2020 AUDI Q5 Complaints

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

Our vehicle started jerking when it transitioned from EV mode to Hybrid (gas engine). I found TSB 2079556, which describes exactly the diagnostic codes our car has for all eight battery packs. This is clearly a known problem, and as the car is out of its original warranty I would have to pay for this myself. Audi should replace the battery packs free of charge as they were clearly defective.

I understand that there have been recalls for the brake booster in some 2020 Audi Q5s. I have had my brake booster light come on, but my VIN is not in the recall. My car has less than 50,000 miles on it and I should not be having this issue. I think my car should be recalled and this issue should be fixed by Audi. The cost to repair this issue is around $3000.

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 NHTSA to investigate. Their actions show a disregard for safety, federal compliance, and consumer rights. Others may not be as lucky.

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

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