Cable/cord: onboard
Risk. An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2020 Audi Q5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-842 the manufacturer reports only 89% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 4, 2026. Updated daily.
25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
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.
Risk. An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Risk. The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
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
2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.



Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Electrical system failure due to water in the spare tire & battery well, purchased key fob, 2 auto batteries unable to program fob due to non compatible 1st battery, info display contact dealer, had the water extracted, there were no prior indicators of an upcoming issue until the morning of May…
Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light. Apparently, this has been a problem with the 2020 Q5 (and others) from water backing up from clogged moonroof drainage system allowing water into the L rear compartment housing the Comfort Control Module, wiring, fuses, etc. (or other roof drainage problems…
We were driving today at around 11:30am and all of a sudden the “Audi Presense” light came on at the same time the car brakes abruptly slowed down the car for about 5 seconds or so and then released. Today is a beautiful sunny day and there were no vehicles anywhere or anything in roadway on the…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.