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2021 Audi Q5 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Audi Q5 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 74owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 7%fail the UK MOT
74 complaints, against an average of 62 for the other 14 Audi Q5 model years.
Every Audi Q5 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Audi Q5?
The components named most often in the 74 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Audi Q5 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 74 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?11 owners · 14.9%
- Has the 2021 Audi Q5 had engine failures?5 owners · 6.8% · Recall 22V753000
- Can the sunroof on the 2021 Audi Q5 shatter or fail?5 owners · 6.8%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2021 Audi Q5?4 owners · 5.4%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2021 Audi Q5?4 owners · 5.4% · Recall 21V606000
- Why does my 2021 Audi Q5 brake suddenly for no reason?3 owners · 4.1%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2021 Audi Q5?3 owners · 4.1%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2021 Audi Q5?3 owners · 4.1%
- Why does water leak into my 2021 Audi Q5?3 owners · 4.1%
Has the 2021 Audi Q5 been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Traction Battery Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Charging: Cable/Cord: Onboard 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. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Back Over Prevention: Display Function Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Tires Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Electrical System: Body Control Module/Bcm Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Retractor Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-Powered Axle Assembly Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASoftware update for battery control unit
Risk: On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.
Fix: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” until the update is applied.
UK DVSACylinder head cover bolts inspection
Risk: Audi conducts programmes to constantly monitor the quality of its products. As part of this we have discovered that individual bolts in the cylinder head cover area on your vehicle may become loose as a result of a manufacturing issue. Depending on the extent to which the bolts become loose engine oil may leak and drip onto hot surfaces which poses a fire risk. If you notice smoke in the engine compartment park the vehicle safely and without delay.
Fix: To ensure the bolts are secured correctly a check must be performed.
UK DVSAServicing high-voltage battery
Risk: On affected vehicles battery modules may become defective over the course of the vehicle’s service life. This may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery with the associated risk of severe or fatal injuries to people inside and/or outside the vehicle as well as significant material damage. To minimise this risk do not charge the high-voltage battery using an external charging source. In addition do not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” (refer to Owner’s Manual) until further notice.
Fix: Replace the defective modules. Further software fix being developed to improve monitoring.
UK DVSAInner and outer sheet metal components of rear tailgate may not have been joined sufficiently
Risk: The inner and outer sheet metal components of the rear lid may not have been joined together sufficiently well in the manufacturing process.
Fix: Replace the rear lid of the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAFollowing a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without…FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN THE TOE AND/OR CAMBER VALUES ON THE REAR AXLE MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES INCORRECTLY BE CHANGED WITHOUT THIS BEING NOTICED
Risk: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Fix: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSARear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications
Risk: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Fix: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe backrest adjustment mechanism gap may be faulty on individual front seats
Risk: It is possible that the gap on the adjusting mechanism for the backrest may be faulty on individual front seats.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the backrests of the front seats are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
EU Safety GateThe high-voltage battery’s cell modules could overheat during charging.This may lead to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDivergent torques during the bolting process may cause the cylinder head cover bolts to loosen.Motor oil may come out of the cylinder head cover bolt holes, come into contact with hot parts of the engine, and thereby generate smoke or cause a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDuring the charging process, the high/voltage battery may overheat due to a defect in the battery modules.This can result in a fire and cause injuries to occupants and bystanders.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAlteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its…Alteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its carcass may suffer a sudden loss of pressure. This can lead to loss of traction and may affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe nuts on the eccentric bolt of the rear-axle spring-link control arm may break due to stress corrosion.As a result, the rear axle could move in the wrong direction, in an uncontrollable manner at high speeds.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant used in the airbag inflator may experience a material alteration over time due to degradation occurring after prolonged…Years estimatedThe propellant used in the airbag inflator may experience a material alteration over time due to degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling. In the event of an airbag being deployed, the excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, the adjustment mechanism on the backrest frame of the front seat may be faulty or incorrectly welded.As a result, the stability of the seat back and its restraining effect in the event of a rear-impact collision may be impaired, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2021 Audi Q5 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 Audi Q5 owners report?
12 of the 74 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 sunroof drainage tube assembly. The manufacturing failure of the panoramic sunroof drain allows water to pour directly down the vehicle's interior D-pillar. Because of a severe design flaw, Audi positioned this highly critical central electrical computer completely unshielded in the exact cargo…
We took our 2021 Audi Q5 to the Audi dealership because our vehicle seemed to be skipping gears and making jerking motions while driving. I believe it began happening at least a couple of months ago when my wife noticed a change in driving dynamics. She is the vehicle's sole driver. After taking it to the Audi dealership and driving with the technician in the passenger seat, a diagnosis was made immediately while backing from the parking space. The technician indicated there was no need to go any further because he could determine it needed a differential fluid change. He also indicated it was…
When attempting a left-hand turn, despite the oncoming vehicle already passed me, the Audi auto-breaks leaving me in the center of the oncoming lane and causes the vehicle behind me to almost crash into me. Very dangerous.
VIN number: [XXX]. Audi Q5 Prestige 2021 Mileage 48,540 I have contacted Audi Corporate regarding a catastrophic Transmission Failure while driving. The dealership investigation discovered that bolts had loosened and the fluid was not getting to the transmission and it stopped dead while I was driving. I was on surface streets going to pick up my baby granddaughter from daycare. I heard what sounded like a "slip" in the gears, a yellow notification appeared stating that the car is safe to drive. A few minutes later it happened again and the same warning appeared. I continued to the daycare and…
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 gateway control module located under the backseat of the vehicle, as the gateway control module is placed in a "protective cover" (an unsealed plastic bag) and that bag visibly had liquid inside of it. We had immediately contacted Audi upon learning of this issue and decided not to move forward with…
I was driving at highway speeds when a "Transmission Malfunction" warning appeared, and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. Once I was able to pull over and put the vehicle in Park, it completely lost the ability to engage Drive or Reverse, leaving me stranded. Important to note pulling over was difficult as I was on a highway driving ar 70mph speed and trying to locate safe space to stop avoid collusion. My car towed to the nearest dealership for repairs. Audi dealership confirmed the cause was broken internal transmission filter housing bolts. I was told this was premature occurrence…
If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the windows and realized the smell was not as strong as inside. The light turned green and as I stepped on the gas the car went into limp mode as I was in the middle of my turn. The power steering then went out in the turn and the wheel yanked to the left and put me half way into the lane next to me…
I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. My car screeched to a stop while simultaneously my windows rolled up, my sunroof closed…
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious brake-related safety issue involving my Audi vehicle after recent brake service performed by an authorized Audi Meadowland dealership in [XXX] . In December 2025, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for replacement of the brake pads. The repair was completed by the dealership, and I trusted that the vehicle was safe to drive afterward. However, only approximately six months later, and after driving only around 1,000 miles since the repair, the vehicle experienced a dangerous brake-related failure involving the brake pad…
Control module located under rear seat became slightly wet from spilled liquid, and failed. Engine and electrical failure as a result of control module failure. Audi refuses to cover damages as warranty period is over. Vehicle design is defective.
The Gateway control module failed in September 2025 on my 2021 Audi Q5. Vehicle error messages included the following failures: Cruise control, Parking brake, transmission, brakes, and steering, windows rolled down, seats moved, dash and MMI black followed by a sudden loss of power, narrowly avoiding an accident (kids in car). Would not restart. Diagnosis by Audi dealer was that the Gateway control module got wet and needed to be replaced. This is Recall 90S9 from 2021 that was “repaired” in March 2022 by covering the module with a plastic bag. This proved an insufficient repair backed up by a…
I have an issue with my vehicle where when the car is in reverse gear, the video from the camera sometimes is shaky, and sometimes instead of showing a rear camera, it shows a front camera, and sometimes the rear cross-traffic warning doesn't work even when in reverse gear when this video malfunction happens. It happened a few times and took me to the dealership for service. When they try to reproduce, it didn't, however, after a few days it started happening. I have few videos of this instance
2021 Audi Q5: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q5; the most common categories were electrical system (27, 36.5%), engine (17, 23%), power train (13, 17.6%). There are 8 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5?
Across 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (36.5% of complaints), engine (23% of complaints), power train (17.6% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (14.9% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5; the most recent (campaign 25V080000, 2025-02-12) concerns Electrical System: Propulsion System: Traction Battery. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Audi Q5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
11 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (14.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Q5 has a very serious defect, that is, there is a gateway module located under the rear seat cushion/cup holder. all of the communications to all the controllers go through this little box." (NHTSA complaint 11386836, January 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 Audi Q5 had engine failures?
5 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (6.8%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 22V753000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Gateway control module shutdown. After a rain storm vehicle had electrical issues such as rear light turning off, and engine start malfunction alarm on dashboard." (NHTSA complaint 11628102, November 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can the sunroof on the 2021 Audi Q5 shatter or fail?
5 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (6.8%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "My sunroof exploded while I was driving. No apparent cause and it was not a hot day.. 79 degrees. Glass landed all over me, my passengers seat and the back seat." (NHTSA complaint 11534604, July 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2021 Audi Q5?
4 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (5.4%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "when using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly brakes. If set a 70mph it will jam on the brakes and reset to 45 mph. This has caused near rear collisions. This is a recurring problem,.Audi service tried 3 times to identify the problem." (NHTSA complaint 11432949, September 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2021 Audi Q5?
4 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (5.4%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. A related recall exists: campaign 21V606000 (seat belts: rear/other: retractor). The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten," (NHTSA complaint 11592350, June 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Audi Q5 brake suddenly for no reason?
3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (4.1%) describe sudden, unexpected automatic braking ("phantom braking"). One owner wrote: "I have experienced two false activation of emergency brakes on my 2021 Q5 in the past 3 months. Both have been very scary incidents for my family - Feb 2022" Driving on a highway with no vehicle in front at 60mph, going through a shade under a bridge where…" (NHTSA complaint 11463925, May 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2021 Audi Q5?
3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (4.1%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "I was driving down a slight hill in 1/2 inch of snow at 5MPH and when I tired to gently brake as I descended the hill, the brake pedal had no resistance and went flat to the floor. I had no brakes." (NHTSA complaint 11442684, December 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2021 Audi Q5?
3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (4.1%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "The 2021Audi Q5 has a gateway module under the middle back seat. Any fluid that contacts this module will cause it to fail shutting the car down completely. In addition, immediately above the module are 2 drink car holders." (NHTSA complaint 11432571, September 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does water leak into my 2021 Audi Q5?
3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 (4.1%) describe water leaks into the cabin, sunroof or trunk. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11767711, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Q5
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for Q5, Q5 PHEV and Q5 SPORTBACK.