Before you buy
This 2021 Audi Q5 has 63 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2021 Audi Q5 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Audi Q5. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Audi Q5 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Audi Q5 has 63 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- Q5
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 63
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 25
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 23 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 400
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Audi Q5 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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?
The 2021 Audi Q5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Audi Q5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including infotainment and battery, for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and forward collision avoidance system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components, before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including infotainment and battery, for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and forward collision avoidance system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components, before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Audi Q5, 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 63 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5, the data suggests that electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue, followed by engine problems and transmission/drivetrain concerns. Forward collision avoidance system complaints are also notable. With only 2 crash-related complaints and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2021 model year.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are the next most common complaint categories.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) complaints are present but less frequent than electrical and engine issues.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2021 Audi Q5 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 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. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the windows independently rolled up and down, and the engine seized. While attempting to start the ve…
The safety situation happened when my wife's car got stuck while driving at about 25-30 MPH in the middle of the road.Next day At the nearest Audi service center they found that water has gotten into the rear of the trunk and damaged the electronic module which caused the car to …
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.
Following a rear collision repair at an authorized dealer collision center, multiple ADAS safety systems were not properly calibrated despite insurance payment and shop representations that repairs were complete. WHAT FAILED: Lane Change Assist, Peripheral Camera System, Side As…
Vehicle: 2021 Audi Q5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving unintended emergency braking. On September 10, 2025 and again on January 8, 2026, my vehicle suddenly applied emergency braking while I was driving and there were no vehicles, pedes…
While driving my 2021 Audi Q5, the vehicle experienced a sudden transmission disengagement without warning. The vehicle behaved as if it had shifted into neutral while in motion. When this occurred, pressing the accelerator produced no response — the engine would not rev and the …
Date of Incident: 11/09/2025 • Location: I-30 near Cumby, TX (towed to Audi Fort Worth). Daughter was stranded on busy highway in middle of nowhere. Texas State Police came to her aid and helped w tow truck which cost 650. Engine catastrophically failed at 50k miles due to met…
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 po…
On September 18, 2025, while driving at ~65–70 mph on the Saw Mill Parkway in Mount Kisco, NY, a Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire (235/55R19) suffered a sudden circumferential tread/belt separation. The tread detached completely from the casing while the sidewall remained intact. …
My car always did a weird shuddering thing when taking turns a certain way. I just thought it was part of how the new vehicle worked. I thought it was strange when I took my car in to repair a front tire, and was told / showed that the back two tire treads were worn down. The new…
There was a lawsuit, see link below, because the water pump on 2021 Audi Q5’s fail prematurely. My water pump failed at 66,241 miles and I believe that my 2021 Audi Q5 should’ve been covered under this water pump failure recall. However, my VIN was not included. Link: [XXX] I …
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the interstate, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the sunroof, and the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The contact drove to the residence and reported the failure to the Insu…
While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specialize…
The small buttons that are part of climate control on the dashboard pop out and fall off. The pieces aren’t supposed to do that. They are actually designed to work as buttons that stay in place but whatever mechanism that is designed to keep them is place comes off. I have tried …
Virtual dashboard where speedometer and safety warning are displayed has stopped working. Display has completely shut down. I cannot see any critical information to drive vehicle. I contacted the dealership to address a serious safety concern that mirrors an issue already under a…
When turning at low speed the vehicle bucks and jitters affecting steering and control of the vehicle. Audi issued a technical service bulletin to address this issue so it's clearly a widespread problem.
Driver reading light flickers on and off while driving creating a night driving distraction hazard
The instrument panel cluster assembly (screen behind steering wheel) needed to be replaced because it would intermittently stop working and I had no idea of how fast I was going, what gear I was in, how much fuel I had or whether the lane assist and other safety features were wor…
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. To vehicle automatically stoping with no vehicle nearby, seat belt tightening and to engine seized while driving to t…
The engine has failed and I am not sure why my Q5 was not included in the recall for coolant issues leading to engine failure. My issue started last winter when the car would suddenly kick in a loud fan. It would flash a warning that the start/stop malfunctioned as it only happen…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Audi Q5.
Safety recalls
2021 Audi Q5 recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Q5. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
TIRES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Audi Q5 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 63 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Audi Q5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (24 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Audi Q5?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Audi Q5?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Audi Q5, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 63 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Audi Q5. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi Q5?▾
The 2021 Audi Q5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi Q5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Audi Q5 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.