2021 Audi Q5 power train problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Audi Q5 — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Control module located under rear seat became slightly wet from spilled liquid, and failed. Engine and electrical failure as a result of control module failure. Audi refuses to cover damages as warranty period is over. Vehicle design is defective.”
filed Feb 4, 2026
“While driving my 2021 Audi Q5, the vehicle experienced a sudden transmission disengagement without warning. The vehicle behaved as if it had shifted into neutral while in motion. When this occurred, pressing the accelerator produced no response — the engine would not rev and the vehicle would not…”
filed Dec 9, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Q5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q5 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 Q5 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Q5 | 5 | 12% |
| 2022 Q5 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 Q5 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 Q5 | 5 | 10% |
| 2018 Q5 | 9 | 5% |
| 2017 Q5 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 Q5 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 Q5 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 Q5 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 Q5 | 6 | 7% |
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.