2021 AUDI Q5 Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5. This model year has 63 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
Model-Year Complaints
63 owner reports
Recall Campaigns
8 NHTSA campaigns
Top Failure Area
Electrical Faults
Worst 2021 Audi Q5 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
AI Interpretation — 2021 Audi Q5
Low ConfidenceBased 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
- 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.
Considering a 2021 Audi Q5?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Audi Q5. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search 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.
Recalls for 2021 Audi Q5
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 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.
2021 Audi Q5 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Audi Q5 has 63 NHTSA owner complaints, 2 crash-related, and 8 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (24 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2021 Audi Q5 has 2 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 63 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have any recalls?▾
Yes — 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Audi Q5. The largest issue: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi Q5?▾
The 2021 Audi Q5 has severe issues — 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 2021 Audi Q5
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).