What 26 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q5 E

I and my wife were emerging from an intetstate highway entrance ramp when our car suddenly and completely lost power. A "Transmission Malfunction" warning suddenly (and for the first time) appeared on the dashboard.We had just completed a merge with heavy traffic going 70-75 miles per hour. Immediately behind our car was a very large tractor-trailer that hit its brakes but came within inches of the rear of our car before we could get on the highway shoulder--i.e., we came extremely close to suffering serious injury or death. The car was towed to the nearest Audi dealer, where it was determined that the Transmission Control Module had to be replaced, at a cost of $8,000. The warranty on the car is 4 years/40,000 miles, while our car is 5 years, 2 months old, and has 47,000 miles on the odometer. The dealer (Flow Audi of Charlottesville) confirmed the car's problem and determined that, because of the threat to safety, the cost of the repair, and the lack of any previous warning, it should be covered by warranty in spite of the car's age and mileage, but Audi has refused to do so. Audi has been aware of this problem with Q5e (plug-in hybrid) models such as ours, as they have published a Technical Service Bulletin about it (without provision for the affected vehicles to be examined or repaired). The vehicle is still at the dealer for repair (as of 06/08/2026).

NHTSA ODI 11742774

Vehicle has an issue with the transmission control, it will not reliably shift into the appropriate gears as it gains speed, often slipping & shuddering, sometimes even slamming into a higher gear. A few times it has stayed in first or second gear as I was pulling onto a busy street into oncoming traffic, I was unable to gain speed without taking my foot off the gas entirely and trying again. This creates a very dangerous situation as I was unable to get to speed, cars did have to slow & go around me as I was not able to speed up I did get a warning light a couple of times, dashboard read "Drive system: Malfunction! Please contact Service" Dealership said it gave the code "P288200," and stated that this indicated "Engine disconnect clutch engagement fault." Audi has a TSB for remedy (Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2070965), in which is stated that "There is a software error in the transmission control module." This indicates that this is an ongoing issue with this component. The dealership that I brought it to was able to replicate the problem when test driving the car. quoted a $537 software update to remedy the malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11738560

The warning lite for the low tire pressure comes on randomly and consistently. I've taken it in about 5 times and have been told the tire pressure is fine and it is just a built in defect. I am concerned because I can't check my tires constantly and especially when I am on the freeway. I fear for my safety, the safety of my passengers and the vehicles around me. It happens on the loaners they give me, so I know it is not just my vehicle. I've talked to corporate and they seem very unconcerned. Can you help at all?' I'm considering selling it because of this issue, but don't want some one else coming back on me about it if they get in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11732886

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.

NHTSA ODI 11694136

A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.

NHTSA ODI 11656915

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.

NHTSA ODI 11650499

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 that time, the vehicle icon with curve line still on), I begin to accelerate again, but then I noticed the brake is not functioning properly. The brake was very tight, I was only going maybe 15 miles per hour at the time and still have hard time stopping. If I would have accelerated to a higher speed, I may not be able to bring the vehicle to a stop safely then. On a busy freeway, I turned on my hazard light, and I drove slowly and safely try to move to an area on the freeway where I can slowly roll the vehicle to a complete stop and I have to push the brake very hard to do so. I reset my vehicle couple of times. Then the brake appears to be working again. But the check engine light came on. Since the braking system is working again at that time, I continue my drive home. After I arrived home, I restarted my vehicle again, and the check engine light disappeared. But please investigate this situation as the safety of the drivers and others are at risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11609564

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.

NHTSA ODI 11590726

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 “Pre-sense” but the car still slammed on its brakes for no reason a couple of months later.

NHTSA ODI 11590488

Gas gauge stuck. Other Audi gas sensors have been recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11579722

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 how - after the recall fix - this could have happened and want to know what assurance there is it cannot happen again.

NHTSA ODI 11525278

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.

NHTSA ODI 11520086

Charging socket lock errors out. Disables charging and inhibits the vehicle’s electric drivability. The vehicle displays the following error: Could not execute action. Locking error in charging system.

NHTSA ODI 11519000

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!

NHTSA ODI 11518682

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.

NHTSA ODI 11509542

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 repair the vehicle. The contact stated that a case was not opened with her state DMV. The contact stated that the manufacturer and dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 10.

NHTSA ODI 11503423

When the car was initially purchased in 2021 a fully filled gas tank and fully charged battery gave a total range of approx 400-420 miles. As of recently the fully filled up gas tank and fully charged battery are giving a digital range reading of 368 miles. At the minimum this is a 32 mile to 52 mile range difference. Took it to the dealership on Jan 2023 after noticing an issue in December 2022 and they are insisting the systems are correct and working. They are refusing to look into the matter. We are not sure if the sensor is wrong or if the car is prematurely stopping fueling internally causing it to not fill and give this reading.

NHTSA ODI 11501695

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle came to a sudden halt as the malfunction indicator light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes and drove the vehicle to a dealer(Audi of Quad Cities-1777 E 53rd St, Davenport, IA 52807) where they discovered a defective switch on the vehicle's battery pack which was linked to TSB-9321462062953/1. The contact had the switch repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the failure recently occurred again while driving at 30 MPH; however, the time, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it remained in their possession and where it had yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and he was sent a form for a possible vehicle buyback. The vehicle had yet to be repaired or diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ODI 11488734

A/C condenser leaking. Known issue for Audi Q5.

NHTSA ODI 11475660

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise and all the warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded and drove at 15 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and could not be driven any further. In addition, all the windows were independently opened and closed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was pending a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452715

My vehicle was completely shut down. After towing to dealer and had the problem checked out, dealer service department had identify that the problem was the damage of the control module caused by possible liquid reaching to the gateway. This is what the recall is. However, dealer cannot do any repair but rather than forcing me to pay for replacing module part. Dealer claims that they are not aware of any such recall of (Manufacturer Recall Number90S9 NHTSA Recall Number21V947). Manufacturer should be responsible for correcting and paying for any the damage of the flaw in their vehicle design.

NHTSA ODI 11447707

While driving in the far left of the 405N in Long Beach, the vehicle experienced some catastrophic failure. The accelerator stopped working, gear shifting was not possible, the interior lights turned on and flashed, there was some text instruction on the screen about the vehicle having lost power, and the emergency On-Star system was not available. There were no warnings, messages or other symptoms prior to the malfunction of the vehicle. We managed to coast across 4 lanes of traffic moving at a high freeway speed, with our hazard lights flashing and honking to get other drivers' attention, and made it to the right shoulder before using the brakes to stop the car. Upon stopping, all four windows automatically rolled down slightly. It was not possible to restart the vehicle, change the gear, put the car in neutral or operate any of the electrical systems in the car, including On-Star. We were fortunate, but still very much in danger, to have stopped at a small triangular shoulder between the 405 freeway and an adjacent on-ramp. Cars were passing us at full speed and in close proximity on both sides of the car. We called AAA as well as 911 to assist us in getting out of that harrowing situation safely. The vehicle was towed directly to the Audi Service Center in Santa Monica, where we left it with an after-hours note describing the issue we experienced. We called Audi the following morning and the service tech, Angel, said they would review the problem. Upon review, Angel confirmed that the issue was a failure in the gateway control module - a problem that Audi is aware of and has occurred in many of the same types of vehicles. We found through online searches of this issue that it is generally caused by water spilled in the backseat of the vehicle. Angel confirmed that no moisture was found inside the vehicle and he did not believe the failure was caused by spilled liquid. Audi is now insisting that we continue to drive the car, without the issue being fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11446264

The vehicle automatic emergency braking has engaged over 6 times when no vehicle or other object was in front of the vehicle. The aggressive hard braking has nearly caused rear ending accidents and has also caused a neck injury. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership to address. The dealership indicated they reduced the sensitivity/distance of the system. This has not resolved the problem, and Audi has indicated they have no other actions they can take.

NHTSA ODI 11441634

My 2021 Audi Q5e is a PHEV. There are ion-lithium batteries in this vehicle, but absolutely no markings on the body that this is a hybrid vehicle. The only marking is a small clear window sticker on the driver's side window, which is almost impossible to read. As an exvoluntiee fireman, we had extensive how to handle a fire when it involved a hybrid/electric vehicle. Audi has done enough to alert emergency personnel that the Q5e contains ion-lithium batteries. There needs to be much better badging on the Q5e indicating it is a hybrid. Audi should at least add the letter "e" to the Q5 emblem on the rear tailgate.

NHTSA ODI 11440290

The incident occurred on a busy road during evening rush hour. I was in the middle lane of three lanes, and the lane to the right of me was closed due to construction. The phrase “electrical malfunction” flashed across my dashboard, there were beeping sounds, and about 5-10 later the steering froze up and the car would no longer accelerate. There were no other prior warning indications. I was unable to steer over on a side road or shoulder. I blocked traffic in the middle lane. My 1-and-a-half-year-old was in the back seat with me, and I was 35 weeks pregnant at the time. The temperature was 104 outside and my car wouldn’t start despite several trouble shooting attempts to turn it back on. The car kept beeping and flashing malfunction signals on the dashboard indicating that all the different safety functions were not functioning. The windows were inoperable as well and would randomly go up and down. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and they determined the J533 Gateway Module needed to be replaced. This module is located underneath the back row in a tub-like recess, which had collected water, and the module had malfunctioned. It is unknown if the module is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11426209