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    Audi Q5

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Q5 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Audi Q5 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Audi Q5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "As a preventative measure I replaced the 12V battery during routine service in February. In late July, after leaving the car unused for no more than two weeks, I twice experienced a battery so discharged as to not be able to start the vehicle or, in one incident, even actuate the car's electric locks. Two trips to Audi service have not identified a problem; battery checks out, parasitic current drain 45 mA or less, charging system working normally. Now I carry a jump box and feel I cannot trust the car to reliably start after a period of inactivity lasting a week or more. Intermittent problem? Tough to diagnose and solve, but that's no consolation for me."

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""The battery was at the end of it's life, and I replaced it. Working great now.""

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "Reverse light warning on dash but light functioning properly. Had to replace both entire light assemblies to fix."

    Anonymous, UT (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Rear drivers light did not light up. Replaced and works great."

    Anonymous, AZ (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5)

    "Back up light failed. Had to replace entire tail light assembly to fix. Steering wheel heat failed. Had to replace entire steering wheel to fix."

    Anonymous A., TX (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Headlights

    "thw sunroof clogged and filled up electrial modual causing & 1900 dollars worth of damage"

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
    Other electrical system problem

    ""When my iPhone is plugged into the car and I am using Waze with CarPlay, it will sometimes work, but goes on and off. Audi technician told me that Audi is blaming Apple for the issue and Apple is blaming Audi technology. I seem to have resolved the issue by purchasing and using a wireless adapter.""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""The electronically controlled fuel filler door wouldnt open, or would the manual release cord open it. I had to break the locking mechanism to add gasoline. The replacement locking mechanism costs $900. I refused to replace this part.""

    Anonymous A., FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""It began after I got my Audi back from having a recall repaired. When I press the remote to unlock doors, as I reach for door handle, it will automatically lock. Im not touching anything. I have to press the remote again. Its a frustrating problem. Happens more often than not.""

    Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    USB port

    "It occasionally won't engage with the Apple Car Play. A minor annoyance."

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Wiper motor or washer

    "Rear window wiper motor failed"

    Anonymous, UT (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "electric water damage"

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Water pump"

    Anonymous, GA (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Oil leak"

    Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T Unsure)

    "water pump"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "motor mounts needed replacement"

    Anonymous A., WA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T Unsure)

    "Driver and passenger side windows do not closed up all of the time when giving a closed command."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Low on oil, side mirrors not unfolding after folding in when locked"

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Engine mount failed"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Engine mount lubricant leak"

    Anonymous, AB (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "The Apple CarPlay has trouble staying connected with the car. When it glitches, the screen will freeze , go black, then reboot. The dealer tried a couple of service bulletin work around but nothing worked. The dealer also showed a more recent service bulletin saying that this issue is because of Apple, not Audi and that Audi is done trying to make it work. When Im using CarPlay and navigation apps and I make or receive a call and talking and listening hands free, CarPlay will reboot and the call reverts to the phone and i momentarily lose contact. The CarPlay in my car is wired, not wireless."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Audi system seems to be in combat with Apple CarPlay. About 50% of the time, I have to unplug and replug in the device. About 25% of the time, the system doesn't immediately recognize CarPlay, but takes about 5 minutes to do so"

    Anonymous, CT (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen freezes up

    "The entertainment system and heads up display freeze and reboot periodically. At least once a month."

    Anonymous, CT (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""Problem started about 9 months ago. To date the dealer hasnt fixed the issue. They state there are no codes, or faulty modules. Problem Is still not fixed.""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Intermittently the screen goes blank and the system reboots and works for a while. No obvious relationship to time driving, temperature outside or road quality""

    Anonymous, ME (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    ""The navigation system is the worst i have ever experienced. Better to use your phone. It doesnt recognize voice commands, and very difficult to enter an address.""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Difficult to use. Voice recognition is very poor."

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "coolent was leaking and I had to take engine out to fix the issue"

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Had to repair coolant leak twice within 18 months. Dealer would only warranty coolant repair for 12 months."

    Anonymous A., TX (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "sun roof drains clogged --water ruined main computer components"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "vibrating steering wheel when turning"

    Anonymous, SC (2018 Audi Q5 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Passenger seat belt warning goes off without someone sitting in the seat"

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Sunroof

    ""used it 10 times at most, would not close. There is a service bulletin but refused to cover""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Moonroof did not open. A part was bent. It was replaced under the extended warranty."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""There was a coolant leak that was supposedly fixed under warranty. Turns out it wasnt fixed and issue came back and the engine threw a rod and the motor blew. We returned to West Herr Audi. It sat for literally 1 month before they could look at the car. Thankfully, we had an extended warranty that paid for the engine because Audi would not. If you look at message boards, we are far from the only ones with this particular Problem. It took 3 months for us to get the car back.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""It appears that when we had the 75,000 mile maintenance the dealer put too much oil in. It ended up severely damaging the engine.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other major engine problem

    "water pump leaking coolant."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine mounts

    "told that they are cracked"

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Oil leaks

    ""Leak repaired with new gaskets, steering wheel vibration repaired with new link bushings""

    Anonymous, SC (2018 Audi Q5 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Has had an oil leak that is likely the engine manifold. Replaced it once at a costly amount and still did not resolve it. Money pit of a car!"

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    ""Have not been able to resolve this even though we spent almost $3000 replacing something that was a known issue with AWD Audis. Also, transmission flush and fill did not resolve the jerking /stalling issue.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Transmission leaks

    ""Low anti-freeze warning light came on. Anti-freeze fluid was topped off. In a few days, light came on again, and driveway showed fluid was leaking out. Fluid was topped off again, and a few days later, the water pump ended up having to be replaced.""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    "Recently informed that the bushings needed replacing as part of normal wear & tear."

    Anonymous, GA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Springs or torsion bars

    "snapped coil."

    Anonymous A., MI (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Differential

    "Rear axle differential leak. Differential replaced."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "rear passenger spring broke and needed replacing"

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "anti-freeze leaking into the oil through the oil cooler"

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Radiator

    "Part of the same engine failure"

    Anonymous A., NY (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "breaks and tires had to be replace at 18500"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Heater system

    "No heat. Close to $1000.00 in repairs"

    Anonymous, QC (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    ""A clutch in the AWD needed to be replaced. There was a vibration felt when making a sharp turn. Luckily it was covered by extended warranty, but took 2 weeks for diagnosis, warranty approval, part ordering, and repair.""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Audi vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE
    Dec 08, 2021
    A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V947000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 288991
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 16, 2019
    The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V737000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 174278
    WHEELS
    Jun 05, 2019
    The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V416000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 126161
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Apr 08, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V277000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 12645
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Jun 01, 2018
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V369000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10225
    AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
    Dec 29, 2016
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V955000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 5947
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