Electrical System Problems of Audi Q5 - part 1

The vehicle exhibits multiple, unresolved safety-critical defects across software and mechanical systems that create an unpredictable and dangerous driving environment. Despite multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to certify the vehicle as safe for operation. 1. Critical adas failures (forward collision/lane keeping): automatic emergency braking (pre-sense): the vehicle suffers from unprompted alerts and phantom braking incidents, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. Lane keeping assistance: the system has experienced unexpected steering pull, which could lead to an unprompted lane departure. Adaptive cruise control (acc): the system consistently fails to detect lead vehicles in 40% to 50% of instances. The most recent failure was documented via timestamped screenshot on may 12, 2026, around 4:07 pm pt. This defect is reproducible and renders the automated safety suite unreliable. 2. Powertrain & mechanical defects: pneumatic air leaks: the vehicle exhibits 100% pneumatic air leaks during acceleration. The service center has dismissively characterized a total pneumatic system failure as "normal," which I find technically unacceptable and a sign of neglected mechanical integrity. 3. Electrical & starting system: recurring ignition failures: the vehicle has experienced multiple failures to start, most recently leaving my child and me stranded for 10 minutes. Safety & use impairment: these intermittent failures compromise the vehicle's utility and the safety of my family. Incident history: the first time this occurred, I called Audi roadside assistance, but the engine started approximately 30 minutes later; as a result, I do not call roadside assistance now when it happens and instead attempt to restart it repeatedly. Current status: I am forced to drive the car in a constant dilemma, knowing it might fail at any time and leave me stranded.

See all problems of the 2024 Audi Q5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact replaced the battery. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The independent mechanic attempted to start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and noticed that the gateway control modular was moist. The contact was informed that the gateway control module had become moist because of the broken seal, the vehicle shut down. The contact stated that the contact's wife had spilled a liquid substance into the vehicle. In addition, the contact was provided pictures of the corrosion. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the unknown recall only covered the seal. The contact was informed that the recall did not cover the replacement of the gateway control modular. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair of the corroded seal was covered under the recall. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2018 Audi Q5 🔎.

Adaptive cruise control not working. . . . ,intermitently shutting off. This is coinciding with numerous engine, oil and gas warning lights going off in the Audi mmi system. Lead tech at Audi dealership in norwell MA is telling me that this is a well known issue with the 2025 Audi Q5 needing a software update that will not be available until sometime in the 3rd quarter.

See all problems of the 2025 Audi Q5 🔎.

2019 Audi Q5 drive system malfunction/start stop malfunction. Error code will come on randomly in traffic and when you try to put your foot on the gas it hesitates and you need to push harder on the gas. Car will also lose acceleration power and take longer to reach desired speed. Drive system malfunction light will come on as well as an error stating start/stop system malfunction. Have had multiple sensors and battery replaced with only temporary results. Start stop malfunction will come on randomly at any time and then go away for a certain amount of time and come back again. This malfunction is constantly going on and off and is sometimes dangerous because you don’t know when it will happen, if it does happen you don’t know if you need to press harder on the gas, or if you do accelerate you don’t know if you’re damaging your engine. After multiple fixes at Audi dealership and other repair shops, them attempting to address this issue has done nothing for the car leaving me to believe this could be a fault. This issue has been going on for at least 10 months with multiple dealer visits attempting to address this issue.

See all problems of the 2019 Audi Q5 🔎.

The module that controls the car’s electronics is located inside a special protective bag. A hole developed in this bag, and water leaked inside. The module is now completely submerged in water. When we started the car, many error messages appeared, but after we turned the car off and tried to start it again, the car would no longer start.

See all problems of the 2022 Audi Q5 🔎.

My vehicle has now experienced a serious electrical malfunction a few times, including one again today. Each time, the car suddenly loses power and drops to 40 mph, the steering wheel shakes, and all warning lights come on. This is extremely dangerous and puts my safety—and the safety of others—at risk. The car is brand new and has about 1200 miles. I took the car in previously, and the dealership admitted they do not know how to fix the issue. Despite this, when I called again today after the problem happened, they refused to take the car in. At this point I do not feel safe driving it or having anyone else in the vehicle. This is severely impacting my daily life and mobility. I need immediate action and a resolution to this unsafe situation. I only get run around when I call Audi fletcher jones and my service adviser does not resolve my issue. They don't let me speak to the general manager and they don't give me his email address. Attached are two photos. I have a video which I can submit per your request.

Randomly the mmi screens are blank. This means I have no speedometer, I cannot see my fuel level and there is no Audio, such as blinker indicator.

Check engine light is on almost constantly on my car. It might turn off and stay that way for a couple of days, but always comes on again. Dealership had made two attempts to "fix" it by just clearing the faults. However, according to the service department the reason why check engine light came on was "faults for loss of communication to powertrain electronics and brake electronics" which I think is a real safety concern. After my last trip to the dealership the check engine light came on after just two days of normal driving. There was also a situation when I was unable to shift to park with the risk of rolling along with some other error messages on the dash. I was unable to lock the vehicle because of that and of course there was a risk of it rolling.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the windows independently rolled up and down, and the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within five days. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased. The failure was diagnosed with a failed gateway control module. The contact was informed that the gateway control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the plastic protective bag that covered the gateway control module was filled with water. In addition, the dealer informed the contact that the NHTSA campaign number: 21v947000 (electrical system, structure); recall repair was performed prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 37,200.

See all problems of the 2021 Audi Q5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the message "electrical system malfunction – stop safely" was displayed. A red warning light flashed and then turned yellow. In another occurrence, while on the freeway, the vehicle accelerated independently, and the collision warning light flashed with a beeping sound, although there were no vehicles nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure due to invalid data that was received. The contact was informed by the dealer to avoid driving the vehicle when the red light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

Sos emergency call malfunction. Besides transmission or engine mounting shakes on idle positions car still 6800 miles.

See all problems of the 2023 Audi Q5 🔎.

Fault p003a00 (turbocharger boost control position sensor). Vehicle suffered a catastrophic power failure (limp mode) on day 2 of ownership. Total loss of acceleration while in traffic. Manufacturer admits it is a 'known software issue' with no current fix, creating an extreme collision risk for the driver. " vehicle is at dealership since Feb 4th, 2026.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stopped and jerked, and the red master warning light illuminated, and the message “electrical control module” failure was displayed. On other occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the turn signals and brake lights failed to operate as intended, and the message "faulty brake light" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was water trapped in the clogged sunroof drain, and the water leaked, and the control module was covered in water. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

On December 22nd I got into the vehicle and a few errors popped up which consisted of “loose wheel warning malfunction” “brakes: limited functionality drive with causation” “active front assist and emergency assist unavailable”. I called the nearest dealer and was told it’s ok to drive it’s just a software glitch and if I don’t feel comfortable driving I should take it to the dealer and come back tomorrow for a loaner since service was closed already. So I proceeded to drive home, about 10 minutes into the drive a warning for the coolant came up so I pulled off into a parking lot and as I went to park another warning came up saying coolant too high turn off vehicle and as I was approaching the parking spot the car started to overheat and smoke. This is a brand new car with barely 1000 miles on it.

This vehicle misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. This behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed however, I have personally almost had two major traffic accidents when this system engaged in the process of overtaking a vehicle, slamming the brakes and almost causing a accident where he and I was rear ended. This is not a vehicle. I would let a child learn how to drive in.

The over dashboard screen didn't turn on when the car was open or the ignition turned on. Sometime it would take minutes though on a few occasions it simply didn't turn on. The consequence is I couldn't see how fast I was going, any information related to the car such as fuel level, tachometer, temperature. Etc. I had the part replace by Audi, but it was over 3k to fix on part and/or system that should not fail. This started in the month of December 2025 though I just had it fixed.

Brand new car, needed a major software upgrade, for engine code, no heat , safety system flashing. It’s going back to the dealer today , for faulty gps and limited camera view for speed signs. The car has major software issues.

The safety situation happened when my wife's car got stuck while driving at about 25-30 mph in the middle of the road. Next day at the nearest Audi service center they found that water has gotten into the rear of the trunk and damaged the electronic module which caused the car to stall. The first repair was estimate at 4600 $ . After the repair the car was inoperable. The next repair was estimated at another 4 700 $. After the second repair the car was inoperable again and the service department told me that the car needed to replace the entire transmission . Which they estimated at another 20 000 $. So the total damage is around 30 000$ . I contacted Audi USA about the whole situation when I received a negative message regarding the solution . I would like to point out that up until the moment mentioned we had no problems with the car . After my personal investigation of the problem ,I found that there was a safety recall # 21v-947 for same problem . It was not issued for my car which meets all the criteria. It looks like it was hidden by the manufacturer. Audi distances itself from the whole problem and refuses to cover the costs of the damage. Thank good this happened on the city road where the speed is low . If this happened on the highway at 60 mph it would have had tragic consequences . Where it would never have been figured out what caused the accident. From a safety perspective ,I m reporting this dangerous and unfair treatment of customers by Audi USA regarding the hidden recall and denial of resposability that occurred and I request an investigation .

I am reporting a safety-related defect involving my 2025 Audi vehicle. Shortly after leasing the vehicle in 09/2025, I experienced electrical and system malfunctions while driving, including warning lights, intermittent adaptive cruise control malfunctions, erratic acceleration, sputtering, and sudden braking without warning. These issues occurred during normal driving and raised safety concerns. On 11/03/2025, the vehicle failed to start and required multiple jump starts, displaying multiple system errors including a check engine light and malfunctioning displays. During a brief attempt to drive, the steering wheel began vibrating, additional warnings appeared, and the vehicle behaved as if on rough terrain despite normal pavement. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 11/04/2025. While there, Audi’s technical assistance center (tac) and engineers were involved, and I was informed that internal technical guidance was issued related to this issue, indicating it may not be isolated. After more than two weeks, I was told the vehicle was repaired. On 11/19/2025, immediately after pickup, it malfunctioned again at highway speed. During lane changes, the vehicle resisted steering input and attempted to keep me in the lane despite signaling, creating a loss-of-control situation that required abrupt correction. A rear crash assist malfunction warning also appeared. I returned the vehicle the same day. Although it may start and run, I do not believe it is safe to operate due to the prior loss-of-control event and continued system instability. I have been asked to drive it again to reproduce the issue, which I do not feel is safe. This may involve a defect in driver assistance and electronic control systems.

Unpublished costly catastropic electrical failure Audi of America reviewed the case and declined assistance solely because the vehicle was already totaled and unavailable for dealer inspection. Audi did not dispute the presence of water intrusion, the technical findings, or the cause of failure. This failure occurred without warning under ordinary environmental conditions and resulted in sudden loss of vehicle function. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential defect related to the protection and placement of electronic systems vulnerable to water exposure. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety-related defect involving water intrusion and catastrophic electrical failure in a 2018 Audi s5. After a heavy rain event with no roadway flooding or submersion, my vehicle experienced complete electrical failure and would not start. Inspection revealed water intrusion into the trunk area where critical electronic components—including the battery and electronic control modules—are located. The damage was extensive and rendered the vehicle inoperable, resulting in a total loss determination. Attached documentation includes photographs, video evidence, and a technical inspection summary prepared by an independent automotive service facility and reviewed in consultation with Audi-trained technicians. The findings indicate water intrusion consistent with design vulnerability rather than misuse or lack of maintenance.

Two weeks after purchase, experienced multiple, random driver assistance failures. After attempting to repair issue once unsuccessfully, the dealership was unable to provide a second service appointment for two and a half months. Was explained all 2025 Audis were having issues, so couldn’t get car in any sooner. Before that second scheduled service appointment and while driving in traffic, the brakes failed.

All of my display screens went blank at 108 miles. I had no speedometer, no fuel level gauge, no warning indicators, and no Audio alerts including turn signals. The vehicle was towed to the dealership since it was a safety issue for me to drive. It has been there since November 2025.

The gateway control module failed in September 2025 on my 2021 Audi Q5. Vehicle error messages included the following failures: cruise control, parking brake, transmission, brakes, and steering, windows rolled down, seats moved, dash and mmi black followed by a sudden loss of power, narrowly avoiding an accident (kids in car). Would not restart. Diagnosis by Audi dealer was that the gateway control module got wet and needed to be replaced. This is recall 90s9 from 2021 that was “repaired” in March 2022 by covering the module with a plastic bag. This proved an insufficient repair backed up by a class action lawsuit filed in January 2022 titled gioffe, et al. V. Volkswagen group of America, inc. , et al. (case no. 1:22-cv-00193). I reached out to Audi USA to request a goodwill repair which was my only available recourse given that the recall had been completed and closed. After 5 days the regional manager denied my request even after I emphasized the safety risk associated with this catastrophic failure as well as the recall in 2021 and class action suit filed in 2022. I paid $1485. 33 to re-repair the recall. Driving home from repair my vehicle alerted me to the following messages: vehicle starting system: malfunction! please contact service, and Audi pre-sense: currently limited. See owner’s manual. An obd scan alerted 7 more codes: 1. Steering assistance id 44 (terminal 30 open circuit), 2. Central electrics id 09 (garage door opener transmitter no communication), 3. Gateway id 19 control module for emergency call module and communication unit no communication, 4. Ethernet notrufmodul keine kommunikation, 5. Ethernet databus branch 1 no communication, 6. Multimedia id sf function restriction due to communication interruption, 7. Driver assistance id a5 dynamic calibration function limitation due to limit value exceedance. I reached out to the dealership that performed the service and was told that those are “ghost codes” and nothing to do with the work performed.

My car randomly rebooting while driving. The whole mmi goes down.

The car floods with excess fuel after idling for a short period of time resulting in multiple misfires and violent vibration. The car will not restart and will need to be towed. In traffic jams, the car can fail stranding motorists and creating a very unsafe situation. The problem has been verified by the dealership. Apparently, it is a known issue with the new Audi Q5 and they do not have a viable solution. They said to put the car in neutral and rev the engine to try and burn excess fuel. However, once the misfires start, it’s probably too late. I have pictures of the warning lights and the service reports. The car is 2 weeks old and has been back to the shop twice ( towed once) for a total of 5 days.

Subject: passenger occupant detection system (pods) – airbag safety concern description of the problem: the passenger occupant detection system (pods) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely indicates that a passenger is present when the seat is empty. This creates uncertainty about whether the passenger airbag will deploy correctly in the event of a collision. The issue has occurred multiple times. Safety concern: because the pods system directly controls passenger airbag deployment, a malfunction could result in the airbag being disabled when an adult passenger is seated, or unintentionally activated when no one is present. This poses a significant safety risk. Request: I am reporting this issue as it appears to be a defect in the occupant detection system. Other Audi models from nearby years have had recalls related to pods malfunctions. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this defect extends to the 2019 Audi Q5 and to consider issuing a recall if warranted.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? epc light is on, car stalled on highway towed in Audi dealership Jan/2023, on August 18, 2025 the vehicle experience catastrophic engine failure, electrical issues, coolant system defects,and currently inoperable and safety risk. 2. How was your safety or safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled on street potentially public safety risk. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, Audi dealership service center recommendation buy $22,000 for brand new engine . 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? inspected by Audi dealership service center, and state farm claims representative. 5. Were there any warning lamps, message or other systems of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appear? when did first appeared a problem epc light goes off and on January 17, 2023, loss of engine power, oil/coolant leaks, and etc.

See all problems of the 2015 Audi Q5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v898000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specializes in european cars. The diagnostics indicated a loss of power to the instrument cluster/panel. I was told there was an active recall for this issue, but my VIN was not included. As this is a safety issue that sounds very familiar to the current recall for other Audi models, I contacted Audi and after inspection they diagnosed it as a failing instrument cluster. Since it's not in the current recall, I'm having to replace it. I've had computer issues in the past which the current Audi dealership has checked and told me there was nothing wrong, but after speaking to the Audi service tech many of the recalled issues were solved by a software update. The loss of the instrument panel is a major safety issue and Audi refuses to resolve the issue.

The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed on three occasions, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 mph and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the body control module(bcm) was floating in water. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 21v947000 (electrical system, structure), and the additional repairs were at the contact's expense. The contact stated that the recall remedy was inadequate for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Turbo charger failed. Lost power for driving and car start stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the motor mounts. 3. Rear passenger side tail reverse light and rear camera not working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a citation.

Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s.

See all problems of the 2014 Audi Q5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while pulling into a business at an undisclosed speed, there was an unknown warning light illuminated, and the message "left and right rear signal and center rear brake light malfunction" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the key warning light and engine malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that there was water intrusion into the rear cargo area of the vehicle, due to a clogged drain. The contact was informed that the drain tube needed to be cleaned, the module needed to be replaced, and the vehicle needed to be rewired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.