Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Audi Q5 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Audi Q5 scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 40 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
5
Complaints
40
Complaint Rate
6
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$928
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2019 Audi Q5?
The 2019 Audi Q5 scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 40 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (8). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Audi Q5, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Audi Q5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low major repair risk (9%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Frequent unscheduled repairs
- Moderate recall count
Compare 2019 Audi Q5 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- STEERING (7)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- SEAT BELTS (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- ENGINE (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2019 Audi Q5 has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
6
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Audi Q5 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi Q5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
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.
Consequence
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE
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.
Consequence
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.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. In the event of a crash deploying the passenger's frontal air bag, the instrument panel carrier may break due to incorrect welding. If the carrier breaks, there may be damage to the passenger frontal air bag.
Consequence
A damaged frontal air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel and the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began August 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90N1.
2019 Audi Q5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q5 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$928
vs $807 avg for luxury midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
1.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Audi Q5
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test power steering for functionality at low and high speeds
- Inspect turbocharger for performance issues and check engine lights
- Check for any unusual noises or jerking during gear shifts
- Verify all exterior lights are operational, especially rear lights
- Inspect for water ingress signs in control modules
- Test adaptive cruise control and lane assist for false alerts
- Check seat belt release mechanism for smooth operation
Check Any 2019 Audi Q5's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Q5 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Audi Q5 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Audi Q5 Common Problems by Component
40 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsOwners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2019 Audi Q5. A common problem involves the rear cross traffic alert and Audi pre-sense systems generating false positives while reversing, causing sudden braking and vehicle jerks. Additionally, multiple owners describe malfunctions with the passenger airbag system, including the airbag activating or deactivating incorrectly, which poses a safety risk. Complaints also frequently mention water ingress damaging the control modules, leading to complete vehicle shutdowns and inoperability. These issues often occur without warning and can result in loss of control, particularly concerning when driving at higher speeds. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may impact the vehicle's reliability and safety.
STEERING
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 frequently report power steering failures, often accompanied by a "Steering Malfunction! Please stop vehicle" warning message. These failures occur at a range of speeds, from as low as 10 mph to highway speeds, with mileages as low as 8,000 miles and up to 19,457 miles. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power steering assistance, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, especially at low speeds. One report involves a crash where the vehicle veered off the road in icy conditions, suggesting potential safety risks associated with these steering issues. Additionally, there are complaints about the active lane keeping assist system unexpectedly deactivating, which owners find problematic and potentially dangerous.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 frequently report issues related to the powertrain, with common symptoms including abrupt jerking, unexpected gear shifts, and significant loss of speed. Complaints often mention dashboard warnings such as check engine lights and drive system malfunction alerts. These issues typically occur within a mileage range of 24,000 to 50,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one report involving a crash where the vehicle moved forward on its own and collided with a building, though no injuries were reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they suggest potential reliability concerns with the vehicle's powertrain system.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 report issues with the vehicle speed control system, particularly involving the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and traffic sign recognition features. One complaint describes unintended deceleration when the ACC adjusted to a lower speed limit detected by the traffic sign recognition system, leading to a sudden brake application that required driver intervention to prevent a potential rear-end collision. Another owner details frequent false alerts from the active lane assist system, which they find unusable and distracting. Additionally, a mechanical issue is reported where the waste gate actuator in the turbocharger fails, causing an overboost condition that necessitates replacing the entire turbocharger unit. These problems typically occur at varying mileages, with significant safety implications noted in the case of sudden deceleration at highway speeds.
SEAT BELTS (3 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 report issues related to rear seat design and seat belt functionality. Two complaints involve rear-end collisions where rear seat passengers sustained significant lower back injuries, which owners attribute to the built-in lumbar support in the rear seats. Both incidents occurred while passengers were wearing seat belts, with ongoing back pain reported. Another complaint describes difficulty releasing the seat belt, requiring a costly replacement part. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, especially in rear-end collisions, and may be relevant for buyers considering a used model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners report several distinct issues with the 2019 Audi Q5. One owner describes an unexpected sunroof explosion at highway speeds, with no apparent external cause, posing potential safety risks from shock and glass debris. Another owner details a clock spring failure, indicated by an airbag light activation shortly after servicing, with repair costs mentioned at $1600, questioning its prevalence in Audi vehicles. A third owner reports a persistent "DRIVER SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" warning linked to a turbocharger booster issue, noted by a mechanic as a common problem in Audi cars. These complaints do not specify mileage but highlight potential safety and cost concerns for prospective buyers.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 report several engine-related issues. A common problem involves engine failure when driving in extreme cold at speeds of 50 mph or higher, though no safety incidents like crashes or loss of control are mentioned. Another issue is the failure of hydraulic engine motor mounts around 45,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of turbocharger failures, with one owner citing a costly repair at approximately $3,556, and noting that their vehicle is not covered under a related class settlement. These complaints suggest potential engine reliability concerns that prospective buyers should consider, especially in cold climates or at higher mileages.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q5 report issues with the exterior lighting, specifically concerning the rear lights. Complaints frequently mention warnings for faulty left and right tail lights, brake lights, and center brake lights, resulting in a complete loss of rear lighting while driving, which poses a significant safety risk. One owner describes the issue occurring beyond the warranty period, requiring a paid diagnostic despite an existing technical service bulletin. Another owner reports a defective right backup light within the warranty period, with diagnostics indicating the need to replace the entire rear light housing due to internal malfunction. These issues are noted to occur both during and shortly after the warranty period, with potential safety implications due to diminished vehicle visibility.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintWhen I'm waiting to turn and have to almost stop, there is a lag when I accelerate causing the anticipated time to make the turn longer than expected. Almost caused an accident because car wouldn't go when gas was pushed. Very scary.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintI'VE JUST COMPLETED A TELEPHONE CALL TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE CENTER THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR TO VEHICLE AREN'T AVAILABLE AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY'LL ARRIVE. I JUST FIND THIS TO BE VERY UNSATISFACTORY WHEN AUDI KNOWS THEIR BEST SELLING VEHICLE IS THE Q5. I'M TRYING TO DO MY DUE DILIGENCE TO KEEP MYSELF AND THOSE ON THE ROAD ALL SAFE AS WELL.
When Do 2019 Audi Q5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi Q5 Years
Best Audi Q5 Years to Buy
The best Audi Q5 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (71/100) and 2024 (70/100).
Audi Q5 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi Q5 year is 2018 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to electrical system (60) issues.
See full Audi Q5 years-to-avoid analysis →Audi Q5 Reliability Score Trend
Audi Q5 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Audi Q5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Audi Q5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Audi Q5?
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi Q5 have?
Is the 2019 Audi Q5 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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