2021 Audi Q5 E
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
7 of 29 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
When I powered on the car, I got a message "Electrical system failure", and was unable to start the car. After multiple tries, the car started, but had the check engine light on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-14
Electrical system
6 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The incident occurred on a busy road during evening rush hour. I was in the middle lane of three lanes, and the lane to the right of me was closed due to construction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-23
Engine
5 of 29 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) e-quattro Component: Engine (Engine Block, Connecting Rod Bearings, Cylinders)Description of Incident:My 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal engine failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-22
Forward collision avoidance
5 of 29 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle automatic emergency braking has engaged over 6 times when no vehicle or other object was in front of the vehicle. The aggressive hard braking has nearly caused rear ending accidents and has also caused a neck injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-24
In several instances, my Audi Q5 has erroneously thought there was a road hazard and slammed on the brakes. It was terrifying. Luckily there were not cars close behind or they would have collided with my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-23
Fuel/propulsion system
3 of 29 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Gas gauge stuck. Other Audi gas sensors have been recalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-27
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Audi Q5 E — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2021 Audi Q5 E reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 E have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.