2020 Audi Q5 recalls and problems

The 2020 Audi Q5 has 6 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Audi Q5 recalls

Recall 23V-842: Electrical System

Reported Dec 13, 2023 · 93,196 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

Recall 22V-034: Tires, Suspension

Reported Jan 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Recall 21V-947: Structure, Electrical System

Reported Dec 8, 2021 · 288,991 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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 21V-295: Suspension

Reported Apr 26, 2021 · 40,993 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Recall 20V-505: Seats

Reported Aug 26, 2020 · 5,376 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.

Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Recall 19V-737: Structure

Reported Oct 16, 2019 · 174,278 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

2020 Audi Q5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Unknown or Other5
Engine4
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Seat Belts3
Steering3
Service Brakes2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Power Train2
Structure1
Visibility/Wiper1
Back Over Prevention1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,300 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 2020 Audi Q5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Sep 4, 2026
On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only at full steering lock, the symptom has progressively worsened and now occurs during slighter turns as well, with increasing frequency. The vehicle operates normally in a straight line. This is consistent with Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2059057 (Quattro Ultra AWD…
Electrical System · reported Aug 6, 2026
Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light. Apparently, this has been a problem with the 2020 Q5 (and others) from water backing up from clogged moonroof drainage system allowing water into the L rear compartment housing the Comfort Control Module, wiring, fuses, etc. (or other roof drainage problems also saturating the CCM) Dealership has determined that damage to the CCM and corroded wiring will cost about $5500 to replace and program. Audi, I believe. sustained a class action lawsuit and agreed to cover that problem with the moonroof drainage system up to 90000 miles. However, my vehicle is at…
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Dec 9, 2025
Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.
Power Train · reported Nov 13, 2025
Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 10, 2025
I purchased a pre-owned Audi in August 2023 from a franchised dealer. I was explicitly told there were no open recalls or issues. In May 2024, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure during use—warning lights flashed, wipers activated on their own, the steering wheel moved without input, and the windows opened/closed erratically. It was inoperable and could not shift into neutral. A flatbed tow was required, and the vehicle had to be physically forced off the truck at home. The next morning, the authorized service center initially refused the tow but later accepted it after I…

Other Audi Q5 years

Compare all Audi Q5 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Audi Q5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q5: 23V-842 (electrical system), 22V-034 (tires, suspension), 21V-947 (structure, electrical system), 21V-295 (suspension), 20V-505 (seats) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Audi Q5?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by unknown or other (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,300 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.