repaired · 2026 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
2021 Audi Q5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 75 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi Q5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 8 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 November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Audi Q5 has problems
75 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
28Electrical system
17Engine1 crash/fire/injury
14Power train
11Forward collision avoidance
4Service brakes
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Structure
3Steering
3Back over prevention
1412 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 28 | 0 |
| Engine | 17 | 1 |
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 14 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2021 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 · 2025 Q4
Cable/cord: onboard
Risk. An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a 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.
Best & worst years
2021 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
2021 Audi Q5 safety ratings
2021 Audi Q5 SUV AWD 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: Standard
In owners' words
What Q5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The instrument cluster on my 2021 Audi Q5 failed completely — the display went black, with no speedometer or warning indicators. The failure occurred immediately after a car wash, and the vehicle then lost all electrical power. I had the vehicle towed to Audi Meadowlands on 10/26/26. On 10/29/26,…
Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Component Affected: Electrical System / Electronic Control Unit (Body Control Module / BCM2) Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the Body Control Module (BCM / BCM2) caused by water ingress originating from a defective rear…
On 8/3/26, my 2021 Audi Q5 began throwing numerous different malfunction/error alerts and the engine turned off while driving after a bottle of water had partially spilled onto our backseat behind the drivers side. The vehicle was towed to a nearby mechanic who determined that liquid damaged the…
Own a 2021 Q5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.