Total Complaints
39 filings
AUDI Q5 E · model year
39 NHTSA complaints for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021AUDIQ5 E carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 Q5 E is power train with 6 filings, followed by electrical system (6) and forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2021 Q5 E. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
39 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 3 |
| ENGINE | 3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 1 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 1 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | 1 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
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.
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.
A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.
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.
Mileage: 13,000
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
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.
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.
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 âPre-senseâ but the car still slammed on its brakes for no reason a couple of months later.
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 âPre-senseâ but the car still slammed on its brakes for no reason a couple of months later.
Gas gauge stuck. Other Audi gas sensors have been recalled.
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
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
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
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.
Mileage: 11,000
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 r
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 r
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.