Last updated: 2026-10-10

2020 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
The 2020 Audi Q5 has a good reliability standing, but sudden electrical shutdowns that leave the car unable to restart are its main problem.
Recalls
6
Complaints
22
Complaint Rate
4.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$928
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,900
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Average for its model year with a five-star crash rating, held back by electrical shutdowns; it sits between the similar 2019 and the worse-rated 2021.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- ENGINE (3)
- STEERING (2)
Should You Buy the 2020 Audi Q5?
Buy it with care. Reliability is good and close to average for 2020 SUVs, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. Within the Q5 lineup it lands in the middle of nine scored years. The 2019 rates about the same, while the 2021 rates worse and has far more complaints and recalls. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep at $928, above the $807 class figure.
Electrical faults are the main worry. Owners describe the car shutting down without warning, even at expressway speed, then refusing to restart. Dashboard error messages often come first. One car had a defective electrical distribution system replaced at about 2300 miles. When the car dies, power steering and brakes go heavy, and owners and dealers point to the gateway control module. One engine compartment fire injured a person and totaled the car. Other owners report steady coolant or oil loss that dealers top off without a fix. Six recalls cover structure, electrical, tires, suspension and seats.
Ask for proof that every recall was completed, plus any record of electrical repairs or repeated fluid top-offs. The 2019 is a reasonable alternative to compare.
Compared to the 2021 Audi Q5, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2019 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
- −Above-average recall count
Compare 2020 Audi Q5 With

2020 BMW X3
Reliability: 59/100

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 61/100

2020 Lexus NX
Reliability: 82/100

2020 Cadillac XT5
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2020 Audi Q5 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Audi Q5 Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 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
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.
Consequence
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
TIRES, SUSPENSION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Buying a used 2020 Audi Q5? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Audi Q5, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Audi Q5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q5Repair 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.
Audi Q5 Resale Value
The Audi Q5 is estimated to retain about 49.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Audi Q5 model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 49.3%
- Depreciation
- 50.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 155
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Audi Q5 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
24 MPG
Running cost: $3,850/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 28 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
27 MPG
Running cost: $3,500/yr
Fuel + repair
25 city / 29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 25 | 29 | 27 | $2,550 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Audi Q5.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and get dealer proof that every open recall has been completed.
Ask for service records showing any gateway control module or electrical distribution system replacement.
Leave auto stop/start on during the test drive and confirm the engine, steering, and brakes respond right away after each stop.
Watch for a burst of dashboard error messages or airbag warnings at startup and while driving.
Drive on an open road and note any Audi Pre Sense alert or braking with nothing ahead.
Check the coolant level cold and ask the seller how often it has been topped off.
Ask how often the low-oil light comes on, and look for dealer invoices showing repeated oil top-offs.
Sniff for smoke or burning smells in the cabin and engine bay after a long drive.
2020 Audi Q5 Common Problems by Component
22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSafety-relatedTotal electrical shutdowns lead these reports. The car goes dead, warning lights flash, wipers and windows act on their own, and the shifter will not go into neutral, so a flatbed tow is needed. In at least one case a dealer confirmed a failed gateway control module, and the replacement part sat on back-order for weeks. The two crash reports involve a sudden forward lurch while parking and automatic emergency braking that did not engage in stopped traffic. A sunroof that shattered at highway speed with nothing striking it also appears.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe car shuts down without warning, sometimes at expressway or mountain-road speeds, and then refuses to restart. A burst of dashboard error messages often comes first, and in one case even the hazard lights would not work. A defective electrical distribution system was replaced on a car with about 2300 miles. Other reports describe a constant smoke smell, false airbag warnings, and the Audi Pre Sense system braking hard for several seconds on an empty road, which creates a rear-end crash risk.
ENGINE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedAn engine compartment fire is the most serious report here. Smoke filled the cabin while the car was parked, one person was injured, and the vehicle was totaled. The other complaints describe steady fluid loss. One pattern is coolant dropping by about 300mL every 800-1000 miles while dealer pressure tests come back normal. Another is a low-oil light returning every 2 to 3 weeks. Dealers top off the fluid without fixing the cause, and the manufacturer and dealer blame each other.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsPower steering and power brakes go out when the whole car shuts itself off, both at a stop and while driving. Reports describe auto stop/start killing the engine at a stop sign, followed by a full electronics shutdown that lets the car coast into an intersection with heavy, unresponsive controls. Others describe the car stopping suddenly with the parking brake applying itself, warning lights flashing, and windows cycling before it dies and will not restart or move. Owners and dealers tie these failures to the gateway control module.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintANY TIME MY APPLE CELL PHONE SE MODEL IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED ALARM INTERMITTENTLY IS ACTIVATED ON THE DASH. I SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE PARTICULARLY IF A CHILD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT, SINCE IT COULD BE REALIZED AS A FALSE ALARM, BUT ACTUALLY BE A TRUE UNBUCKLING SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, BUT THE PHONE STATIONARY (IE. NOT TRAVELING OVER ROAD BUMPS, POTHOLES OR CORNERING) AND IS UNPREDICTABLE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I TOOK POSSESSION NOV 30 LAST YEAR AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RECTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP OR BY THEM CONTACTING AUDI CENTRAL FOR GUIDANCE. ALL THAT WAS DONE WAS RESETTING THE ELECTRONICS TO FACTORY SETTINGS WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ONLY SUGGESTION WAS NOT TO ALLOW THE PHONE TO SIT IN THE SEAT?
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintSafety-relatedIncident occurred as I was waiting third in line to add fuel to my Audi. Usually when I am in a long wait I put my vehicle in neutral and to move forward then I have to put my foot on brake to change gears. In this incident I did just that when car in front moved up, but the car suddenly accelerated forward quickly and hit with force the car in front. I put car in reverse to back off with intent to shut down car to exit in order to assess damage and provide insurance information. Instead when I went into reverse the car shot uncontrollably backward 20-30 feet at high speed striking another car entering the fueling area. In either the forward motion and or the backward motion of car did the sensors or brake assistance system deploy. The car will be inspected by both Audi America and also by a third party appointed by my insurance provider.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe hood has opened 3 different times with no warning while driving down the road.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintStopped on the road, the rear window exploded with a very loud boom. I pulled over and talked to the driver behind me who also pulled over and asked if he saw anything, he said no, only heard the boom. We looked in the back of the car and no projectile or foreign object. I moved to a nearby parking lot and pushed as much of the broken glass into the car as I could so it wouldn't fall off on the road. There were no cracks or defects identifiable before hand. The car was clean and any issues would have been visible. There was no warning of the explosion. I have brought the car in to the dealer, Fletcher Jones in Chicago.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was intermittently blank or distorted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and to a second dealer, Santa Monica Audi (1020 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401), on several occasions; however, the dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The dealers replaced the rearview camera twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the second dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintMy dealership informed me that my tires were feathering at the edges and wearing unevenly. I found information that there was a recall for this problem. There was a recall (4215) that stated there was a misalignment in the suspension creating the uneven wearing. This included my car model. I need information regarding why my car isn't listed for the recall. The car does have a weird skip in making hard turns.
Best & Worst Audi Q5 Years
Best Audi Q5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2023
2024
2020
(Current Model)
Audi Q5 Years to Avoid
Audi Q5 Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Audi Q5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
2020 Audi Q5 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2020 Audi Q5 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 22 | 6 | 4 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 22 | 6 | 4 |
NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Audi Q5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5?
Does the 2020 Audi Q5 shut off while driving?
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q5 have?
Is the 2020 Audi Q5 expensive to repair?
Don’t buy a 2020 Audi Q5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Audi Q5
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Audi Q5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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