2021 Audi Q5 Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 27 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5, making up 37% of all 73 complaints filed for that model year. Owners report the gateway module failing when exposed to water, causing full power loss while driving. Two related recalls exist for high-voltage battery overheating and charging cable use.
- Electrical System complaints
- 27
- 37% of 73
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 12,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report the gateway module, located under the rear seat cushion near the cup holder, shutting down when it gets wet, cutting all power, engine, and electrical function while driving.
- Some describe multiple warning lights suddenly illuminating along with messages of brake, steering, or electrical failure, followed by the vehicle stalling in traffic or at an intersection.
- Several owners say the vehicle came to an abrupt stop with windows rolling down automatically and no time to safely pull over.
- Owners report losing power steering while brakes remained functional, allowing them to stop safely despite the electrical failure.
- One owner reported the fuel gauge falsely displaying a full tank several miles after refueling, with no warning light illuminated.
- A separate complaint described the Audi Pre Sense system falsely triggering seat belt retraction while the vehicle was stopped at a red light.
When 2021 Audi Q5 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 6, 2021, latest Aug 20, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5
- 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.
Electrical System complaints by Q5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2021 Audi Q5?
- NHTSA lists 27 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5, which is 37% of the 73 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Audi Q5 electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 25V080000 covers 2021-2024 Q5 models for a high-voltage battery that may overheat, and recall 23V842000 advises against using a 220V/240V charging cable on certain Q5 and other Audi models.
- What is the main electrical failure reported on the 2021 Q5?
- Owners describe a gateway module under the rear seat that shuts down the car's power, engine, and electrical systems when exposed to water.
- At what mileage do electrical failures occur on the 2021 Q5?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 12,500 miles for electrical system complaints on the 2021 Q5.
- Did the 2021 Audi Q5 electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires tied to the 27 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Q5.