2020 Audi Q5 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
25 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
1,225 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 25 complaints (32.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 20.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 20.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 12.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 8.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
Electrical System: 8; Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine: 4; Seat Belts: 3; Steering: 3; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Power Train: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2020: 3; 2021: 2; 2022: 5; 2023: 4; 2024: 3; 2025: 5; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11322405 · 2020-04-27 (April 27, 2020)
OVERALL PROBLEM: AUDI Q5 2020 APPEARS TO HAVE A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION THAT INSTANTLY DISABLES ALL SYSTEMS. VEHICLE 'SHUT ITSELF OFF' AT A BRIEF STOP AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, ROLLING INTO INTERSECTION. DETAILS: I STOPPED CAR AT RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD STOP SIGN (BRIEF AND COMPLETE STOP, NO WAIT), IMMEDIATELY READY TO PROCEED FORWARD. AUDI'S 'AUTO STOP/START' FEATURE SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN IMMEDIATELY ALL ELECTRONICS SHUT DOWN. THE CAR BASICALLY 'TURNED ITSELF OFF.' VEHICLE THEN BEGAN DRIFTING/COASTING INTO INTERSE…
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11322405 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11442139 · 2021-11-30 (November 30, 2021)
Gateway control modular failure. At dealer currently. We took pictures. Multiple reports of the exact same thing on Audi forums online. Audi confirmed same issue. While driving car it suddenly stopped and the emergency brake was automatically applied. No warning, no way to Live the car to safety, all the warning lights began to flash, windows started to rolling up and down. Then the car just turned off. Unable to start it, turn it on, move it, nothing. Needed a special tow truck to have it towed to dealer. A serious safety issue. I am …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11442139 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11349103 · 2020-08-13 (August 13, 2020)
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 AUDI Q5. IT WAS 6 WEEKS OLD AND HAD ABOUT 2300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR DIED. I COULD NOT GET IT STARTED NO MATTER WHAT I DID. I COULD NOT EVEN GET THE FLASHERS TO TURN ON (TO THE IRE OF THOSE TRYING TO EXIT THE LOT.) AFTER HAVING IT TOWED (I WAS ON VACATION, NO LESS!) I LEARNED THAT THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I AM JUST GRATEFUL THIS DID NOT GIVE OUT ON A 55 + MPH HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING. A…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349103 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11666097 · 2025-06-10 (June 10, 2025)
I purchased a pre-owned Audi in August 2023 from a franchised dealer. I was explicitly told there were no open recalls or issues. In May 2024, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure during use, warning lights flashed, wipers activated on their own, the steering wheel moved without input, and the windows opened/closed erratically. It was inoperable and could not shift into neutral. A flatbed tow was required, and the vehicle had to be physically forced off the truck at home. The next morning, the authorized service center initially r…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11666097 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11699189 · 2025-11-13 (November 13, 2025)
Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11699189 at NHTSA ↗