2021 Audi Q5 E

29 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Aug 5, 2026Atlanta, GAEngine

   Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) e-quattro Component: Engine (Engine Block, Connecting Rod Bearings, Cylinders)Description of Incident:My 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon professional diagnostic inspection at an authorized Audi dealership, technicians discovered destructive metal debris and fragments inside the engine cylinders and oil circuit.This exact mechanical failure, engine block damage, and presentation of metal shavings perfectly mirrors the known manufacturing defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 22V753 (Audi Recall Campaign 13i5) for improperly machined connecting rod bearings. However, when checking the vehicle's VIN, it shows as currently excluded from the active recall list.The vehicle has experienced the identical catastrophic manufacturing defect identified in the 13i5 campaign, suggesting the vehicle identification parameters of the original safety recall were under-inclusive. The authorized Audi dealership is currently refusing coverage because the VIN is not flagged, despite the identical mechanical failure. Safety Risk Statement:Severe internal engine damage from migrating metal fragments poses an immediate safety hazard. It risks sudden engine seizure, catastrophic power loss, or stalling without warning while operating at highway speeds, significantly increasing the danger of a collision.

   NHTSA complaint 11766043
2. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2026Austin, TXUnknown or other

   On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would have been all over the cabin. I had never heard of exploding sunroofs but have since learned that it’s a known problem. I realize there was an investigation which was eventually called off with no results, but I want you to know that the problem is still there. There was nothing wrong with our sunroof. I wasn’t hit by any debris, it just exploded out of nowhere. I seriously thought I was shot at. I am emailing to bring this back to your attention in the hopes that you don’t shrug this off. The explosion was loud and freaked me out. People could have gotten hurt.

   NHTSA complaint 11756692
3. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2026Austin, TXUnknown or other

   On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would have been all over the cabin. I had never heard of exploding sunroofs but have since learned that it’s a known problem. I realize there was an investigation which was eventually called off with no results, but I want you to know that the problem is still there. There was nothing wrong with our sunroof. I wasn’t hit by any debris, it just exploded out of nowhere. I seriously thought I was shot at. I am emailing to bring this back to your attention in the hopes that you don’t shrug this off. The explosion was loud and freaked me out. People could have gotten hurt.

   NHTSA complaint 11756691
4. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure May 31, 2026Crozet, VAPower train

   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 miles per hour. Immediately behind our car was a very large tractor-trailer that hit its brakes but came within inches of the rear of our car before we could get on the highway shoulder--i.e., we came extremely close to suffering serious injury or death. The car was towed to the nearest Audi dealer, where it was determined that the Transmission Control Module had to be replaced, at a cost of $8,000. The warranty on the car is 4 years/40,000 miles, while our car is 5 years, 2 months old, and has 47,000 miles on the odometer. The dealer (Flow Audi of Charlottesville) confirmed the car's problem and determined that, because of the threat to safety, the cost of the repair, and the lack of any previous warning, it should be covered by warranty in spite of the car's age and mileage, but Audi has refused to do so. Audi has been aware of this problem with Q5e (plug-in hybrid) models such as ours, as they have published a Technical Service Bulletin about it (without provision for the affected vehicles to be examined or repaired). The vehicle is still at the dealer for repair (as of 06/08/2026).

   NHTSA complaint 11742774
5. Filed May 18, 2026Failure May 14, 2026Fletcher, NCEngine

   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 street into oncoming traffic, I was unable to gain speed without taking my foot off the gas entirely and trying again. This creates a very dangerous situation as I was unable to get to speed, cars did have to slow & go around me as I was not able to speed up I did get a warning light a couple of times, dashboard read "Drive system: Malfunction! Please contact Service" Dealership said it gave the code "P288200," and stated that this indicated "Engine disconnect clutch engagement fault." Audi has a TSB for remedy (Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2070965), in which is stated that "There is a software error in the transmission control module." This indicates that this is an ongoing issue with this component. The dealership that I brought it to was able to replicate the problem when test driving the car. quoted a $537 software update to remedy the malfunction.

   NHTSA complaint 11738560
6. Filed Apr 21, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2023Las Vegas, NVUnknown or other, Wheels

   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 freeway. I fear for my safety, the safety of my passengers and the vehicles around me. It happens on the loaners they give me, so I know it is not just my vehicle. I've talked to corporate and they seem very unconcerned. Can you help at all?' I'm considering selling it because of this issue, but don't want some one else coming back on me about it if they get in an accident.

   NHTSA complaint 11732886
7. Filed Oct 17, 2025Failure Oct 9, 2025Campbell, CAEngine, Power train

   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 that the issue was caused by liquid entering the gateway control module. A safety fix had been applied before during a 90S9 recall in 2022, but it appears that fix is inadequate or defective.

   NHTSA complaint 11694136
8. Filed Apr 26, 2025Failure Apr 24, 2025Pleasanton, CAPower train

   A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.

   NHTSA complaint 11656915
9. Filed Mar 25, 2025Failure Jan 25, 202413,000 milesLas Vegas, NVPressure monitoring and regulating systems

   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 that no failure was found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11650499
10. Filed Aug 19, 2024Failure Aug 19, 2024Olympia, WAService brakes

    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. Initially, the vehicle was in adaptive cruise control, speed set at about 60 miles per hour. Then when the vehicle comes to a congested section of the freeway, the adaptive cruise control tries to slow down the vehicle, but it is about getting close to the vehicle in front, so I manually pressed on the brake and add additional brake force to make sure the vehicle stop in time. About that moment, there were multiple messages showed on the instrument panel, I did not have time to read all of them, but for sure one of the messages said braking system malfunction, and plus the icon with the vehicle and some curve line show up. After I came to a complete stop, and all the message disappeared, (I think the at that time, the vehicle icon with curve line still on), I begin to accelerate again, but then I noticed the brake is not functioning properly. The brake was very tight, I was only going maybe 15 miles per hour at the time and still have hard time stopping. If I would have accelerated to a higher speed, I may not be able to bring the vehicle to a stop safely then. On a busy freeway, I turned on my hazard light, and I drove slowly and safely try to move to an area on the freeway where I can slowly roll the vehicle to a complete stop and I have to push the brake very hard to do so. I reset my vehicle couple of times. Then the brake appears to be working again. But the check engine light came on. Since the braking system is working again at that time, I continue my drive home. After I arrived home, I restarted my vehicle again, and the check engine light disappeared. But please investigate this situation as the safety of the drivers and others are at risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

    NHTSA complaint 11609564
11. Filed May 25, 2024Failure Jul 14, 2023Winter Haven, FLWarnings, Automatic emergency braking

    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 was following close behind to cause a rear end collision. I another case I was stopped at a traffic light with a car also stopped in front of me and the seat belts tightened for no reason. It was very startling. The third instance I was driving along a straight 2 lane road with no cars travelling in either direction and the AEB activated. The braking was violent. I am concerned that the AEB could activate on an interstate highway causing a serious accident. The date I used was just one occurance.

    NHTSA complaint 11590726
12. Filed May 23, 2024Failure May 20, 2023Bellevue, WAWarnings, Automatic emergency braking

    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” but the car still slammed on its brakes for no reason a couple of months later.

    NHTSA complaint 11590488
13. Filed Mar 27, 2024Failure Mar 8, 2024St. Charles, ILFuel/propulsion system

    Gas gauge stuck. Other Audi gas sensors have been recalled.

    NHTSA complaint 11579722
14. Filed Jun 4, 2023Failure May 28, 2023Greenbrae, CASteering, Vehicle speed control, Wheels

    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 car to the side of the road (not all) before the complete shutdown of all systems. The car was towed to our Audi dealer. Audi confirmed that it was the Gateway Module that had completely shut down due to "water ingress." This was perplexing because: 1) There had been a recall to fix this issue in similar Audi's about a year ago and we had promptly taken it in for the fix; and 2) We did not spill any water on the back seat nor drive over any substantial water which in any event should not have resulted in a complete system failure based on the fix that had been prescribed for the recall. Audi indicates they have fixed the issue and applied a sealant underneath as an added measure. We are very concerned about how - after the recall fix - this could have happened and want to know what assurance there is it cannot happen again.

    NHTSA complaint 11525278
15. Filed May 2, 2023Failure Oct 25, 202211,000 milesExeter, NHBack over prevention

    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 was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention) however, during the software update, the infotainment module became corrupted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11520086
16. Filed Apr 26, 2023Failure Apr 5, 2023Milpitas, CAElectrical system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11519000
17. Filed Apr 24, 2023Failure Apr 23, 2023Dallas, TXVisibility/wiper

    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 wipers are not operating you could not see the pedestrian walking in front of your car. Very dangerous!

    NHTSA complaint 11518682
18. Filed Feb 28, 2023Failure Feb 26, 2023Berkeley, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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 dealer and asked what to do. They said it must be a sensor problem because they replaced everything. Said it could be ignored. Warning light would come on and then go off periodically but we continued to drive vehicle on dealer's advice. Then, one night, while traveling on a local street, received a warning that there had been a Transmission Failure, and vehicle came to a sudden halt, blocking traffic. Wheels locked, making it extremely hard to get onto a tow truck. Had been driving on the highway shortly before this happened and could have died if the car had suddenly stopped moving at highway speed.

    NHTSA complaint 11509542
19. Filed Jan 24, 2023Failure Jun 16, 2021Flora, MSRearview system braking, Electrical system, Warning

    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 Audi corporate and she would be able to finish the programming later. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer as messages that the navigation system was not loaded, the driver assistance was inoperable, the fuel gauge display was incorrect, and the Lane Assist feature had failed. The contact stated that she had experienced the failure for the past year. The contact stated she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention) several months ago and the dealer informed the state DMV that they were unable to repair the recall at the time. The contact stated that she had been communicating with the director at her state DMV as she was unable to have the dealer repair the vehicle. The contact stated that a case was not opened with her state DMV. The contact stated that the manufacturer and dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 10.

    NHTSA complaint 11503423
20. Filed Jan 13, 2023Failure Dec 30, 2022Irvine, CAFuel/propulsion system

    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 a 32 mile to 52 mile range difference. Took it to the dealership on Jan 2023 after noticing an issue in December 2022 and they are insisting the systems are correct and working. They are refusing to look into the matter. We are not sure if the sensor is wrong or if the car is prematurely stopping fueling internally causing it to not fill and give this reading.

    NHTSA complaint 11501695