Audi Q5 won't start problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · NJ

The instrument cluster on my 2021 Audi Q5 failed completely — the display went black, with no speedometer or warning indicators. The failure occurred immediately after a car wash, and the vehicle then lost all electrical power. I had the vehicle towed to Audi Meadowlands on 10/26/26. On 10/29/26, the dealership replaced the battery and performed diagnostics ($972.78, RO# 76004260/1). The dealership diagnosed the failed instrument cluster and quoted $4,000-$4,500 to replace it, but did not repair it. The dealership then released the vehicle to me with the instrument cluster inoperative, after assuring me the vehicle was fine to drive. I drove the vehicle on public roads with no speedometer, no gauges, and no warning displays. Within 48 hours, after approximately two miles of driving, the vehicle lost all power again and would not operate. On 11/5/2026, the vehicle would not start. A first tow truck could not jump-start it; a second tow truck succeeded, and when I drove the vehicle out, reverse was not working properly. The vehicle was taken directly to Audi Englewood for independent diagnosis and is not safe to drive. I believe this involves two existing safety recalls. Safety Recall 90VC (the federal safety agency Recall 25V201) addresses failure of this vehicle's virtual cockpit instrument cluster, where warnings, tell-tales, and gauges that do not display could increase the risk of a crash. Safety Recall 90S9 (the federal safety agency Recall 21V947) addresses water penetrating the gateway control module on 2021 Q5 vehicles and causing it to shut down. My cluster failed immediately after a car wash and the vehicle then lost all power. The dealership has provided no documentation that the gateway control module was inspected, that any inspection for water intrusion was performed despite my numerous written requests. My concern is twofold: the defect itselfand the fact that an authorized Audi dealership knowingly released a vehicle with an inoperative instrument cluster into service on public roads.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · NJ

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2022 Audi Q5 I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion through the panoramic-roof drainage system of a 2022 Audi Q5 and resulting damage to the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle was purchased with a rebuilt title at approximately 8,000 miles following minor dents/scratches and was fully operational. We drove approximately 23,000 additional miles without water-intrusion or electrical problems. Following heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle and reached the comfort module, wiring and connectors, causing corrosion and extensive electrical damage. While driving, the vehicle began stalling and its lights/electronics started flashing. After we stopped, it would not start again. Audi estimated approximately $12,000 to repair the vehicle by replacing the comfort module/connectors and cutting and splicing the affected wiring harness to new connectors. Our insurer, Progressive, considers this a safety concern because the affected wiring harness connects with other vehicle systems and recommends replacement of the entire harness rather than splicing it. Audi TSB 2075969/2 addresses water intrusion in 2018–2023 Q5/SQ5 vehicles and states that panoramic-roof drain hoses may become kinked during headliner installation, blocking drainage and allowing water into the vehicle. Audi also issued Safety Recall 90S9/the federal safety agency 21V‑947 concerning liquid reaching the gateway control module in 2018–2022 Q5/SQ5 vehicles, recognizing that water-related electrical failure can cause reduced engine power and increase crash risk. Our vehicle experienced an electrical malfunction while driving after water intrusion. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this known Q5 panoramic-roof drainage defect presents a safety defect requiring recall action. The vehicle is preserved and available for inspection.

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 Apr 27, 2026 · Engine · CA

I was driving home from the farmers market with my two young kids. I was turning left at a busy intersection when the engine died and an engine warning flashed on the dash (I don't recall the exact message; it sounded catastrophic). There were no "check engine" or any other warning messages prior to the incident. I was able to restart the car immediately and give it a lot of gas to get out of the intersection - thank goodness - but didn't feel it was safe to drive the full 1 mile home, as there are several inopportune locations for an engine to die along the route, so I parked it in a residential neighborhood and walked home with my kids. My instinct there seems correct as it would not start again thereafter. I got it towed on the Monday and the mechanic called me to tell me that a piston had broken off in the engine and there is complete engine failure. I've attached a photo he took. This is a car we've had for 5 months with only 47,000 miles on it, regular service according to Carfax, and full/clean oil. No error messages or warnings prior. It was really scary to be in a busy intersection with a dead engine and young kids in the car.

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Electrical · NY

Unpublished costly catastropic electrical failure Audi of America reviewed the case and declined assistance solely because the vehicle was already totaled and unavailable for dealer inspection. Audi did not dispute the presence of water intrusion, the technical findings, or the cause of failure. This failure occurred without warning under ordinary environmental conditions and resulted in sudden loss of vehicle function. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential defect related to the protection and placement of electronic systems vulnerable to water exposure. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety-related defect involving water intrusion and catastrophic electrical failure in a 2018 Audi S5. After a heavy rain event with no roadway flooding or submersion, my vehicle experienced complete electrical failure and would not start. Inspection revealed water intrusion into the trunk area where critical electronic components—including the battery and electronic control modules—are located. The damage was extensive and rendered the vehicle inoperable, resulting in a total loss determination. Attached documentation includes photographs, video evidence, and a technical inspection summary prepared by an independent automotive service facility and reviewed in consultation with Audi-trained technicians. The findings indicate water intrusion consistent with design vulnerability rather than misuse or lack of maintenance.

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Transmission · NC · crash

On 10/27/25 as I was slowly pulling into a parking space, my Audi Q5 lurched forward and jumped the curb crashing into a tree. Happened too quickly to apply the brakes. No warning indications at the time of the incident. Car would not start and had to be towed to a repair shop. The insurance adjuster is evaluating the damage, probably the vehicle will be totaled. Luckily the tree stopped the car and nobody was in in front as the car jumped the curb.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Engine · AZ · 2 injuries

On [xxx] at [xxx], at my home, I pulled out of driveway in my 2012 audi 2012 q5, I drove three houses down, and the sunroof exploded sending shattered glass on myself, my then [xxx] son, and into the cabin of the car. I called audi for repair, but was informed there was a 3 to 4 month wait, ordered a on repairs. So I ordered a replacement and installed myself. On [xxx] my 2012 audi q5, would not start, dash fault indicated crankcase/ camshaft not alinged. Put vehicle in a audi repair shop (not dealership) for repairs. Damage was crankcase, timing chain, and timing chain tensioner research done found that there was six recalls on the vehicle, one involving the sunroof shattering, and the other involving the crankcase, timing chain, and tensioner. On 04/15/2025 I called audi at 800‑822‑2834 about the incidents, and inquiring about the six recalls, attempting to make sure the repairs had been completed. The representative was able to provide dates that a case was closed based on the VIN of my vehicle but was not able to confirm that the recall repairs had been done, she stated a claim being closed "usually meant a repair was done. But only the dealership that opened the case would have more information. I requested the dealership information, advising that I was concerned as thus far the recall repairs seem to be failing, and the recall on the airbags could cause potential death if deployed. I requested a supervisor call back. On 04/16/2025 I received a call back from a supervisor name juan/id 43248. I explained to him the issue with the previous recalls failing and my concerns about the airbags, and asked for the dealership name and number that did the repairs. He refused to give me the information sighting it contained information on the previous owner. I seek to confirm that these repairs were actually done in fear that they may not have been, and if a airbag is deployed I and passengers may end up dead as a result. Please advise. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c.

Filed Dec 2, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

My words: An overheated electrical connection near the fuel tank overheated, thus cutting off the fuel pump system. This is similar to other fuel pump recalls with Audi A3 vehicles. BEGINNING OF MECHANIC REPORT: Concern? = Customer states he was on a trip driving on the highway, parked it and it wouldnt restart. Vehicle is cranking and not starting. Codes were pulled from the vehicle is there are fuel pump related codes. Cause = Confirmed concern vehicle does not start. fault codes P0087, p3073, p3043, removed rear seat and checked pump control module. found power supplied to control module but no power to pump. also found connector to control module melted. advise replacement of control module, in tank pump, and control module connector to start." END OF MECHANIC REPORT The markings on the fuel pump control module are as follows, line by line: "VW emblem" "Audi emblem" Germany 1j0 973 726 >PBI< FEP 1/3 3699

Filed Sep 11, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MI

The comfort control module in the trunk of the car was sitting in water due to an ingress of water coming in the car. The car would not start due to this water ingress and could have shut off completely on the freeway or while driving. This caused my car to completely shut off and malfunction. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem. I found out about the problem by taking the car to the Audi dealership. They originally thought the problem was the gateway module which has already been recalled due to the same problem of an ingress of water. The Audi dealership has claimed that the ingress of water is from a clogged drain pipe in the sunroof. They said there is nothing you can do to prevent this from happening.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Engine · PA

Cylinder #3 lost compression, down to 30 psi from 170 psi, causing the car to lose power and run extremely rough or not run on occasion. This is a safety hazard, especially risky for highway driving. There were no warning messages, car just start running very rough or wouldn't start. Such loss of compression has been reported by an Audi service manager who says Cylinder #3 is known to have this issue, but there is no recall for it yet. The problems began in May 2021. The car was drinking/consuming oil frequently and occasionally running rough. It was taken to multiple mechanics to identify the issue. Fixes included changing spark plugs, coils, and the PCV valve to provide temporary solutions at best. 5/24/21 increased consumption of oil began 9/9/22 rough idle, spark plugs replaced 10/14/22 rough idle and burning oil, taken to a service shop, replaced the PCV valve 7/12/23 rough idle again, spark plugs replaced again under warranty 2/14/24 - rough shake again, spark plugs replaced again and dead cylinder #3 confirmed