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2020 Audi Q5 problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Audi Q5 is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Q5 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
76/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
1,0552 warranty
Worst area
Electrical
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
24-27mpg

The worst 2020 Audi Q5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    8
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    8
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 6

Electrical system: propulsion system: charging: cable/cord: onboardReported December 13, 2023 · 93,196 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

Recall number 23V842000 · Recall details

TiresReported January 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V‑295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Recall number 22V034000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported December 8, 2021 · 288,991 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 21V947000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assemblyReported April 26, 2021 · 40,993 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Recall number 21V295000 · Recall details

SeatsReported August 26, 2020 · 5,376 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1‑888‑241‑2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Recall number 20V505000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported October 16, 2019 · 174,278 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
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.

Recall number 19V737000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q5

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Audi Q5 1,055

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,055 bulletins for the 2020 Audi Q5

2020 Audi Q5 crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Audi Q5 SUV AWD5554

2020 Audi Q5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybridAWD252927
2.0L 4‑cylAWD222824

What 2020 Audi Q5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · CA

On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only at full steering lock, the symptom has progressively worsened and now occurs during slighter turns as well, with increasing frequency. The vehicle operates normally in a straight line. This is consistent with Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2059057 (Quattro Ultra AWD vibration/binding in tight turns), applicable to 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. Given this vehicle's disclosed prior manufacturer buyback history, this may represent a recurring, unresolved drivetrain defect.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Electrical, Seat belts · TX

Electrical system failure due to water in the spare tire & battery well, purchased key fob, 2 auto batteries unable to program fob due to non compatible 1st battery, info display contact dealer, had the water extracted, there were no prior indicators of an upcoming issue until the morning of May 22,2026 when my vehicle wouldn't start so I called roadside assistance for a boost. The key symbol is constant on display now, after over 2mos @the dealer, made several calls to Audi Corp, Audi. com, Audi USA., Consumer Protection, Texas Lemon law , it was shown to have an active recall. I was advised to contact my insurance company, which was denied seems as though no resolve for an actual ongoing Audi issue. I'd hate to be driving & the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop & put lives in danger from a known ongoing recall issue by Audi. Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter. Regards,

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Electrical · KS

Engine Start Malfunction Warning Light. Apparently, this has been a problem with the 2020 Q5 (and others) from water backing up from clogged moonroof drainage system allowing water into the L rear compartment housing the Comfort Control Module, wiring, fuses, etc. (or other roof drainage problems also saturating the CCM) Dealership has determined that damage to the CCM and corroded wiring will cost about $5500 to replace and program. Audi, I believe. sustained a class action lawsuit and agreed to cover that problem with the moonroof drainage system up to 90000 miles. However, my vehicle is at 114000, but I never received any type of notice of there being a problem or that the drainage system should be evaluated from Audi. And this had to have been occurring for years for system corrosion and failure. This apparently can cause the vehicle to freeze in the middle of driving, which is a significant risk, as well as other problems of inability to access vehicle and multiple other warning lights. The warranty for this problem should be extended to cover damages incurred from the poor drainage system design and improper notification of such by Audi.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Driver assistance · MO · crash

Traffic stopped very quickly. The automatic breaking did not engage, resulting in a crash and a total loss of the vehicle. I bought the Audi due to quality safety features so this incident was very disappointing and costly for our family.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Transmission · FL

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · NY

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 refused the tow but later accepted it after I explained the severity. A service advisor confirmed the failure was due to an active safety recall and that a replacement control module was unavailable. I was denied a loaner until I escalated the issue to a manager. For months, I received repeated notices that there were no updates or parts available. The loaner was significantly smaller and disrupted both personal and work transportation. On June 5, 2025, the dealer said the part would never arrive and advised me to request a buyback through Audi corporate. I did so. On June 10, the dealer claimed the buyback was approved and told me to return the loaner. When I asked for verification, they changed their story. I contacted Audi corporate and was told the buyback had been denied, confirming the dealer had misrepresented the situation. This experience reflects deceptive business practices, potential violations of recall disclosure laws, and failure to resolve a known safety defect. My safety—and that of my pregnant wife—was placed at risk due to the sale of a recalled vehicle. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate. Their actions show a disregard for safety, federal compliance, and consumer rights. Others may not be as lucky.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · CT

The seatbelt comes loose and Nuna sent me a pad and screwdriver and refused to replace the seat. The harness won’t stay tight and I do not trust the seat to be safe for my child

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · FL

Without warning, on [XXX, my 2020 Audi Q5 stopped working. I called Audi Care, who arranged a tow to the nearest Audi dealer, the Q5 was under manufacturer warranty. Audi had previously recalled its gateway control module; resolution, put a bag over the part. Audi completed the “fix” upon recall. Failure of that part is catastrophic; it renders the vehicle disabled; it cannot even be put into Neutral. My Q5 was chain dragged onto a flatbed and taken to Audi for service. Audi confirmed the gateway control module failed, stating the component needed to be replaced. The part was back-ordered and would take 7-10 business days. After nearly 8 weeks with no part, on April 2, 2024 the Q5 and repair were transferred to the Audi dealer I purchased the Q5 from. The part was listed as “high priority”, the Q5 was not drivable. April, May, June and July passed, no part. Audi service continued to claim the part was being made in Germany. Each month I was told the part would arrive, it never did. In August 2024, I contacted VW America (Audi’s parent company), to request a buyback. Six months had passed, there was no sign of the part. VW America requested the repair order, purchase agreement, warranty info and registration. On [XXX], I submitted a buyback request with all documents. On [XXX], VW of America refused to settle, and suggested I initiate a case with the Better Business Bureau. BBB determined the Q5 was eligible and opened a claim. I uploaded all requested documents to the BBB case. Audi did not respond. The case was set to go to arbitration, then BBB suddenly determined the Q5 was not eligible; it was over three years old, it had been over three when the case was opened. Nearly 10 months after the Q5 stopped working, I contacted the dealer, asking them to intervene. Audi refused to admit it could not make the part. Their solution, buy a new car. Audi still owes me thousands of dollars for an extended warranty on a Q5 it could not repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Wheels · IL

My dealership informed me that my tires were feathering at the edges and wearing unevenly. I found information that there was a recall for this problem. There was a recall (4215) that stated there was a misalignment in the suspension creating the uneven wearing. This included my car model. I need information regarding why my car isn't listed for the recall. The car does have a weird skip in making hard turns.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Engine · NY

On 12-18-2024, I brought a Audi Q5 2020 from Lynbrook Audi dealership in New york, approximately weeks after the vehicle engine oil light came on to replenish engine oil. I notified the sales representative of the issue, he stated that the vehicle was serviced on 09-2023. After our conversation the vehicle engine oil light continue to light up for oil replenish every 2 to 3 weeks for the past 7 months, I contacted the manufacturer and dealership and both of them is pointing fingers at each other instead of fixing the vehicle. Every time the engine oil light came on i have to take the vehicle to the dealership to replenish. The problem was never resolved.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Audi Q5 before you buy

Compare the 2020 Audi Q5

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2020 Audi Q5

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2020 Audi Q5, fewer than a typical Q5 model year.

What is the 2020 Audi Q5 year score?

The 2020 Audi Q5 scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Audi Q5?

Electrical system, with 8 complaints. Next is driver assistance (4).

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q5 have?

6 recalls, covering electrical system, tires and structure.

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2020 Audi Q5 scored 5 out of 5 stars overall.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi Q5 get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Audi Q5 range from 24 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, AWD) gets 25 city and 29 highway.

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