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    Audi Q5

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the Q5 will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

    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

    Body control module

    "Rear hatch would open fine. When closing using remote or other switches it would close and lock but then spontaneously unlock and release after about 5 seconds. Car could not be driven without the hatch flying open due to vehicle motion. Vehicle could not be fully locked when being left. Replacement of the entire hatch locking assemble was required and was very expensive."

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

    "backup light failed. difficult to replace. still working on it."

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

    "Moonroof drain line clogged and leaked water. The dealership does not clean the rear drain lines during regular maintenance. The rear drain lines leak into area containing a fuse panel and computer controlling the rear light. Brake lights and blinker stopped working."

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

    "Left reverse light failed with error on dash, this required replacement of entire exterior light fixture. Shortly after the replacement the right reverse light also failed in the same way."

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

    "Reverse light driver side assembly needed to be replaced as rear back up light stopped working"

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

    "Exterior taillight assemble registered a malfunction and needed to be replaced. It was a single plastic assembly containing several buls in the one assembly. Only the one bulb was not operating because the electric socket was a poor design and its contacts worked loose from the plastic and failed to make contact with the bulb. Poor, poor design, not covered by any hidden warranty, and expensive to repair."

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

    "Failure of climate control modular located in the trunk which apparently got wet due to faulty drainage tube from sunroof."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Within the last year the passenger side window will sometimes go up and down and not fully close. It seems to have a mind of its own."

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

    "windows have been buggy since day one. sometimes they instead of of going up they go down"

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

    "Same issue as the keyless entry...the comfort module located in the trunk got waterlogged due to a faulty drainage tube running from the sunroof to drain any water. The estimated cost for repair was $12,893.64. Audi West Palm Beach refused to cover it despite the fact that the car's warranty had expired 2 days prior. I brought the car to Audi Stewart and they advocated on my behalf with Audi Corporate who finally agreed to cover the cost of the repair."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Replaced water pump twice"

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

    "boot joints, and engine mounts both were bad"

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

    "Minor leak in transmission"

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

    "Bad thermostat"

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

    "Front suspension bushings needed replacement"

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

    "Failed Water Pump"

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

    "Coolant pump leaked, required car in shop for 3 days, 2 months ago. Resolved at a cost of $1,800."

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Audi Q5 Unsure)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    "Main engine control module failure. Essentially put car in limp mode with top speed of 3 mph. Happened twice in three days. Dealer couldnt find any fault codes and could not determine cause. Getting rid of vehicle now due to unreliability."

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

    "Went to Audi service department for routine service and was told motor mounts and water pump needed to be replaced. There were no obvious symptoms when driving the car. Total service cost was about $5,000. Have not been back to any VW group sales or service facility since."

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

    "Engine mounts were leaking fluid and required replacement per mechanic recommendation"

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

    "category 3 oil leak from cam cradle cover"

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

    "Mechanic never could find the source of the oil leak"

    Anonymous, CA (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

    A/C compressor

    "Refrigerant leaked and the compressor needed to be replaced."

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

    "Motor controlling ventilation ducts failed, making auto climate control not function. Could still work manually."

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

    "Issues with the heater have occurred 3 times in the last 2 years. Many parts were replaced until it was fixed. That took a long time & each time other parts were replaced"

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "Car overheated while on vacation in August 2023. i immediately drove to an Audi dealer in Asheville to replace thermostat"

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

    "Failed motor for fresh air vent"

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

    Noises And Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "Roof leak probably sun roof. water into back of vehicle ruined computer system audi said out of warranty I paid approx $9000 including Insurance money"

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

    "Sunroof rain drains became clogged, forcing water into the trunk where the spare tire is kept. Super expensive fix and my car now has a permanent unpleasant odor."

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Ive had several leaks from the sunroof drain. It ends up leaking on the drivers side floor. Im told it is because the drain gets stopped up with debris. I think its a design flaw that should be changed."

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

    "The interior rattles like a 1970's GM vehicle. For $60k, that is unacceptable. The dealer has been unwilling/unable to address the issues"

    Anonymous, WA (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

    "I can't start CarPlay until the navigation system boots up. This takes from two seconds to a minute. Never the same, usually slow. Since it is wired CarPlay, I either sit around waiting or have to plug in while moving."

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

    "If I don't have CarPlay plugged in, the screen sporadically blacks out and takes about a minute to boot up again."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Vehicle has been notorious for electronic failures, including headlight control module and turn signal control module that intermittently fails."

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

    "Since putting on Auto Assist, Im unable to change the screen back."

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T)

    Steering And Suspension

    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

    Springs or torsion bars

    "Rear passenger side spring broke at about 55,000 miles. Required replacement (of both) and alignment"

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

    "Left rear spring broke."

    Anonymous A., MA (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Tire wear is uneven

    "Replace tires frequently. Often get messages that tire need air. Goes out of alignment often You will need tires more often than they guarantee your tires"

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

    "Front right wheel bearing went bad"

    Anonymous, ND (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

    Thermostat

    "Thermostat failed. Cost to repair very high due to the thermostat being built into the water pump. Replaced water pump while engine was apart. Found heavy carbon on heads, walnut shell blast to remove. Should not happen in only 79,000 miles, and Audi seems to put many components that will fail inside of the engine itself causing heavy labor costs for relatively minor repairs"

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

    "Dealer discovered a crack in the water pump housing. The part was replaced. It appears this problem is common with that car."

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

    "Water pump failed, required replacement."

    Anonymous, FL (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

    "Defective. Took 4 months to repair."

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

    "Scheduled 6 year service found leaky engine mounts. Needed replacing."

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

    "Took car in for a routine maintenance and it was noted that the motor mount was cracked"

    Anonymous, DE (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T 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

    Seat controls - power

    "The functions of the seat control seem to have lessened. Lumbar isnt as comfortable anymore, it feels as though its lost cushioning."

    Anonymous, (2018 Audi Q5 2.0T)

    Paint And Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Wife backing out of the garage struck front panel had vital repaired"

    Anonymous, SC (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

    Transmission leaks

    "Transmission oil pan gasket was leaking. Was not leaking enough to be visible on the ground but was discovered during normal scheduled maintenance."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Auto stop/start malfunction

    "Auto restart was unreliable"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi Q5 SQ5 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

    Other major engine problem

    "Oil housing gasket failed in 79,000 miles. 2.5 hours labor to remove and replace"

    Anonymous, AZ (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

    Pulsation or vibration

    "Brake pulses due to an issue with front brake rotor. Requires rotor replacement"

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Made 2 or 3 trips to dealer due to engine warning light coming on. 1 time appeared due to fuel cap. Finally found faulty O2 sensor. Was replaced under warrant."

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

    Transmission Major

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

    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
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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
    NA
    NA
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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