Before you buy
This 2021 Audi Q5 E has 26 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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Audi Q5 E 2021 has 26 NHTSA complaints, mostly about transmission/drivetrain (7) and electrical faults (6), with zero recalls. Buyers should inspect these systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- Q5 E
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
Common problems
Most common 2021 Audi Q5 E problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Audi Q5 E?
The 2021 Audi Q5 E may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. With only one model year analyzed and low confidence, the data is insufficient to strongly recommend or warn against it.
Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize a luxury plug-in hybrid and are willing to perform thorough due diligence on transmission and electrical systems.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability with minimal risk of drivetrain or electrical problems should consider other options or newer model years.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Audi Q5 E
Inspection Focus
- Transmission and drivetrain for smooth shifting and unusual noises
- Electrical system including battery, infotainment, and warning lights
- Engine for starting issues, stalling, or performance problems
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission for smooth operation and check for any service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Audi Q5 E, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Audi Q5 E shows a low-confidence pattern of transmission/drivetrain and electrical faults, though no crashes or recalls are reported. Buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Without data on other model years, this 2021 model's complaint count cannot be directly compared, but the absence of recalls is a positive sign.
Recall context: Zero recalls suggest no widespread safety defects were identified, but buyers should still verify open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 7, the highest among all components.
- Electrical faults account for 6 complaints, the second most common issue.
- Engine problems are reported in 4 complaints, indicating potential powertrain concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2021 Audi Q5 E complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q5 E. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q5 E. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I and my wife were emerging from an intetstate highway entrance ramp when our car suddenly and completely lost power. A "Transmission Malfunction" warning suddenly (and for the first time) appeared on the dashboard.We had just completed a merge with heavy traffic going 70-75 mile…
Vehicle has an issue with the transmission control, it will not reliably shift into the appropriate gears as it gains speed, often slipping & shuddering, sometimes even slamming into a higher gear. A few times it has stayed in first or second gear as I was pulling onto a busy s…
The warning lite for the low tire pressure comes on randomly and consistently. I've taken it in about 5 times and have been told the tire pressure is fine and it is just a built in defect. I am concerned because I can't check my tires constantly and especially when I am on the fr…
While driving one day, several warning messages appeared on the dashboard, but would then disappear. The next day, the car engine would not start and the vehicle dashboard would not turn on. The car was inoperable and had to be towed to a dealer service center. Dealer confirmed t…
A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions. The dealer inspected the tires while the warning light was illuminated, and the dealer informed the contact …
Reporting a potentially dangerous situation related to the vehicle's braking system. This incident happened on [XXX], on [XXX] in around the Fife WA area. The vehicle is an 2021 Audi Q5 hybrid, purchased new and been taking to dealership for service for every service interval.…
I have had three occurrences where the Automatic Emergency Braking system and Forward Collision system have been activated for no reason. In one case the Q5 braked suddenly, and the seat belts tightened to the point that it made my passengers back sore. Fortunately, no vehicle w…
In several instances, my Audi Q5 has erroneously thought there was a road hazard and slammed on the brakes. It was terrifying. Luckily there were not cars close behind or they would have collided with my car. We took it to the dealer who adjusted the system they call “Pre-sense” …
Gas gauge stuck. Other Audi gas sensors have been recalled.
Every possible warning light came on without notice and the car came to an abrupt halt. Ultimately the front tires locked and the car could not be moved out of park. This happened at Yosemite National Park and was very dangerous. Fortunately I was able to glide most of the ca…
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5E. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer due to an accident unrelated to a failure; however, the contact stated that while his vehicle was being serviced at the dealer, he was notified by the technician that the VIN w…
Charging socket lock errors out. Disables charging and inhibits the vehicle’s electric drivability. The vehicle displays the following error: Could not execute action. Locking error in charging system.
During heavy rain storms, the audi windshield wipers will stop whenever the car is at a stop. This occurs at every setting, auto, low or hi Settings. This is very dangerous especially at a stop light or sign. A pedestrian could be walking in front of your vehicle and because your…
Six months ago received a warning saying Electrical System Failure: safely stop vehicle. Took it to the dealer. They had the vehicle 30+ days and said they had finally fixed it. Almost immediately began receiving the same error message upon driving vehicle again. Called deale…
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that when she purchased the vehicle the MMI (Multimedia Interface) system failed to load correctly. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the system would upload later as the system was not communicating with Au…
When the car was initially purchased in 2021 a fully filled gas tank and fully charged battery gave a total range of approx 400-420 miles. As of recently the fully filled up gas tank and fully charged battery are giving a digital range reading of 368 miles. At the minimum this is…
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle came to a sudden halt as the malfunction indicator light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes and drove the vehi…
A/C condenser leaking. Known issue for Audi Q5.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise and all the warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded and drove at 15 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and could not be driven any further. In addition, all th…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Audi Q5 E.
Safety recalls
2021 Audi Q5 E recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Q5 E. Zero recalls suggest no widespread safety defects were identified, but buyers should still verify open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Audi Q5 E buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 E reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 26 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Audi Q5 E may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. With only one model year analyzed and low confidence, the data is insufficient to strongly recommend or warn against it. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5 E?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (7 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Audi Q5 E?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Audi Q5 E?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Audi Q5 E, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 26 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 E have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2021 Audi Q5 E in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi Q5 E?▾
The 2021 Audi Q5 E may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. With only one model year analyzed and low confidence, the data is insufficient to strongly recommend or warn against it. Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Audi Q5 E reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.