2021 Audi Q5 E recalls & problems
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5 E and 29 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is power train (7 reports), followed by electrical system (6). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.
2021 Audi Q5 E problems by component
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Engine | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Latest owner complaints
Engine · Sep 22, 2026 · GA
Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) e-quattro Component: Engine (Engine Block, Connecting Rod Bearings, Cylinders)Description of Incident:My 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon professional diagnostic inspection at an authorized Audi dealership, technicians discovered destructive metal debris and fragments inside…
Unknown or Other · Aug 13, 2026 · TX
On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would…
Unknown or Other · Aug 13, 2026 · TX
On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would…
Power Train · Jun 8, 2026 · VA
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…
Engine · May 18, 2026 · NC
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…
Wheels · Apr 21, 2026 · NV
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…
Unknown or Other · Apr 21, 2026 · NV
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…
Engine · Oct 17, 2025 · CA
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…
Power Train · Oct 17, 2025 · CA
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…
Power Train · Apr 26, 2025 · CA
A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.
Tires · Mar 25, 2025 · 13,000 miles · NV
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…
Service Brakes · Aug 19, 2024 · WA
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…
Other Audi Q5 E years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 E have any recalls?
No safety recalls are listed for the 2021 Audi Q5 E in NHTSA's recall database. Recalls can still be issued later, so check again by VIN before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are power train (7), electrical system (6), engine (5).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.