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Executive Vehicle Verdict

The 2021 Audi Q5 is associated with 81 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 8 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.

The most frequently reported component area is Electrical System, accounting for 13 reports (16% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 5 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2L 4-Cyl plug-in hybrid, 2L 4-Cyl hybrid, and 3l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 20 to 25 MPG combined. Plug-in hybrid variants are rated up to 50 MPGe (27 MPG on gasoline) with up to 19 miles of electric driving range. The 2021 Audi Q5 belongs to the 2nd generation (Typ FY) Q5 platform spanning model years 2018–2024.

Platform Architecture: 2nd Generation (Typ FY) • Production Span: 2018–2024 • Platform Code: MLB Evo • Lifecycle Note: Pre-Facelift (2018–2020) / Facelift (2021–2024)
Official Federal Record Profile
  • • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 81 consumer reports filed
  • • Safety Recall Campaigns: 8 official campaigns
  • • Primary Defect Domain: Electrical System (13 / 16%)
  • • Field Incident Signals: 2 crash / 0 fire / 3 injury reports
  • • NCAP Crash Safety: 5 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
  • • EPA Certified Range: 20–25 MPG across 5 powertrain trims
Directly compiled from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA NCAP, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.

What is the fuel economy and range of the 2021 Audi Q5?

Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant

Variant Engine Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Est. Annual Fuel Cost
Q5 Plug-in Hybrid 2L 4-Cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (AM-S7) 43 MPGe (25 MPG) 64 MPGe (29 MPG) 50 MPGe (27 MPG) 19 mi EV (400 mi total) $2,800 / yr
Q5 Hybrid 2L 4-Cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (AM-S7) 23 MPG 28 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
Q5 Sportback Hybrid 2L 4-Cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (AM-S7) 23 MPG 28 MPG 25 MPG — $3,050 / yr
SQ5 3L 6-Cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 18 MPG 24 MPG 20 MPG — $3,800 / yr
SQ5 Sportback 3L 6-Cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S8) 18 MPG 24 MPG 20 MPG — $3,800 / yr
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.

What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2021 Audi Q5?

Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant Overall Rating Frontal Crash Side Crash Rollover Rating Rollover Risk
SUV AWD 16.400000000000002%
PHEV SUV AWD —
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Audi Q5 models.
View complete 2021 Audi Q5 crash test & safety breakdown →

What defect complaints are reported for the 2021 Audi Q5?

Summary of 81 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Total Complaints
81
Crash Reports
2
Fire Reports
0
Complaints w/ Injury
3
Total Injuries
3

Top Reported Problem Categories

Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA

Electrical System 13 complaints
Engine 8 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance 6 complaints
Powertrain 6 complaints
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 4 complaints

Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.

View all 2021 Audi Q5 problems & component breakdown (38 categories) →

Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Audi Q5?

Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA

NHTSA Campaign #25V080000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Defect Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.
NHTSA Campaign #23V842000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V753000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
View all 2021 Audi Q5 recalls & campaign history (8 campaigns) →
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2021 Audi Q5

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2021 Audi Q5

How many safety recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?

The 2021 Audi Q5 is associated with 8 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.

View all 8 recall campaigns & remedy details →
Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Audi Q5?

NHTSA records list 81 consumer defect complaints for the 2021 Audi Q5. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Electrical System, appearing in 13 filings (16% of submissions).

Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.

Explore full 2021 Audi Q5 defect complaint breakdown →
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Audi Q5?

Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2021 Audi Q5 earned an Overall Safety Rating of 5 out of 5 stars across 1 tested configuration(s).

Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.

View detailed crash test laboratory breakdown →
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2021 Audi Q5 get?

Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2021 Audi Q5 range from 20 to 25 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.

Compare MPG ratings across all certified trims →
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Database
Official US Government Data Provenance

The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.