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2020 Audi Q5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Audi Q5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 25 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

25 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2026
Power TrainSteering

On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only at full s…

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On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only at full steering lock, the symptom has progressively worsened and now occurs during slighter turns as well, with increasing frequency. The vehicle operates normally in a straight line. This is consistent with Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2059057 (Quattro Ultra AWD vibration/binding in tight turns), applicable to 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. Given this vehicle's disclosed prior manufacturer buyback history, this may represent a recurring, unresolved drivetrain defect.

NHTSA ODI #11762207

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2026
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsSeats

Electrical system failure due to water in the spare tire & battery well, purchased key fob, 2 auto batteries unable to program fob due to non compatible 1st battery, info display contact dealer, had the water extracted, there were no prior indicators of an upcoming issue until the morning of May 22,2026 when my vehicle wouldn't …

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Electrical system failure due to water in the spare tire & battery well, purchased key fob, 2 auto batteries unable to program fob due to non compatible 1st battery, info display contact dealer, had the water extracted, there were no prior indicators of an upcoming issue until the morning of May 22,2026 when my vehicle wouldn't start so I called roadside assistance for a boost. The key symbol is constant on display now, after over 2mos @the dealer, made several calls to Audi Corp, Audi. com, Audi USA., Consumer Protection, Texas Lemon law , it was shown to have an active recall. I was advised to contact my insurance company, which was denied seems as though no resolve for an actual ongoing Audi issue. I'd hate to be driving & the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop & put lives in danger from a known ongoing recall issue by Audi. Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter. Regards,

NHTSA ODI #11758407

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2026
Electrical System

Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light. Apparently, this has been a problem with the 2020 Q5 (and others) from water backing up from clogged moonroof drainage system allowing water into the L rear compartment housing the Comfort Control Module, wiring, fuses, etc. (or other roof drainage problems also saturating the CCM) Dealer…

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Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light. Apparently, this has been a problem with the 2020 Q5 (and others) from water backing up from clogged moonroof drainage system allowing water into the L rear compartment housing the Comfort Control Module, wiring, fuses, etc. (or other roof drainage problems also saturating the CCM) Dealership has determined that damage to the CCM and corroded wiring will cost about $5500 to replace and program. Audi, I believe. sustained a class action lawsuit and agreed to cover that problem with the moonroof drainage system up to 90000 miles. However, my vehicle is at 114000, but I never received any type of notice of there being a problem or that the drainage system should be evaluated from Audi. And this had to have been occurring for years for system corrosion and failure. This apparently can cause the vehicle to freeze in the middle of driving, which is a significant risk, as well as other problems of inability to access vehicle and multiple other warning lights. The warranty for this problem should be extended to cover damages incurred from the poor drainage system design and improper notification of such by Audi.

NHTSA ODI #11755361

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or OtherCrash

Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.

NHTSA ODI #11703932

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2025
Power Train

Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.

NHTSA ODI #11699189

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I purchased a pre-owned Audi in August 2023 from a franchised dealer. I was explicitly told there were no open recalls or issues. In May 2024, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure during use—warning lights flashed, wipers activated on their own, the steering wheel moved without input, and the windows opened/closed …

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I purchased a pre-owned Audi in August 2023 from a franchised dealer. I was explicitly told there were no open recalls or issues. In May 2024, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure during use—warning lights flashed, wipers activated on their own, the steering wheel moved without input, and the windows opened/closed erratically. It was inoperable and could not shift into neutral. A flatbed tow was required, and the vehicle had to be physically forced off the truck at home. The next morning, the authorized service center initially refused the tow but later accepted it after I explained the severity. A service advisor confirmed the failure was due to an active safety recall and that a replacement control module was unavailable. I was denied a loaner until I escalated the issue to a manager. For months, I received repeated notices that there were no updates or parts available. The loaner was significantly smaller and disrupted both personal and work transportation. On June 5, 2025, the dealer said the part would never arrive and advised me to request a buyback through Audi corporate. I did so. On June 10, the dealer claimed the buyback was approved and told me to return the loaner. When I asked for verification, they changed their story. I contacted Audi corporate and was told the buyback had been denied, confirming the dealer had misrepresented the situation. This experience reflects deceptive business practices, potential violations of recall disclosure laws, and failure to resolve a known safety defect. My safety—and that of my pregnant wife—was placed at risk due to the sale of a recalled vehicle. I urge NHTSA to investigate. Their actions show a disregard for safety, federal compliance, and consumer rights. Others may not be as lucky.

NHTSA ODI #11666097

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2025
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The seatbelt comes loose and Nuna sent me a pad and screwdriver and refused to replace the seat. The harness won’t stay tight and I do not trust the seat to be safe for my child

NHTSA ODI #11653229

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Without warning, on [XXX, my 2020 Audi Q5 stopped working. I called Audi Care, who arranged a tow to the nearest Audi dealer, the Q5 was under manufacturer warranty. Audi had previously recalled its gateway control module; resolution, put a bag over the part. Audi completed the “fix” upon recall. Failure of that part is catastro…

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Without warning, on [XXX, my 2020 Audi Q5 stopped working. I called Audi Care, who arranged a tow to the nearest Audi dealer, the Q5 was under manufacturer warranty. Audi had previously recalled its gateway control module; resolution, put a bag over the part. Audi completed the “fix” upon recall. Failure of that part is catastrophic; it renders the vehicle disabled; it cannot even be put into Neutral. My Q5 was chain dragged onto a flatbed and taken to Audi for service. Audi confirmed the gateway control module failed, stating the component needed to be replaced. The part was back-ordered and would take 7-10 business days. After nearly 8 weeks with no part, on April 2, 2024 the Q5 and repair were transferred to the Audi dealer I purchased the Q5 from. The part was listed as “high priority”, the Q5 was not drivable. April, May, June and July passed, no part. Audi service continued to claim the part was being made in Germany. Each month I was told the part would arrive, it never did. In August 2024, I contacted VW America (Audi’s parent company), to request a buyback. Six months had passed, there was no sign of the part. VW America requested the repair order, purchase agreement, warranty info and registration. On [XXX], I submitted a buyback request with all documents. On [XXX], VW of America refused to settle, and suggested I initiate a case with the Better Business Bureau. BBB determined the Q5 was eligible and opened a claim. I uploaded all requested documents to the BBB case. Audi did not respond. The case was set to go to arbitration, then BBB suddenly determined the Q5 was not eligible; it was over three years old, it had been over three when the case was opened. Nearly 10 months after the Q5 stopped working, I contacted the dealer, asking them to intervene. Audi refused to admit it could not make the part. Their solution, buy a new car. Audi still owes me thousands of dollars for an extended warranty on a Q5 it could not repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

NHTSA ODI #11643069

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2024
Wheels

My dealership informed me that my tires were feathering at the edges and wearing unevenly. I found information that there was a recall for this problem. There was a recall (4215) that stated there was a misalignment in the suspension creating the uneven wearing. This included my car model. I need information regarding why my ca…

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My dealership informed me that my tires were feathering at the edges and wearing unevenly. I found information that there was a recall for this problem. There was a recall (4215) that stated there was a misalignment in the suspension creating the uneven wearing. This included my car model. I need information regarding why my car isn't listed for the recall. The car does have a weird skip in making hard turns.

NHTSA ODI #11623104

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
Engine

On 12-18-2024, I brought a Audi Q5 2020 from Lynbrook Audi dealership in New york, approximately weeks after the vehicle engine oil light came on to replenish engine oil. I notified the sales representative of the issue, he stated that the vehicle was serviced on 09-2023. After our conversation the vehicle engine oil light conti…

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On 12-18-2024, I brought a Audi Q5 2020 from Lynbrook Audi dealership in New york, approximately weeks after the vehicle engine oil light came on to replenish engine oil. I notified the sales representative of the issue, he stated that the vehicle was serviced on 09-2023. After our conversation the vehicle engine oil light continue to light up for oil replenish every 2 to 3 weeks for the past 7 months, I contacted the manufacturer and dealership and both of them is pointing fingers at each other instead of fixing the vehicle. Every time the engine oil light came on i have to take the vehicle to the dealership to replenish. The problem was never resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11606175

Official recalls

6

23V842000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:cable/cord:onboard

Dec 13, 2023

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. 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 charging cable to overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

22V034000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly; Tires

Jan 26, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Tires

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

21V947000 · Electrical System:body Control Module/bcm; Structure:body

Dec 8, 2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. 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.

Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.

Electrical System:body Control Module/bcm

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. 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.

Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.

21V295000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

Apr 26, 2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

20V505000 · Seats

Aug 26, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

19V737000 · Structure:body

Oct 16, 2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.