2022 Audi Q5 Problems And Complaints

2022 Audi Q5 User Complaints and Problems

The Audi Q5 problems are rather limited. Over its current and previous generations, the SUV has been impressive in its performance. There are not many complaints registered to the vehicle’s name and even in 2022, it has two listed grievances. While both these issues relate to the electric system of the vehicle, the Q5 in its fifth generation has had problems ranging from its safety features to its mechanical components. 

Listed below are the most common complaints about the Audi Q5 and their implications on the ownership experience.

Mechanical Complaints

• Power steering malfunction: With a handful of complaints registered on the unofficial forums, the loss of power steering assistance is a recurring issue in the Audi Q5. Complainants have reported the power steering to fail without any prior symptoms, affecting the driver’s control of the vehicle. So, it increases the risk of a crash and requires a timely remedy.
• Issues with the transmission unit: The Audi Q5 gearbox problems are not as rampant as its other concerns. Nonetheless, they need to be tended to. Buyers have reported the transmission unit to take a long time to shift between gears. This problem is noticed at lower speeds and when shifting from the first to the second gear. Additionally, it is a problem with the SUVs equipped with a dual-clutch transmission unit.
• Squealing noise upon braking: Buyers of the 2018 Audi Q5 have also reported a squealing noise from the vehicle, which can only be heard when the brake pedal is depressed. While there is no known cause for the problem, the newer iterations of the SUV have remained devoid of such a concern.

Electric System Complaints

• Failure of the gateway module: The gateway module, which manages all the communication inside the vehicle, is prone to failure. Since the gateway module is placed directly underneath the rear-seat cupholders, the liquid can leak into the module causing a malfunction. As a result, the vehicle tends to stall and all the electric components become inoperable. Across the fifth generation of the SUV, each iteration has been plagued by a similar problem.
• Malfunctioning rearview camera: Noted in the 2022 Audi Q5, buyers have reported the rearview camera to not perform its intended function. The rearview camera fails when in use, leaving the display screen blank or with frozen images. In either case, the drivers remain unaware of their surroundings, which can increase the chance of a crash.

Structural Complaints

• An explosion of the sunroof: The Audi Q5’s panoramic sunroof problems are rather continual. Across several models of the current generation, a handful of buyers have reported the sunroof to explode and shatter into pieces without any impact or incidence. While no injuries have yet been reported, an exploding sunroof can affect people both inside and outside the vehicle.

Safety Complaints

• Failure of the Pre-Sense Safety System: The Pre-Sense Safety System installed in the SUV is prone to failure. In many cases, the system has falsely identified a risk of a crash and activated the emergency braking system to bring the vehicle to a halt. It is most commonly noticed when pulling the SUV into a parking spot, where the parking sensors beep incessantly. While it is not as widespread as the other complaints, the frequency of failure has increased in the past few years.

Category	Number of complaints
Fuel and Propulsion System	4
Powertrain	7
Wheels	6
Brakes	17

Currently, the failure of the rearview camera is the only noted complaint in the 2022 Audi Q5. However, the possibility of the other problems trickling down to the latest iteration cannot be eliminated. So, buyers need to perform due diligence while finalizing the buying decision.

2022 Audi Q5 Recalls

Audi, as a brand, is not new to the concept of recalls. Time and again, the brand has initiated recalls to eliminate problems in the vehicle from the root level itself. In its history, the Audi Q5 has also been recalled quite a few times. While the 2022 iteration has been called back twice, the earlier iterations have had a rather second-rate performance in comparison. Listed below are all the recalls that have been started by the brand for the compact SUV in its fifth generation.

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks
1.	26th Jan 2022	22V034000	Misalignment of the rear axle	Due to a misalignment of the rear axle after repair, the affected vehicles might be at risk of uneven wear and tear of their tires.
2.	8th Dec 2021	21V947000	Failure of the gateway control module	Due to a liquid spill, the gateway control module might be at risk of failure, which can result in a shutdown of the vehicle.
3.	20th Oct 2021	21V852000	Malfunctioning rearview camera	Due to an error in the software, the rearview camera might not display the image when the vehicle is put into reverse. As a result, the affected units might not comply with federal laws.
4.	5th Aug 2021	21V606000	Seat belt locking retractor malfunction	Due to the early deactivation of the rear seat belt automatic locking retractors, the child restrain system might not work as intended. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws.
5.	26th Apr 2021	21V295000	Rear-axle nuts might fracture	Due to stress corrosion, the rear axle nuts might break. As a result, the driver might lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
6.	26th Aug 2020	20V505000	Improper welding of the front seat backrest frame	Due to improper welding, the front seat backrest frame might break in case of a crash. As a result, it might restrain the occupant correctly, increasing the risk of a crash.
7.	16th Oct 2019	19V737000	Wheel trim cover might separate	The rear wheel arch cover trim might loosen and separate, which can increase the risk of a crash.
8.	19th June 2019	19V437000	Instrument panel carrier might break	Due to incorrect welding, the instrument panel carrier might get damaged at the time of the deployment of the driver’s airbag. As a result, the frontal passenger airbag might also get damaged.
9.	5th June 2019	19V416000	Wheel trim cover might separate	The rear wheel arch cover trim might loosen and separate, which can increase the risk of a crash.
10.	8th Apr 2019	19V277000	Failure of hydraulic brakes	Due to inadequate casting of the master brake cylinder, the affected units might be at risk of a failure of the hydraulic brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
11.	1st June 2018	18V369000	Insufficient coating on brake caliper pistons	Due to an inadequate coating on the caliper pistons, the braking performance might be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
12.	29th Dec 2016	16V955000	Seat belt pre-tensioners might not activate	In certain units of the 2018 Audi Q5, the seat belt pre-tensioners might not activate as intended.

Compared to the Audi Q5, the performance of the competitors can also be deemed satisfactory. While the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the only SUV in the segment that has not been recalled yet, the 2022 BMW X3 and the 2022 Volvo XC60 have one recall each. Though the numbers are not concerning, Volvo’s performance comes as a surprise considering the brand’s revered and reliable status.

Component Affected	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Safety	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electric	2	1	0	0	0	0	0
Interior	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Drive System	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Which Audi Q5 model year should you avoid?

The Audi Q5 is a prepossessing SUV that vaunts an ergonomic interior design and a supple ride quality. It has etched its name as a perfect daily driver that comes with a dash of luxury. The Q5 has been a consistent performer in all regards and its comprehensive nature justifies the price tag it carries. It promises to be a top-notch option when safety and reliability are concerned and is available with a bevy of standard safety tech. So, in the current generation, there is no iteration of the SUV that we would like to veto. However, from its older model years, the 2012 Audi Q5 is the one to avoid. It has 6 recalls and more than 100 complaints registered to its name, which is not an ideal statistic for any vehicle. 

Should you buy a used Audi Q5?

With a streamlined design, a luxuriously-appointed cabin, and a comfortable ride quality, the Audi Q5 scales the highest levels of success. Despite its higher price tag, the German compact SUV has been a formidable option. However, for us, the Q5’s reliability is where its oneness lies. It promises to be a viable option that can be driven around for years without having to worry about constant failures and repairs. It also is structurally resilient and scores impressively on the safety test, which makes it a force to reckon with. So, if you plan on buying a new or used Audi Q5, the SUV will not disappoint you.