There are no safety recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5 E, but owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA.
2021 Audi Q5 E problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
- Structure › Body — 1
- Lane Departure › Assist — 1
- Lane Departure › Warning — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Audi Q5 E complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · reported Sep 22, 2026
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 13, 2026
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 13, 2026
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…
Power Train · reported Jun 8, 2026
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…
Engine · reported May 18, 2026
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…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 E have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5 E as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
Owners report power train problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,000 miles.
Are Audi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.