The Lemon Index2018 Audi Q5.
The 2018 Audi Q5 is about average by owner complaints: 66 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 93, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 25 mpg combined. The best Audi Q5 year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 232 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi Q5 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 52K miles on the car (72 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 4K–73K miles
Recalls 6
- electrical 2021
A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
- body structure 2019
The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
- wheels 2019
The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Show all 6 recalls
- brakes 2019
The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
- brakes 2018
The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- seat belts 2016
Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1157 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for the battery for a condition that…
- This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for brake noise
- This bulletin advises to replace the Brake Servo Unit in instances where squeaking noises are…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Audi Q5 SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Backup camera defaults to a black graphic view in stead of camera. Almost in multiple accidents as I had to switch to camera after every start while backing up in parking lots.
2018 Audi Q5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11119449
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 93; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi Q5 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Audi Q5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (23%), brakes (18%) and wheels (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q5 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi Q5 get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Audi Q5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,200 and 52,000 miles. The middle report was at 13,400 miles, from 72 complaints.
Does the 2018 Audi Q5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Audi Q5 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Audi Q5 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi Q5 year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2017 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works