2021 Audi Q5 engine problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Audi Q5 — 25% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I was driving at highway speeds when a "Transmission Malfunction" warning appeared, and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. Once I was able to pull over and put the vehicle in Park, it completely lost the ability to engage Drive or Reverse, leaving me stranded. Important to note pulling…”
filed Jun 29, 2026
“If I have a sensor that will malfunction due to water then there should be a water indicator alert. My sunroof vent was blocked and water went into my trunk where the core module is. I had just come to a red light to turn on to a major highway and my car began to smell like fuel. I rolled down the…”
filed Jun 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failureCampaign 22V753000 · Oct 7, 2022
Engine problems in other Q5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q5 | 5 | 13% |
| 2024 Q5 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Q5 | 7 | 17% |
| 2022 Q5 | 4 | 19% |
| 2020 Q5 | 4 | 18% |
| 2019 Q5 | 8 | 16% |
| 2018 Q5 | 30 | 15% |
| 2017 Q5 | 19 | 45% |
| 2016 Q5 | 26 | 34% |
| 2015 Q5 | 37 | 38% |
| 2014 Q5 | 36 | 34% |
| 2013 Q5 | 33 | 37% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Audi Q5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.