2019 Audi Q5: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (13% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“A failed (frozen) Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator. An engine warning light came on and engine had less power. It had to be replaced. There was a settled law suit for the same issue covering this item in previous vehicles settled in 2025.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“The motor mounts and control arms are defective. The defective motor mounts that secure the engine causes the engine to shake resulting in collapse while driving. Both front control arms over the wheels are defective make clicking noises when turning resulting in the collapse of the car while driving. These problems were discovered by the dealer during a routine maintenance inspection. The warning lights did appear to have the vehicle inspected,”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“During a rain storm a water egress issue damaged my comfort control module. An issue identified for many Audi Q5 vehicles; however my VIN for some reason is not showing this recall. It appears the recall may need to be expanded.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2025
“When I'm waiting to turn and have to almost stop, there is a lag when I accelerate causing the anticipated time to make the turn longer than expected. Almost caused an accident because car wouldn't go when gas was pushed. Very scary.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2025
“I was coming to a stop. No objects were in front of me. At about 5mph I was violently thrown forward as the car applied full braking. I do not recall whether I was braking, coasting. This happened a second time as we were making a slow speed turn in an intersection, applying light acceleration. I have not taken the car to the dealership. There were no accidents in both cases. I did go into the vehicle settings and turned the AES off. There have been no further incidents.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Nov 2024
“Getting a message DRIVER SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE, I went to a specialized European mechanic and he informed me that the OEM TURBOCHARGER BOOSTER is the problem. He stated that this is a very common problem in the AUDI. He is surprised that there is no recall because it is happening to a lot of cars. The message is constantly coming back.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2024
“CHECKED AND CONFIRMED CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF ENGINE LIGHT ON CHECKED AND FOUND FAULTS STORED FOR P334A00: Charge air pressure actuator Electrical malfunction active/static P023400: Turbo/Super Charger Overboost Condition active/static INSPECTED TURBO CHARGE SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT WASTE GATE ACTUATOR HAD FAILED AND CREATING AND OVER BOOST CONDITION WASTAGE ACTUATOR IS NOT AVAILABLE AS A SEPARATE PART AND NOT SERVICEABLE REMOVED AND REPLACED ENTIRE TURBO CHARGER UNIT AND INSTALLED WITH NEW GASKETS AND SEALS FILLED AND BLEED COOLANT SYSTEM AND CLEARED FAULTS SET BASIC SETTINGS AND TEST DROVE ALL OK.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2024
“Seat belt would not release. The first dozen or so times it was extremely difficult to get it to release. Over time it became less difficult, still a struggle. It is currently at Audi of Greenville, SC waiting for a replacement part for a safety issue at a cost of almost $800.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2023
“My vehicle does a few things that are dangerous. Number 1 the emergency brake went on automatically when I was driving the parkway in New Jersey telling me to watch my surroundings. I was driving late in the evening and no cars were in my immediate distance. Another issue, the emergency warning light just came on my dash telling me my light above my license plate was faulty and I was almost rear ended by the vehicle behind me. My tail lights just stopped working out of no where. Also, when I am backing into a parking space the brakes will automatically slam on when there is no need.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Dec 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. In the event of a crash deploying the passenger's frontal air bag, the instrument panel carrier may break due to incorrect welding. If the carrier breaks, there may be damage to the passenger frontal air bag.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel and the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began August 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90N1.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Q5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Audi Q5 reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Audi Q5. The most complained-about area is steering (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Audi Q5 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 9,500 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Audi Q5 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.