2018 Audi Q5

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2018 Audi Q5
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2018: 201 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	0
2009	30
2010	99
2011	143
2012	168
2013	89
2014	105
2015	98
2016	77
2017	42
2018	201
2019	49
2020	24
2021	71
2022	22
2023	42
2024	20
2025	41
2026	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 36%

36% of complaints: electrical system — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and body control module/bcm.

Show complaint excerpts

I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260716

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and STEERING

ENGINE 15%

15% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was pulling into (my usual) handicapped parking space, at a slow speed. As I approached the curb my brakes did NOT respond to stop my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260817

Also filed under STRUCTURE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

AS I WAS PREPARING TO PARK AT MY LOCAL GROCERY STORE IN AN ASSIGNED SPACE I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE FRONT END SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO BOTH MY VEHICLE AND THE RETAINING WALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190104

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 4/21/2017, I WAS SOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP ON THE ADVERTISED SAFETY FEATURE CALLED THE AUDI PRE SENSE. AUDI PRE SENSE DETECTS COLLISION HAZARDS ALL AROUND THE CAR AND INITIATES SPECIFIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180305

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170228 — air bags, seat belts

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017.

Campaign 16V955000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 201

R 20180629 — service brakes, hydraulic

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked.

Campaign 18V369000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190503 — service brakes, hydraulic

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.

Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Campaign 19V277000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190726 — wheels

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834.

Campaign 19V416000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191101 — structure

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Campaign 19V737000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220121 — electrical system, structure

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Campaign 21V947000 — check if this car was fixed