156 of the
1,886 complaints filed about the Audi Q5
are about the driver-assist systems —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2025.
156
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
14
Crashes
0
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Brake Electronics Control Unit Failure (DTC U041800): Logged active diagnostic code U041800 (implausible signal in address 812C). Dealership records confirm no permanent remedy exists, with software patches delayed into Q3 2026, leaving active braking and electronic system faults unaddressed. Electrical Grid Collapse & Parasitic Battery Drain: Vehicle experienced exterior lights activating independently during sleep mode and cyclical 300mA to 2.0A parasitic draws. Required warranty replacement of the Central Electrical Control Module (J519), Low Voltage Power Distributor Module (J1282), and primary 12V battery (RO #AUCS214055). Powertrain & Transmission Engagement Failures: Experienced Check Engine Light cycling and a total failure to engage "Park" for 20 minutes. Scanned hard factory codes P187C00 (gear actuator 3 failure), P086900, and P270800, requiring ten consecutive distance sensor calibrations. Adaptive Cruise Control & Restraints Malfunctions: ACC fails to engage due to false occupant-detection logic errors, triggering phantom rear-seat belt warnings while driving solo and throwing error messages that compromise restraint safety architecture. Liftgate Architectural Failures: Rear trunk lid fails to open or latch fully due to software conflicts with the mobile key platform, causing the control unit to lose its calibrated position.
NHTSA complaint #11763773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severe consequential safety defect involving total anti-lock braking system (ABS) failure stemming from a manufacturer recall defect and volatile CAN-bus network conditions during repair. This vehicle has less than 7,500 miles and has been grounded at an authorized dealership, Audi Brooklyn- Lic# [XXX], 700 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, for exactly 20 days since being flatbed-towed on [XXX], due to total power failure caused by the known manufacturing defect of clogged sunroof drains flooding the critical interior electrical network. The dealership replaced the comfort control module under the VIN recall warranty. However, during the dealer's active programming phase of this recall component, a fatal communication fault was introduced to the J104 ABS safety module. My original Service Advisor documented explicitly in writing via text that the technician observed the ABS faults materialize specifically during the recall programming process. No prior warning signs other than the vehicle's sudden loss of power. The manufacturer's design defect allowed moisture ingress to destabilize the vehicle's localized CAN-bus communication network, leading directly to the catastrophic failure of a critical braking system (ABS). Dealership management is now attempting to evade safety liability and force an out-of-pocket repair payment by manipulating records. They have actively backdated internal "Ready for Pickup" dates for the vehicle from August 24 to September 1 to hide an 8-day window where they concealed a New York State safety inspection failure from me and attempted to release an illegal, uninspected vehicle with compromised brakes back to a vulnerable consumer. The owners of the vehicle are [XXX]. Furthermore, despite claiming the ABS module was a severe safety hazard, the facility logged 50 unauthorized miles (odometer jumped from 7,437 to 7,487) on public roads while it has been in their custody. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2022 Audi Q5 I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion through the panoramic-roof drainage system of a 2022 Audi Q5 and resulting damage to the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle was purchased with a rebuilt title at approximately 8,000 miles following minor dents/scratches and was fully operational. We drove approximately 23,000 additional miles without water-intrusion or electrical problems. Following heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle and reached the comfort module, wiring and connectors, causing corrosion and extensive electrical damage. While driving, the vehicle began stalling and its lights/electronics started flashing. After we stopped, it would not start again. Audi estimated approximately $12,000 to repair the vehicle by replacing the comfort module/connectors and cutting and splicing the affected wiring harness to new connectors. Our insurer, Progressive, considers this a safety concern because the affected wiring harness connects with other vehicle systems and recommends replacement of the entire harness rather than splicing it. Audi TSB 2075969/2 addresses water intrusion in 2018–2023 Q5/SQ5 vehicles and states that panoramic-roof drain hoses may become kinked during headliner installation, blocking drainage and allowing water into the vehicle. Audi also issued Safety Recall 90S9/NHTSA 21V-947 concerning liquid reaching the gateway control module in 2018–2022 Q5/SQ5 vehicles, recognizing that water-related electrical failure can cause reduced engine power and increase crash risk. Our vehicle experienced an electrical malfunction while driving after water intrusion. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this known Q5 panoramic-roof drainage defect presents a safety defect requiring recall action. The vehicle is preserved and available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11759961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle had 2000 miles on it when warning messages of Distance warning unavailable and Audi pre sense limited with beeping signal sounding every few miles. The dealership confirmed the issue but only blamed a dirty sensor for the issue.The problem persisted even with cleaned sensor for another 6 thousand miles of driving after which I got an active lane malfunction warning. Since then all the warning messages and beeping stopped, but also the pre sense, and lane monitoring no longer work. Paid extra money for these extra safety features but they are not working.
NHTSA complaint #11757652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle had 2000 miles on it when warning messages of Distance warning unavailable and Audi pre sense limited with beeping signal sounding every few miles. The dealership confirmed the issue but only blamed a dirty sensor for the issue.The problem persisted even with cleaned sensor for another 6 thousand miles of driving after which I got an active lane malfunction warning. Since then all the warning messages and beeping stopped, but also the pre sense, and lane monitoring no longer work. Paid extra money for these extra safety features but they are not working.
NHTSA complaint #11757652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle had 2000 miles on it when warning messages of Distance warning unavailable and Audi pre sense limited with beeping signal sounding every few miles. The dealership confirmed the issue but only blamed a dirty sensor for the issue.The problem persisted even with cleaned sensor for another 6 thousand miles of driving after which I got an active lane malfunction warning. Since then all the warning messages and beeping stopped, but also the pre sense, and lane monitoring no longer work. Paid extra money for these extra safety features but they are not working.
NHTSA complaint #11757652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle has experienced intermittent failures of multiple advanced driver-assistance systems beginning at approximately 150 miles. Warning messages have included Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available, Distance Warning Not Available, and Pre-Sense Malfunction. These failures disable or make unavailable systems intended to maintain following distance and warn or intervene for potential forward collisions. The warnings have occurred while the vehicle was being driven and create uncertainty about whether the safety systems will function when needed. An authorized Audi dealer first verified driver-assistance concerns during an April-May 2026 repair visit, found multiple stored faults, opened a technical assistance case, and documented active/static faults involving the front driver-assistance camera and related control modules. The problems recurred. On August 10, 2026, at approximately 1,670 miles, the authorized dealer duplicated the Distance Warning illumination and ACC unavailable condition, searched for service bulletins, opened another technical assistance case, performed a capacitor discharge, and ran replacement test plans for the A5 and 0075 control modules. Video of the warnings was provided to the dealer. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11757223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced intermittent failures of multiple advanced driver-assistance systems beginning at approximately 150 miles. Warning messages have included Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available, Distance Warning Not Available, and Pre-Sense Malfunction. These failures disable or make unavailable systems intended to maintain following distance and warn or intervene for potential forward collisions. The warnings have occurred while the vehicle was being driven and create uncertainty about whether the safety systems will function when needed. An authorized Audi dealer first verified driver-assistance concerns during an April-May 2026 repair visit, found multiple stored faults, opened a technical assistance case, and documented active/static faults involving the front driver-assistance camera and related control modules. The problems recurred. On August 10, 2026, at approximately 1,670 miles, the authorized dealer duplicated the Distance Warning illumination and ACC unavailable condition, searched for service bulletins, opened another technical assistance case, performed a capacitor discharge, and ran replacement test plans for the A5 and 0075 control modules. Video of the warnings was provided to the dealer. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11757223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced intermittent failures of multiple advanced driver-assistance systems beginning at approximately 150 miles. Warning messages have included Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available, Distance Warning Not Available, and Pre-Sense Malfunction. These failures disable or make unavailable systems intended to maintain following distance and warn or intervene for potential forward collisions. The warnings have occurred while the vehicle was being driven and create uncertainty about whether the safety systems will function when needed. An authorized Audi dealer first verified driver-assistance concerns during an April-May 2026 repair visit, found multiple stored faults, opened a technical assistance case, and documented active/static faults involving the front driver-assistance camera and related control modules. The problems recurred. On August 10, 2026, at approximately 1,670 miles, the authorized dealer duplicated the Distance Warning illumination and ACC unavailable condition, searched for service bulletins, opened another technical assistance case, performed a capacitor discharge, and ran replacement test plans for the A5 and 0075 control modules. Video of the warnings was provided to the dealer. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11757223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway from a T-intersection. There was substantial distance between my vehicle and the turning vehicle. No collision risk existed and no evasive action was required. Despite this, the vehicle's forward collision system overrode my control and initiated emergency braking without cause. As a result of the sudden braking and the force of the seatbelt restraint during the event, I sustained abdominal pain and lower back pain that began immediately following the incident and persisted thereafter. This incident did not occur in isolation. Prior to this event, the vehicle had already exhibited a documented pattern of electronic and driver assistance system malfunctions, including intermittent check engine warnings, repeated false-positive driver assistance alerts, power liftgate malfunctions, sunroof malfunctions, and additional electronic irregularities. All of these concerns were reported to Audi Albany prior to the emergency braking event. Following a service visit, I was told nothing further could be done. The vehicle is currently at Audi Albany undergoing inspection at the request of Audi of America, including a review of the Event Data Recorder. I am filing this complaint to ensure the incident is part of the federal safety record. A driver assistance system that initiates emergency braking at highway speed without a valid hazard present, on a vehicle with a prior history of false-positive alerts, represents a safety defect that I believe warrants federal documentation and review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the dealer approximately 7 times all for different warning lights including having the module needing to be replaced that controlled the A/C. The most recent problem is the vehicle locking up its brakes and rapidly fastening down on the seatbelt while driving stating a red danger message that flashes on the informatic screen and then disappears but will not show up on the MMI screen. This has happened twice in the last 10 days. Upon the first visit I was told that Audi has been having a lot of problems with the 2025 Q5 because of the computer. The car is currently back in the shop for continued safety components selectively turning off on their own and the car slamming on its brakes when there is no adverse event. There is supposed to be a patch coming out in Quarter 3 2026, but an actual update isn't set until 04/2027 per Audi service. I have stressed how not having these functions working correctly has made the car a hazard to drive as I never know when it will act appropriately. Also the lane departure feature does not always work appropriately and will try to hold in a improper travel and will jerk the wheel. I have completely turned that function off since it has tried to turn me into on coming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11753405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the dealer approximately 7 times all for different warning lights including having the module needing to be replaced that controlled the A/C. The most recent problem is the vehicle locking up its brakes and rapidly fastening down on the seatbelt while driving stating a red danger message that flashes on the informatic screen and then disappears but will not show up on the MMI screen. This has happened twice in the last 10 days. Upon the first visit I was told that Audi has been having a lot of problems with the 2025 Q5 because of the computer. The car is currently back in the shop for continued safety components selectively turning off on their own and the car slamming on its brakes when there is no adverse event. There is supposed to be a patch coming out in Quarter 3 2026, but an actual update isn't set until 04/2027 per Audi service. I have stressed how not having these functions working correctly has made the car a hazard to drive as I never know when it will act appropriately. Also the lane departure feature does not always work appropriately and will try to hold in a improper travel and will jerk the wheel. I have completely turned that function off since it has tried to turn me into on coming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11753405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Audi Q5 had the hardware fail which controls the rear view camera (controls other functions too) It's known as the MMI and the replaced part says "MIB2 Main-Unit" on the housing. I have the old part that the dealer replaced in my possession. Dealer confirmed the part was broken and would require replacement. not having a rear camera impacts safety in parking lots, backing in to streets etc, as well as increased risk of backing off the road esp in tight settings. there was no initial warning - it 100% stopped working then would give some warnings or random short term use the past 3 months while scheduling replacement. Completely unreliable for day to day safety, as we back on to a busy road multiple times per day.
NHTSA complaint #11752899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Audi Q5 had the hardware fail which controls the rear view camera (controls other functions too) It's known as the MMI and the replaced part says "MIB2 Main-Unit" on the housing. I have the old part that the dealer replaced in my possession. Dealer confirmed the part was broken and would require replacement. not having a rear camera impacts safety in parking lots, backing in to streets etc, as well as increased risk of backing off the road esp in tight settings. there was no initial warning - it 100% stopped working then would give some warnings or random short term use the past 3 months while scheduling replacement. Completely unreliable for day to day safety, as we back on to a busy road multiple times per day.
NHTSA complaint #11752899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was turning left st an intersection. A car just passed and a truck wasn't close coming down the road the collision detection system caused the car to slam to 0. My neck is hurting and my daughter's back is hurting.
NHTSA complaint #11749866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was turning left st an intersection. A car just passed and a truck wasn't close coming down the road the collision detection system caused the car to slam to 0. My neck is hurting and my daughter's back is hurting.
NHTSA complaint #11749866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I had adaptive cruise control on in moderately flowing traffic on the highway. Without warning the adaptive cruise control on it's own turned off/disengaged and slammed on the brakes. I had not changed lanes nor had anyone moved in front of me. The weather was clear. My safety and the safety of those behind me was put at risk. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to reproduce the issue yet. They inspected the vehicle and took it for an initial 7 mile test drive, said they didn't find any problems and tried to return the car. There were no warning lamps or messages before or after the incident. I didn't notice any when it happened as I was focused on trying to avoid an accident. Prior to the incident the adaptive cruise control has turned off multiple times with the message " Adaptive cruise assist: currently not available" for no apparent reason, but this is the first time hard breaking was applied.
NHTSA complaint #11748160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had adaptive cruise control on in moderately flowing traffic on the highway. Without warning the adaptive cruise control on it's own turned off/disengaged and slammed on the brakes. I had not changed lanes nor had anyone moved in front of me. The weather was clear. My safety and the safety of those behind me was put at risk. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to reproduce the issue yet. They inspected the vehicle and took it for an initial 7 mile test drive, said they didn't find any problems and tried to return the car. There were no warning lamps or messages before or after the incident. I didn't notice any when it happened as I was focused on trying to avoid an accident. Prior to the incident the adaptive cruise control has turned off multiple times with the message " Adaptive cruise assist: currently not available" for no apparent reason, but this is the first time hard breaking was applied.
NHTSA complaint #11748160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.