repaired · 2023 Q4
Electrical system: body control module/bcm
Risk. A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Audi Q5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 209 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi Q5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-955 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Audi Q5 has problems
209 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
74Electrical system
31Engine
25Suspension
22Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
22Structure3 crash/fire/injury
19Forward collision avoidance2 crash/fire/injury
14Vehicle speed control
13Air bags
13Exterior lighting
6016 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 74 | 0 |
| Engine | 31 | 0 |
| Suspension | 25 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 4 |
| Structure | 22 | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 19 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 4 |
| Air bags | 13 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 1 |
| 16 other systems | 60 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2018 Audi Q5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Structure: body
Risk. The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Wheels: hub
Risk. The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Do not driveRisk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Electrical system
12 owners mentioned a cost$7,000median
Middle half: $3,800 – $9,250
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Q5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Q5 median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Audi Q5 safety ratings
2018 Audi Q5 SUV AWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Q5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The sunroof drainage system on my 2018 Audi Q5 failed to properly channel water away from the vehicle, resulting in significant water intrusion and approximately $6,000 in damage. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership after the vehicle was brought in for inspection in August…
I have a 2018 Audi Q5, VIN [XXX]. I am reporting a water intrusion/electrical defect involving the rear trunk area and the Comfort Control Module. My vehicle is within the model range affected by the water-intrusion recall 90S9. I want Audi to investigate whether the water intrusion that damaged my…
Multiple electrical failures that control numerous safety systems, such as airbags, Collision avoidance, speed control, etc. Airbags will not activate in a collision. Vehicle will shut off at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering control. The vehicle has been inspected by an Audi dealer.…
Own a 2018 Q5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.