint Index of 60 is worse than 2020 (13), 2022 (20), and 2024 (7), but better than 2018 (100), 2012 (80), and 2025 (93), which carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the median mileage for complaints on the 2021 Audi Q5?
- Overall median mileage at failure is 20,000 miles, though electrical system complaints average 12,500 miles and transmission issues average 9,000 miles.