FaultScore

Audi Q5 window and wiper problems

45 of the 1,860 complaints filed about the Audi Q5 are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2012.

45

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

2010 Q5 2 4.4%

Median failure at 23,600 miles

2011 Q5 4 8.9%

Median failure at 44,900 miles

2012 Q5 7 15.6%

Median failure at 8,056 miles

2013 Q5 3 6.7%

Median failure at 26,600 miles

2014 Q5 3 6.7%

Median failure at 2,500 miles

2015 Q5 5 11.1%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2016 Q5 4 8.9%

Median failure at 16,950 miles

2017 Q5 1 2.2%
2018 Q5 5 11.1%

Median failure at 80,500 miles

2019 Q5 1 2.2%
2020 Q5 1 2.2%
2021 Q5 3 6.7%

Median failure at 27,500 miles

2022 Q5 2 4.4%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

2023 Q5 1 2.2%
2025 Q5 3 6.7%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

What owners said

2019 Audi Q5 Clinton, IL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2025 Audi Q5 Silver Spring, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers in the vehicle do not turn on automatically until the vehicle is in drive and moving forward. If I want to see in the rain so that I can leave a parking spot, I have to use the windshield wiper control lever to manually wipe the windshield. It only wipes once when the lever is depressed. This is inadequate in heavy rain. The wipers do not go on when parked even when the wiper lever has them on. I thought my wipers were working incorrectly, but when I took it in for service, the manufacturer told that is how they are designed. It is unsafe for the windshield wipers to stop when the car is parked. Drivers need the rain wiped away before driving, not just after. In addition, the wipers do not actuate when driving in reverse, such as when backing out of a parking spot.

NHTSA complaint #11745657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Audi Q5 Exeter, NH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The rear view camera is not operating when shifting to reverse. I can demonstrate this malfunction at any time to anyone. Driver is unable to detect short objects or small children directly behind the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the dealer during a service visit. At that time, the service technician checked power and ground to the control unit and verified good. Attempted calibration for camera, vehicle would not calibrate. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other agencies. There were no warning messages, or lamps or any other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11727995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Audi Q5 at 12,000 miles Lansdale, PA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the panoramic sunroof glass exploded without impact. The contact pulled over at a pit stop to inspect the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact resumed normal driving with shards of glass falling from the sunroof. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11724561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Audi Q5 at 41,000 miles Tampa, FL

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, there was a loud bang, and the sunroof glass shattered, with glass falling inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that the sunroof glass had shattered on impact with a foreign object. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained at the local dealer. Upon further inspection, there was no evidence that an object had caused the sunroof glass to shatter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA complaint #11719808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Audi Q5 Leawood, KS

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I periodically receive warnings for adaptive light malfunctions, headlight assistant malfunctions, active lane assist malfunctions, traffic sign recognition malfunctions, adaptive cruise assist malfunctions, and high beam assist malfunctions. The Audi dealer confirmed these issues and stated a solution is being worked on but currently not available since it appears to be a software issue. These warnings first appeared within the first 250 miles and has continued to periodically appear. These issues are available for inspection. The malfunctions jeopardize the safety measures which are standard on the car.

NHTSA complaint #11719434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Audi Q5 at 51,000 miles Augusta, GA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the interstate, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the sunroof, and the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The contact drove to the residence and reported the failure to the Insurance Company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA complaint #11678663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Audi Q5 Melbourne, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I started the car and , put it in reverse and the rear back up camera never turned on as required when backing up today. Rear camera didnt activate but the parking light on the audi was red as usual indicating it was activated. However the screen just went to its default app page (settings, carplay, etc.) I was unable to see pedestrians as I backed out of the grocery shopping center parking spot. Yes. Audi dealership keeps telling me there is no update and that my software version 3606 is the latest software( I have told the dealer, I have a black screen without apps, only LTE and clock show up occasionally) they have done a factory reset and so have i without resolution. No warning lights came on, it just said welcome (user name) and went to the regular media screen. I have a 2mb 7 second video of the incident I took with my iphone if needed

NHTSA complaint #11631507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Audi Q5 East Windsor, NJ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The Audi Q5 sunroof drain that is intended to keep water out of the vehicle, leaked where water collected and pooled in the car beneath the car liner. The water collected on the "comfort module" and electrical fuse box resulting in immediate electrical failure of several vehicle features/systems including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, windshield wipers, etc. to name a few. In addition to repairs in excess of $10k, the vehicle will be totaled by the insurance company. After an exhaustive search, several Audi users of the same make, model and year have faced a similar issue. This issue must be addressed by Audi and should be reviewed immediately.

NHTSA complaint #11627813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Audi Q5 at 85,000 miles Brewerton, NY

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals were inoperable. The contact pulled over and noticed that the rear lights including brake lights and turn signals were not operational. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause was diagnosed as a sunroof drain line leakage that caused electrical damage due to water build-up, which damaged the control module. The contact stated that the drain lines needed to be unclogged and the control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer awaiting the repairs. The contact was concerned that the Owner’s Manual did not guide sunroof maintenance to prevent the failure. The contact opened the rear hatch and found water accumulation under the mat. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11609505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Audi Q5 New Orleans, LA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact had leased a 2023 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, an abnormal sound like a gunshot sound was heard. The contact pulled over at the nearest exit and discovered that the rear panoramic sunroof had shattered without impact. The contact Audi New Orleans (3400 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002); Audi Chattanooga (6001 International Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37421); Audi Asheville (621 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) and was informed that the panoramic sunroof could not be replaced. The contact was referred to other independent mechanics. The contact stated that one dealer offered a temporary repair by placing tape over the sunroof; however, the tape flew off the vehicle soon after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11594734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Audi Q5 at 76,000 miles Elk Grove, CA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto START/STOP, fog lights, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing the rear driver's side comfort control module to be flooded with water. The dealer determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Audi Q5 at 30,000 miles West Babylon, NY

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q5. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that water also soaked into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister. The contact stated there was mold in the rear passenger’s and driver’s side seats and inside the trunk. The contact stated that the battery and electrical equipment were under water and covered in mold. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was inspected and determined that water had leaked through the sunroof and the surrounding foam needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V001000 (Visibility, Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed at the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11535832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Audi Q5 Chicago, IL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Stopped on the road, the rear window exploded with a very loud boom. I pulled over and talked to the driver behind me who also pulled over and asked if he saw anything, he said no, only heard the boom. We looked in the back of the car and no projectile or foreign object. I moved to a nearby parking lot and pushed as much of the broken glass into the car as I could so it wouldn't fall off on the road. There were no cracks or defects identifiable before hand. The car was clean and any issues would have been visible. There was no warning of the explosion. I have brought the car in to the dealer, Fletcher Jones in Chicago.

NHTSA complaint #11523612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Audi Q5 Albuquerque, NM

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Driving on the highway the panoramic sun roof window shattered. Sounded like an explosion. Glass shattered and flew throughout car and blew away. Posed hazard to those in car as the glass shattered. Could have caused hazard if driver did not maintain control due to sudden sound and sudden incidence. Extremely dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11521845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Audi Q5 at 4,000 miles Chula Vista, CA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and exiting off a ramp, the sunroof exploded without impact causing the shattered glass to enter the vehicle and fall on the driver. The contact stated that no object had struck the vehicle to cause the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle before driving to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle but could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The local dealer was contacted regarding replacing the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

NHTSA complaint #11438422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Audi Q5 Belmont, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The panoramic Sunroof exploded while driving spontaneously. Luckily no one was injured due to the shattered glass due to the cloth screen being drawn fully. The problem was reported to Audi and to the local dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or police. There were no warning indicators prior to the incident.

NHTSA complaint #11421380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Audi Q5 at 81,831 miles Lake Stevens, WA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE HOUSING FOR THE SUNROOF CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WATER IS RUNNING DOWN THE HEADLINER AND A-PILLAR AND SOAKING THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AS IT DRAINS DOWN. AUDI QUOTED $3500 TO FIX THE ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11388595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Audi Q5 at 29,000 miles River Edge, NJ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THERE IS A LEAK FROM THE PANORAMA SUNROOF INTO REAR SIDE CABINET OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL #17V001000 BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL DESCRIPTION. THE LEAK CAN POTENTIAL CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE SIDE REAR AIRBAG SO IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. HOWEVER, THE CAUSE IS REALLY A DEFECTIVE DRAIN HOSE CONNECTING TO THE SUNROOF DRAIN THAT IS NOT SECURELY ATTACHED OR MAYBE DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11374832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Audi Q5 Chicago, IL

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

THE ROOF OF MY 2017 AUDI Q5 IS GLASS, AND IT MAKES A CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE AUDI SERVICE CENTER TO BE SERVICED, AND THE SUNROOF FRAME ALONG WITH ALL OF THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2019. AS OF TODAY, THE RATTLE IS STRONGLY PRESENT AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS ONGOING, AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. THE GLASS ROOF COULD LITERALLY SHATTER AND RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT AN INVESTIGATION COULDN'T BE CONDUCTED BECAUSE A TWO YEAR DEADLINE THAT I MISSED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 15K MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALSO REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FROM AUDI, AND MY REQUEST WAS REJECTED. AS OF MAY 2020, THE AUDI SERVICE CENTER MANAGER FACILITATED ANOTHER REPLACEMENT REQUEST ON MY BEHALF.

NHTSA complaint #11325593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Audi Q5 problems