2020 Audi Q5
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 99 |
| 2011 | 143 |
| 2012 | 168 |
| 2013 | 89 |
| 2014 | 105 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 202 |
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260821
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
4 of 25 total reports mention: engine.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On July 14, 2020, my daughter and I drove my leased Audi Q5 to Cariâs sisterâs home. As I pulled in the driveway, and before I turned off the vehicle and exited the car, smoke began to billow from the engine compartment and enter the interior.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210615
4 of 25 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251209
Incident occurred as I was waiting third in line to add fuel to my Audi. Usually when I am in a long wait I put my vehicle in neutral and to move forward then I have to put my foot on brake to change gears.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230109
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 of 25 total reports mention: steering.
3 of 25 total reports mention: seat belts.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289.
Campaign 20V505000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Campaign 21V295000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.
Campaign 22V034000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.
Campaign 23V842000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V737000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V505000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V295000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V947000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V034000 (suspension, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V842000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Audi Q5 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 2020 Audi Q5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q5 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.