2018 Audi Q5: backup camera failure

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NH

The rear view camera is not operating when shifting to reverse. I can demonstrate this malfunction at any time to anyone. Driver is unable to detect short objects or small children directly behind the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the dealer during a service visit. At that time, the service technician checked power and ground to the control unit and verified good. Attempted calibration for camera, vehicle would not calibrate. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other agencies. There were no warning messages, or lamps or any other symptoms prior to the failure.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · UT

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety defect involving a 2018 Audi Q5 (Premium Plus, Technology Package). The vehicle’s MMI infotainment/navigation system intermittently shuts down or reboots during operation. When this occurs while the vehicle is in in reverse, the rearview camera display immediately goes blank and remains unavailable until the system completes its reboot cycle. This failure has occurred during active reversing maneuvers, creating a significant safety concern. An incident already occurred that resulted in an impact to another object during backing and the camera display/MMI going blank loss just prior to stopping. The rearview camera is a required safety system under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. When the system powers off unexpectedly, the driver loses critical rear visibility information at precisely the moment it is most needed. The condition appears to be software-related, as the infotainment system restarts on its own. However, the temporary loss of the camera display increases the risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or stationary objects. I understand that recalls have been issued for similar rearview camera display failures in later model-year Audi Q5 vehicles. The symptoms I am experiencing are materially similar and may indicate a broader defect pattern affecting earlier production years. I have attempted to resolve the issue with Audi and their technicians and service management. The conclusion was they could not find any error messages or mechanical issues. They would not diagnose deeper or complete any further trouble shooting. The previous owner also attempted to resolve the safety defect under warranty and received similar attention with no solution. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this matter for potential investigation to determine whether the 2018 Audi Q5 should be included in any safety-related corrective action. Of note, the "CarPlay" use is not the cause.

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · 22,000 miles · CO

This is not an urgent safety issue, but just a dumb decision that should be rectified. It is also limited to drivers utilizing hitch or other rear-attachments. There are certain situations where the parking sensors can be told to stop beeping, but that action also disables the backup camera, which is needed. There is no mechanism to turn off the beeping and keep the backup camera on. Service centers have confirmed this. The main scenario where this is a problem is where there is something connected to a hitch, such as a bike rack that may cause the car to think that there's an object dangerously close to the vehicle. These backup sensors are unable to distinguish between a hitch-based mount (without power connected) and something that is legitimately too close while reversing. When power is connected, such as with an actual trailer to supply power to brake lights, the owner's manual states that the backup warnings will be disabled automatically. But when something like a hitch-based bike rack is attached that doesn't need power, the warning alarm sounds continuously while backing up. This is annoying, and for passengers in the back is actually extremely loud. Turning off the alarm disables the camera as well, which is....less than ideal at least. The desired mode should be to turn off the alarm while keeping the backup camera active during the entire reversing process. The beeping will stop automatically once the vehicle starts moving forward faster than something like 6mph. However, when the vehicle slows down again, it may start a continuous tone alarm again due to this hitch attachment. Please help audi realize that disabling the camera is inappropriate.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Electrical · 3,000 miles · MI

5)establishing a bluetooth connection is intermittent with a samsung galaxy s9. Often the mmi will indicate that it can't connect. If the car is in reverse with the parking assist displaying the rear view camera, the bluetooth connection screen can suddenly appear replacing the rear view image while the car is actively backing up. The rear view camera image is no longer available while the vehicle is in rearward motion. This has happened on multiple occasions.

Filed Aug 12, 2018 · 34 miles · CA

When going into reverse. The rear view camera mode will not stay with the "carmera view" but instead, reverts back to the "graphiv view". Extremely annoying.