2021 Audi Q5 e recalls & problems
The 2021 Audi Q5 e has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 29 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is power train (7 complaints).
Recalls0safety recalls
Complaints29filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2021 Audi Q5 e.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 7 | — |
| Electrical system | 6 | — |
| Forward collision avoidance Automatic emergency braking; Warnings | 5 | — |
| Engine | 5 | — |
| Unknown or other | 5 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | — |
| Steering | 2 | — |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | — |
| Lane departure Assist; Warning | 2 | — |
| Back over prevention Rearview system braking | 2 | — |
| Wheels | 2 | — |
| Structure Body | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Aug 5, 2026Engine
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 the engine cylinders and oil circuit.This exact mechanical failure, engine block damage, and presentation of metal shavings perfectly mirrors the known manufacturing defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 22V753 (Audi Recall Campaign 13i5) for improperly machined connecting rod bearings. However, when checking the… - Aug 11, 2026Unknown or other
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 have been all over the cabin. I had never heard of exploding sunroofs but have since learned that itâs a known problem. I realize there was an investigation which was eventually called off with no results, but I want you to know that the problem is still there. There was nothing wrong with our sunroof. I wasnât hit… - Aug 11, 2026Unknown or other
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 have been all over the cabin. I had never heard of exploding sunroofs but have since learned that itâs a known problem. I realize there was an investigation which was eventually called off with no results, but I want you to know that the problem is still there. There was nothing wrong with our sunroof. I wasnât hit… - May 31, 2026Power train
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… - May 14, 2026Engine
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… - Jan 1, 2023Wheels
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. - Oct 9, 2025Power train
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. - Apr 24, 2025Power train
A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.