2018 Audi Q5
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.
- Complaints
- 207
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 207 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 100 |
| 2011 | 143 |
| 2012 | 168 |
| 2013 | 89 |
| 2014 | 105 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 207 |
| 2019 | 52 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
37% · 76 reportsMost 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, 2026-07-16
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
Engine
15% · 31 reportsSuspension
12% · 25 reportsService brakes
11% · 22 reportsShow 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, 2026-08-17
Also filed under Structure and vehicle speed control
Structure
10% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing body.
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, 2019-01-04
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, 2018-03-05
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-02-28Air bags, seat belts16V955000 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.
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2018Complaint volume 207 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2018-06-29Service brakes, hydraulic18V369000 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.
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R
2019-05-03Service brakes, hydraulic19V277000 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.
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R
2019-07-26Wheels19V416000 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.
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R
2019-11-01Structure19V737000 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.
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R
2022-01-21Electrical system, structure21V947000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 76 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V955000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 18V369000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 19V277000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 19V416000 · Wheels
- Recall 19V737000 · Structure
- Recall 21V947000 · Electrical system, structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Audi Q5 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi Q5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q5 have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.