2018 Audi Q5 recalls and problems
The 2018 Audi Q5 has 6 safety recalls and 209 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Audi Q5 recalls
Recall 21V-947: Structure, Electrical System
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Recall 19V-737: Structure
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Recall 19V-416: Wheels
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Risk: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Recall 19V-277: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Risk: A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Recall 18V-369: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Recall 16V-955: Seat Belts, Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
2018 Audi Q5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 76 | |
| Unknown or Other | 45 | |
| Engine | 31 | |
| Suspension | 25 | |
| Service Brakes | 22 | |
| Structure | 22 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 20 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 | |
| Air Bags | 13 | |
| Steering | 11 | |
| Power Train | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 15
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 10
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
- Lane Departure › Assist — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,483 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 2018 Audi Q5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Audi Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Audi Q5 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Audi Q5: 21V-947 (structure, electrical system), 19V-737 (structure), 19V-416 (wheels), 19V-277 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-369 (service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi Q5?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (76 reports), followed by unknown or other (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,483 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.