Model year

2020 Audi Q5 E

SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Mar 20, 2022 to Nov 7, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints12Below the median 2020 suv
Severity index8.32020 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Audi Q5 E peaked in 2022, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234202242023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2020 Audi Q5 E name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
4
Engine and cooling
4
Brakes
3
Suspension
2
Wheels
2
Driver assistance
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2020 Audi Q5 E

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Audi Q5 E

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

12 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 7, 2025Failure Nov 7, 2025Minneapolis, MNEngine

    Our vehicle started jerking when it transitioned from EV mode to Hybrid (gas engine). I found TSB 2079556, which describes exactly the diagnostic codes our car has for all eight battery packs. This is clearly a known problem, and as the car is out of its original warranty I would have to pay for this myself. Audi should replace the battery packs free of charge as they were clearly defective.

    NHTSA complaint 11698217
  2. Filed Oct 22, 2025Failure Oct 16, 2025Sarasota, FLService brakes

    I understand that there have been recalls for the brake booster in some 2020 Audi Q5s. I have had my brake booster light come on, but my VIN is not in the recall. My car has less than 50,000 miles on it and I should not be having this issue. I think my car should be recalled and this issue should be fixed by Audi. The cost to repair this issue is around $3000.

    NHTSA complaint 11694972
  3. Filed Jan 30, 2025Failure Feb 5, 2024Orlando, FLElectrical system, Engine, Service brakes

    An Electrical Malfunction has caused several safety issues causing the car engine to idle and have "drive system malfunction" The warning system being displays on the dashboard has show not only cooling issues but issues relating to the brakes and overall engine making the car unsafe to drive. The Audi Pre-sense system engages the brakes while driving a varies fast speeds usually while on the highway.

    NHTSA complaint 11639522
  4. Filed Jan 29, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2024Orlando, FLElectrical system, Engine

    Ecu Malfunction leading to Cooling system malfunction The car after idling more than 30 min with the A/C off has a "drive system malfunction". The warning displays on the dash and the engine runs violently rough until the car shuts itself off. The Audi has done this several times, though not while driving. This problem creates a lot of heat in the engine bay and has led to a problem in my cooling system pipes, causing multiple points of piping to burst. The coolant expansion tank also warped and leaks, as well as the upper radiator hose. The problem with safety is the car will spray coolant onto the wheel well making the brakes less effective. This problem, which seemed to arise from the car ecu overheating during idle, could cause an undesirable effect while driving, potentially leading to an accident. The other issue is that the car is overheating due to a compromised cooling system that leaks coolant fluid. This may damage the engine and other engine bay components. The warning sign and first instance i can recall the "drive system malfunction" happening was in February of last year, a month after purchase. The cooling system started leaking profusely 4 months after the first "drive system malfunction".

    NHTSA complaint 11639342
  5. Filed Oct 3, 2024Failure Jul 9, 2024Roseville, CAElectrical systemFire

    Jul 9 2024. Plug-in hybrid battery fire. Car plugged in at 11:10am with an empty battery. At 1:45pm we noticed white smoke emitting from the battery, (rear left near charge port). Immediately unplugged. Fire Department on scene, car pushed to street. Disconnected battery, observed heat and some black residue in the battery compartment, FD deemed it no longer an immediate threat, so they departed. At 3:02pm the battery ignited and quickly developed into fully involved car fire. FD returned at 3:08pm and extinguished the fire by 3:09. Filed an insurance claim. Total loss. AudiUSA has not answered phone calls, emails, messages. They assigned a rep to the incident but he has never made any contact, despite my attempts to reach him.

    NHTSA complaint 11617901
  6. Filed Aug 29, 2024Failure Aug 29, 2024Norwalk, CTService brakes

    Brake Booster Brake Serví Unit faulty Making noise, took t mechanic and I was told there is a technical service bulletin on this. I called Audi of Danbury and I was told there is no recall. I was told by my mechanic it can cause car t run bad and die.

    NHTSA complaint 11611646
  7. Filed Feb 19, 2024Failure Feb 5, 2024Saylorsburg, PAPower train

    My Transmission failed to go in forward and was racing in drive. I put it reverse and that worked but put back into drive it races then makes a bang and instantly goes into drive. I had car towed to Audi of Allentown. They initially went over vehicle couldn't find issue then it did it to them. They said it had a code for solenoid. They changed valve body and it had codes so they were in contact with Audi Hotline they had them change Mechatronic unit also and the issue was solved, They sent me video, I picked up car and gave them loaner back, I used car local after a few times then it did it again. Had car towed to Audi of Allentown again, they couldn't find issue and sent me video of car. I went to pickup vehicle and they were getting vehicle ready and it did it to them and they said they would let service know. They gave me a loaner. I've called and they haven't had vehicle do it again until today. They videoed it and sent it to Audi Hotline (engineers). There waiting on a reply from Audi. The vehicle is unsafe-- if it did it to me while entering a highway and cut out I could be hit in from rear and it would be a catastrophic accident. Or if it did this at a crosswalk that could be another issue but with pedestrians. If I get car back and it happens again then it cant be fixed and its unsafe I'll need to get a lawyer to rectify this situation.

    NHTSA complaint 11572738
  8. Filed Dec 17, 2023Failure Dec 3, 2023Wilmington, DEElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    Complete failure of the car to start or turn on. This occurred once in 2021 and a second time in 2023. Taken to dealership. Diagnosed with a computer problem. Fixed by dealership.

    NHTSA complaint 11560541
  9. Filed Oct 23, 2022Failure Oct 23, 2022Fairport, NYAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings

    The vehicle is a 2020 Audi Q5 Premium Plus model with 15,525 miles on it. I was driving at 55 mph on a two lane country road and approaching an intersection at 11:55 AM ET. Road and weather conditions were perfect. Clear, sunny weather and 65 degrees. Recently paved roadway which was clear and dry. There were no vehicles in front, behind or at the intersection. No pedestrians or animals. Cruise control was off. My foot was on the accelerator pedal. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, the Audi Pre-Sense system engaged. The brakes were automatically applied which instantly reduced speed to about 40 mph. Steering wheel shook briefly, there was a brief audible alert, and then a Audi PreSense triangle warning symbol appeared on the instrument gauge cluster. I was thrown into my seat belt when the car quickly decelerated. The entire incident was probably 5 seconds although it seemed longer in the moment. I startled but maintained control of the vehicle. Luckily, I have a previously scheduled dealer maintenance appointment this coming week. This item will be at the top of the list.

    NHTSA complaint 11490465
  10. Filed Jun 17, 2022Failure Jun 16, 2022San Francisco, CASuspension, Wheels

    Recall Number: 22V034 Audi has a current recall impacting the alignment of the rear axle. It is causing uneven and unsafe wear on the rear tires. Our tires are experiencing this greatly. We took the car into our Audi dealership. Audi, the manufacturer, rejected the request for tire replacement claiming alignment is within specification. However, if you take even a small glance at our tires, it is clear there is something wrong due to the vehicle, matching the description of the recall to a T. This is a serious safety issue that Audi is not properly addressing.

    NHTSA complaint 11469785
  11. Filed Mar 22, 2022Failure Mar 17, 2022Costa Mesa, CASuspension, Unknown or other

    RECEIVED LETTER FROM AUDI REGARDING NHTSA:22V034. LETTER INDICATED THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE REAR AXLE SUSPENSION ALIGNMENT WHICH COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND, POTENTIAL TIRE FAILURE. AFTER INSPECTION, DEALER (FLETCHER JONE AUDI, COSTA MESA, CA) SAID THERE WERE NO ISSUES DESPITE PRESENCE OF EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. TIRES ONLY HAD 18,000 MILES ON THEM AND HAD BEEN ROTATED AT 10,000 BY FLETCHER JONES AUDI. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT DO ANY WORK, REPAIRS OR REPLACE TIRES.

    NHTSA complaint 11457903
  12. Filed Mar 20, 2022Failure Feb 22, 2022chula vista, CAUnknown or other, Wheels

    I went to dealership to fix recall and the dealership didn't finish work on recall because they wanted me to pay for an alignment when it says it should off been fixed on your website because the recall damaged my tires unevenly.

    NHTSA complaint 11457551
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

392 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2078648_3 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069331_8 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2068999_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
  • TSB_2059057_15 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2081573_4 Jul 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2081573_3 Jul 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2078648_2 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2082147_1 Jun 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when there are function issues in vehicles equipped with connectivity box low.
  • TSB_2079520_4 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides basic informaiton on damaged high-voltage batteries.
  • TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2073867_3 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
  • TSB_2069331_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
  • TSB_2068573_5 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaoitn when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, is loose, or there is a rear parking sensor fault message.
  • TSB_2064983_15 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2081990_1 May 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding high voltage battery leak test documentation.
  • TSB_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • TSB_2067557_2 May 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the windscreen/rear window washer pump is not working (B126101, B126113).
  • TSB_2059057_14 May 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2081722_1 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin is informational and contains information on the various warning lamps that may appear.
  • TSB_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081409_1 Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2081200_1 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaito when Apple CarPlay/Android Auto does not react to touch inputs.
  • TSB_2074823_2 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the hydraulic pump cannot be adapted - P17EF00 in gearbox control unit.
  • TSB_2051095_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about where to download the Audi frequency app.
  • TSB_2024323_13 Mar 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2024323_12 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2023187_8 Mar 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • DC_Audi_CF_ Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • TSB_2080517_2 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2079214_3 Feb 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate.
  • TSB_2073580_5 Feb 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding the ordering of replacement parts for ConBox Low.
  • TSB_2059335_6 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_4 Feb 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2051095_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
  • TSB_2021205_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2061028_9 Jan 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are no services in the MMI and the SOS LED does not turn green after PDI.
  • TSB_2080681_1 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding contact checks for event memories, intermittent.
  • TSB_2080575_1 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the seat-occupied recognition system for the front passenger has a fault; airbag warning lamp is on.
  • TSB_2079214_2 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate.
  • TSB_2067716_3 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the air conditioner is not working, or has a restricted function; leak at the O-ring.
  • TSB_2059057_13 Jan 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
  • TSB_2079520_3 Jan 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides basic information on damaged high-voltage batteries.
  • TSB_2074846_4 Jan 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.