The Lemon Index

All cars · Audi Q5

2023 Audi Q5.

The 2023 Audi Q5 is so far better than average by owner complaints: 60 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 66, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 25 to 26 mpg combined. The best Audi Q5 year is 2019.

Early read

66Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: better than average. 1.5× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2019 · Worst year 2021

Audi Q5
Photo shows an Audi Q5. Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints60first 3 years
Fuel economy25–26 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash testnot ratedNHTSA

How serious. Out of 60 owner complaints, owners reported:

8crashes
5injuries
1fires
6tows
Early read. The 2023 Audi Q5 hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

automatic emergency braking35%
electrical28%
engine15%
transmission & drivetrain10%
brakes10%

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.

Transmission problems in every Audi Q5 year →

Recalls 5

  • engine 2025

    The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.

  • electrical 2025

    The high-voltage battery may overheat.

  • electrical 2024

    The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Show all 5 recalls
  • airbags 2024

    An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

  • 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…

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Audi told dealers about

Audi sent dealers 964 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • This bulletin provides instructions for when there is a grinding/squeaking/tweeting noise
  • Noise from front door trim panel while driving ACC warning is displayed, DTC C110300 Sensor…
  • This bulletin provides information for when the vehicle does not start due to a drained battery

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Fuel cost and engines

About $3050–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.

In owners' words

SoS emergency call malfunction. Besides transmission or engine mounting shakes on idle positions car still 6800 miles

2023 Audi Q5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11716576

Quick answers

Is the 2023 Audi Q5 reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.5× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 66; 100 is average). The best Audi Q5 year by this measure is 2019.

What are the most common 2023 Audi Q5 problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (35%), electrical (28%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q5 have?

5 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Audi Q5 get?

25 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Does the 2023 Audi Q5 have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2023 Audi Q5 cost in fuel a year?

About $3050 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2023 Audi Q5 have?

2.0L 4-cyl.

What Audi Q5 year is better than the 2023?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data