Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q5
How the AUDI A6 and AUDI Q5 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q5: The A6 averages 20 complaints per year with 2 crash-related and 2 injuries, while the Q5 averages 50.1 complaints with 29 crash-related and 26 injuries. Both have electrical and engine issues, but the Q5 shows more severe safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or AUDI Q5 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that averages 20 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 41 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, engine, and forward collision avoidance. Owners report serious issues like sudden power loss, water leaks causing electrical corrosion, and unexpected steering lock, which can make ownership stressful and expensive.
AUDI Q5
The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV with a much higher complaint rate—about 50 per year—and 44 recalls. Electrical, engine, and forward collision avoidance problems dominate, with many reports of sudden power loss, engine fires, and malfunctioning safety systems. The higher number of crash-related complaints (29) and injuries (26) suggests these issues can have serious consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | AUDI Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 200 Better | 501 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 29 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 50.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 26 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
AUDI A6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, corroding seat wiring and causing electrical failures, mold growth, and even sudden power loss with a 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' warning. This can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs.
Complaints include uncommanded loss of engine power and throttle response, often accompanied by battery warnings and automatic restart shutdowns. These failures can happen while driving, creating a dangerous situation.
Drivers describe a barrage of warning lights, steering lock, and malfunctioning driver-assist systems, including emergency SOS activation. Such failures undermine trust in the car's safety features and can distract or endanger the driver.
Issues range from electronic door locks malfunctioning with children inside to persistent mold and mildew odors from the HVAC system. These problems affect daily usability and can be a health concern.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
AUDI Q5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM155
- 02ENGINE94
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE87
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES57
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, and some owners experience complete electrical failure with flashing warning lights and random wiper activation. These glitches can leave you stuck or cause unpredictable behavior.
Reports include smoke billowing from the engine compartment and sudden power loss leading to limp mode and loud knocking. Engine fires and stalling are severe risks that demand immediate attention.
The Pre-Sense system has erroneously activated during unprotected turns, and some owners report multiple ADAS malfunctions. False activations can startle the driver and potentially cause a crash.
Brake-related complaints appear frequently, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Given the Q5's higher crash and injury counts, any brake issue should be taken seriously.
“CORRECTION to NHTSA COMPLAINT #11745968 The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) did not disengage when the vehicle was placed in gear from P to R to D while/after parked in an incline postion (see DTCs -Bozeman Audi invoice, 6/23/26). The EPB is designed to diseng…”
“The vehicle exhibits multiple, unresolved safety-critical defects across software and mechanical systems that create an unpredictable and dangerous driving environment. Despite multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to certify the vehicle as sa…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
AUDI A6 — 41 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: 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, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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 custome…
The defect: 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…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
AUDI Q5 — 44 recalls
The defect: 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% charg…
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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 tem…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The 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 vehi…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The 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 vehi…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The 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 vehi…
Buyer analysis
AUDI A6 or AUDI Q5: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has fewer issues per year (20 vs. 50.1) and fewer crash-related complaints (2 vs. 29) and injuries (2 vs. 26). In practice, the Q5 appears more prone to frequent and severe problems, while the A6, though still trouble-prone, may be the less risky choice among the two.
Key differences
- The Q5 has more than double the annual complaint rate of the A6 (50.1 vs. 20.0).
- Crash-related complaints are far higher for the Q5 (29 vs. 2), as are injuries (26 vs. 2).
- A6 owners frequently report water leaks causing electrical corrosion and mold; Q5 owners report engine fires and sudden power loss.
- Both suffer from forward collision avoidance malfunctions, but the Q5's Pre-Sense has erroneously activated, while the A6's system has locked steering.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell and trunk that can corrode wiring and cause mold—look for damp carpets or musty odors.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and watch for any warning lights or unexpected steering interventions during a test drive.
- Inspect for signs of engine smoke or fire damage, and ask about any history of sudden power loss or limp mode.
- Test the electronic parking brake on an incline to ensure it disengages properly when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially electrical and engine-related ones.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Audi, focusing on electrical systems, engine health, and water leaks.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all driver-assist features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior electrical, engine, or brake repairs.
- Check for mold or mildew odors in the cabin, which can indicate water intrusion and potential health hazards.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | AUDI A6 | AUDI Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 | 42 |
| 2024 | 3 | 20 |
| 2023 | 2 | 36 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 74 |
| 2020 | 25 | 25 |
| 2019 | 114 | 52 |
| 2018 | 2 | 207 |
| 2017 | 20 | 42 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific AUDI A6 or AUDI Q5 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs AUDI Q5
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 200
- AUDI Q5 total complaints
- 501
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- AUDI Q5 total recalls
- 44
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- AUDI Q5 avg complaints/year
- 50.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- AUDI Q5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM