Severe Issues

2020 AUDI Q5 Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2020 Audi Q5. This model year has 22 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

22
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

Model-Year Complaints

22 owner reports

Recall Campaigns

6 NHTSA campaigns

Top Failure Area

Electrical Faults

Worst 2020 Audi Q5 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
6
complaints

Electrical Faults

#2
5
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1
#3
4
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
Injuries:1
πŸ€–

AI Interpretation β€” 2020 Audi Q5

Low Confidence
AI interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2020 Audi Q5 are concentrated in electrical faults, with a notable number of uncategorized issues and engine problems. Crash-related complaints are present but limited. The data suggests potential concerns with the electrical system and forward collision avoidance.

πŸ“Š Key Findings
  • Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among the 2020 model year.
  • Forward collision avoidance (AEB) complaints are tied to crash-related incidents.
  • Unintended acceleration and steering defects each have a small number of complaints.
⚠️ Top Concerns
  • Electrical Faults
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
  • Engine Problems
βœ… Before You Buy β€” Checklist
  • Inspect the electrical system, including infotainment and battery, for any issues.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components like engine and brakes.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system before purchase.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The sample size is small (22 complaints), limiting statistical significance. Confidence level is low, so patterns may not be representative.

Considering a 2020 Audi Q5?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Audi Q5. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults6β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues52β€”β€”
Engine Problems4β€”1β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB32β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration22β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects2β€”β€”β€”
Brake System2β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain1β€”β€”β€”
Chest Clip1β€”β€”β€”
Buckle1β€”β€”β€”
Harness1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Audi Q5. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 22 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashDec 9, 2025

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 13, 2025

Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.

Uncategorized IssuesJun 10, 2025

I purchased a pre-owned Audi in August 2023 from a franchised dealer. I was explicitly told there were no open recalls or issues. In May 2024, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure during useβ€”warning lights flashed, wipers activated on their own, the steering wheel m…

Chest ClipApr 7, 2025

The seatbelt comes loose and Nuna sent me a pad and screwdriver and refused to replace the seat. The harness won’t stay tight and I do not trust the seat to be safe for my child

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 17, 2025

Without warning, on [XXX, my 2020 Audi Q5 stopped working. I called Audi Care, who arranged a tow to the nearest Audi dealer, the Q5 was under manufacturer warranty. Audi had previously recalled its gateway control module; resolution, put a bag over the part. Audi completed the β€œβ€¦

Wheel IssuesNov 1, 2024

My dealership informed me that my tires were feathering at the edges and wearing unevenly. I found information that there was a recall for this problem. There was a recall (4215) that stated there was a misalignment in the suspension creating the uneven wearing. This included my…

Engine ProblemsAug 2, 2024

On 12-18-2024, I brought a Audi Q5 2020 from Lynbrook Audi dealership in New york, approximately weeks after the vehicle engine oil light came on to replenish engine oil. I notified the sales representative of the issue, he stated that the vehicle was serviced on 09-2023. After o…

Uncategorized IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashMay 22, 2024

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Vehicle Safety Issue with 2020 Audi Q5 Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a critical safety issue with my 2020 Audi Q5, as advised by the New York State Division of Consume…

Electrical FaultsNov 26, 2023

We were driving today at around 11:30am and all of a sudden the β€œAudi Presense” light came on at the same time the car brakes abruptly slowed down the car for about 5 seconds or so and then released. Today is a beautiful sunny day and there were no vehicles anywhere or anything i…

Back Over PreventionAug 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was intermittently blank or distorted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and to a second dealer, Santa Monica Audi (1020 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401), on seve…

Visibility/WiperMay 24, 2023

Stopped on the road, the rear window exploded with a very loud boom. I pulled over and talked to the driver behind me who also pulled over and asked if he saw anything, he said no, only heard the boom. We looked in the back of the car and no projectile or foreign object. I mov…

Unintended AccelerationπŸ’₯ CrashJan 9, 2023

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. In this incident I did just that when car in front moved up, but the car …

Engine ProblemsSep 28, 2022

I have this car and it "drinks" about 300mL of coolant between 800-1000 miles. I have to add coolant once a while, but not much... Went to the dealership and they did an inspection and pressure test and came back all normal. They told me the car will use coolant during summer?! I…

Electrical FaultsJun 24, 2022

The car was constantly smelling like smoke. It felt like it was going to catch fire. I got it serviced when it had to be serviced at 15k but Audi dealership did not warn of any recall and mentioned everything was great with the car. In the end I had to sell the car which was in A…

Uncategorized IssuesMay 17, 2022

Sun roof exploded for no reason. No rock hit it, driving on the highway with no other cars around

Structural ProblemsMay 16, 2022

The hood has opened 3 different times with no warning while driving down the road.

Electrical FaultsJan 20, 2022

Yesterday I driving my AUDI Q5 2020 on the expressway , then with no warning multiple warning and error messages suddenly appeared on dashboard. The Entire car immediately shut down in middle of the expressway, no time for me to put on my hazard, no time for me to safely pull o…

Steering DefectsNov 30, 2021

Gateway control modular failure. At dealer currently. We took pictures. Multiple reports of the exact same thing on Audi forums online. Audi confirmed same issue. While driving car it suddenly stopped and the emergency brake was automatically applied. No warning, no way to L…

Engine ProblemsπŸ”₯ FireJun 15, 2021

On July 14, 2020, my daughter and I drove my leased Audi Q5 to Cari’s sister’s 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. My daughter and I were suddenly engu…

Electrical FaultsAug 13, 2020

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 AUDI Q5. IT WAS 6 WEEKS OLD AND HAD ABOUT 2300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR DIED. I COULD NOT GET IT STARTED NO MATTER WHAT I DID. I COULD NOT EVEN GET THE FLASHERS TO TURN ON (TO THE IRE OF THOSE TRYING TO E…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Audi Q5.

Recalls for 2020 Audi Q5

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Audi Q5. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

22V03400026/01/2022
TIRES

21V947000Aug 12, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

21V29500026/04/2021
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

20V50500026/08/2020
SEATS

19V73700016/10/2019
STRUCTURE:BODY

23V84200013/12/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

2020 Audi Q5 β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2020 Audi Q5 has 22 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (6 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (4 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Audi Q5?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2020 Audi Q5?β–Ύ

The 2020 Audi Q5 has 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 22 total NHTSA complaints. 3 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2020 Audi Q5 have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Audi Q5. The largest issue: TIRES. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2020 Audi Q5?β–Ύ

The 2020 Audi Q5 has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Audi Q5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

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Check Your Specific 2020 Audi Q5

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).