The Lemon Index2021 Audi Q5.
The 2021 Audi Q5 is worse than average by owner complaints: 70 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 120, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 to 27 mpg combined. The best Audi Q5 year is 2019.
Worse than average. 1.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2019
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 116 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi Q5 year. 2021 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 4K to 40K miles on the car (18 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- electrical 2025
The high-voltage battery may overheat.
- electrical 2023
When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or char…
- engine 2022
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Show all 8 recalls
- back over prevention 2022
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
- tires 2022
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- 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.
- seat belts 2021
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- suspension 2021
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
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 1235 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks
- This bulletin contains repair instructions for when there is a knocking or rattling noise in…
- Instructional document regarding the installation of a hotfix for the ODIS service software
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2950–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Charging socket lock errors out. Disables charging and inhibits the vehicleâs electric drivability. The vehicle displays the following error: Could not execute action. Locking error in charging system.
2021 Audi Q5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11519000
More owner reports
Several electrical system malfunction lights came on the dash. Audi says it is the starter generator. Car almost stopped in the road.
NHTSA complaint 11498807
Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten,
NHTSA complaint 11592350
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 120; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi Q5 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2021 Audi Q5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (34%), engine (21%) and automatic emergency braking (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?
8 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 2021 Audi Q5 get?
25 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi Q5 year is better than the 2021?
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