Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Audi Q5
RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2020 Audi Q5 Reliability Report

The 2020 Audi Q5 scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 22 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

6

Complaints

22

Complaint Rate

4.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$928

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,900

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity74/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • ENGINE (3)
  • STEERING (2)

Should You Buy the 2020 Audi Q5?

At 69/100, the 2020 Audi Q5 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Owners log 22 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

23V8420002023-12-13

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.

22V0340002022-01-26

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.

21V9470002021-12-08

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Audi Q5? Check its history first

Every 2020 Audi Q5 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Audi Q5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes – produced after 11/11/2019 and VIN WA1ANAFY5L2040487)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes – produced after 11/11/2019 and VIN WA1ANAFY5L2040487)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi Q5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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

Q5
$928
Category Avg
$807
All Vehicles
$652

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%

after 5 years

Depreciation
50.7%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
155

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.com

MPG & 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Q5 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S7)222824$2,900
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Q5 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7)252927$2,550

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Audi Q5.

  • Check for unresolved recalls, especially related to the gateway control module

  • Test the electrical system for sudden shutdowns or warning lights

  • Inspect for signs of coolant or oil consumption issues

  • Verify the functionality of the turbocharger electronic waste gate

  • Ensure the hood latch mechanism is secure and functioning properly

  • Test the sunroof for structural integrity and signs of stress

2020 Audi Q5 Common Problems by Component

22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

5
4
3
4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)ENGINE (3)STEERING (2)SEAT BELTS (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)STRUCTURE (1)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)Other (4)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several significant issues with the 2020 Audi Q5, primarily involving sudden sunroof explosions and critical electrical failures. One complaint mentions a sunroof exploding without external impact while driving on the highway. Multiple owners describe complete electrical failures, often linked to a faulty gateway control module, which left vehicles inoperable and unable to shift into neutral. These issues have resulted in long delays for parts, with some owners waiting months without resolution. Safety implications are notable, with two reported crashes, one involving unintended acceleration into a house and another due to non-engagement of automatic braking, leading to a total vehicle loss. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers, particularly concerning unresolved recalls and part availability.

5 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Audi Q5 report several issues related to the electrical system, with multiple complaints highlighting sudden vehicle shutdowns. These incidents often occur without warning, with drivers noting the inability to use hazard lights or restart the vehicle, even in dangerous situations such as on expressways. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring at relatively low mileages, such as around 2,300 miles, and include symptoms like dashboard warning messages and abrupt system failures. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the car's safety features, such as unexpected activation of the Audi Pre Sense system, leading to abrupt braking. These electrical failures pose significant safety risks, including potential accidents due to loss of vehicle control.

4 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Audi Q5 report several engine-related issues. One owner experienced a significant safety incident involving a fire originating from a malfunctioning turbocharger electronic waste gate, which resulted in the vehicle being totaled and causing smoke inhalation injuries. Another owner reports consistent coolant consumption of approximately 300mL every 800-1000 miles, with dealership inspections failing to identify any faults. A third owner describes persistent engine oil consumption, requiring replenishment every 2 to 3 weeks over a seven-month period, with no resolution despite involving the dealership and manufacturer. These complaints highlight issues with engine component reliability, with potential safety implications in cases of fire.

3 complaints total1 fire1 injury
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2020 Audi Q5 involving steering and vehicle control, often tied to electrical or computer malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, leading to a loss of power steering and power brakes, with the car becoming difficult to control. Typical symptoms include the vehicle rolling or stopping suddenly, emergency brakes engaging without warning, and all electronics shutting down. These issues are noted at low mileages, such as around 150 miles and within the first few months of ownership. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of control could be hazardous, especially if the malfunctions occur at higher speeds or in traffic.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2019-11-30

ANY 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-related
2022-12-22Crash reported1 injury

Incident 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 complaint
2022-05-16

The hood has opened 3 different times with no warning while driving down the road.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint
2023-05-23

Stopped 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 complaint
2023-06-04

The 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 complaint
2023-03-01

My 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.

When Do 2020 Audi Q5 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–3,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Audi Q5 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Audi Q5 Years to Buy

The best Audi Q5 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (76/100) and 2023 (71/100).

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.

Audi Q5 Reliability Score Trend

Audi Q5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 66/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Audi Q5 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201969/100Good
202069/100Good
202166/100Good
202268/100Good
202371/100Good
202470/100Good
202576/100Good
202676/100Good

Audi Q5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/1000Good00
202576/100+6Good015
202470/100-1Good526
202371/100+3Good26
202268/100+2Good839
202166/100-3Good16126
2020(selected)69/1000Good622
201969/100+9Good540
201860/100Good7197

2020 Audi Q5 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2020 Audi Q5 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas22645 out of 5
PHEV000N/T
Total2264

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?
The 2020 Audi Q5 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 22 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Audi Q5 include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), ENGINE (3 complaints), STEERING (2 complaints), SEAT BELTS (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q5 have?
The 2020 Audi Q5 has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Audi Q5 expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Audi Q5 has estimated annual repair costs of $928/year, which is $121 more than the luxury midsize SUVs average of $807. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Audi Q5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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