Last updated: 2026-10-10

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

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

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

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

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: 20.2

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.

19V7370002019-10-16

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.

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.

VIN History Report

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.

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.

  • 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.

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

Total 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.

5 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

The 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.

4 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaintsSafety-related

An 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.

3 complaints total1 fire1 injury
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Power 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.

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.

Best & Worst Audi Q5 Years

Best Audi Q5 Years to Buy

Top Pick
71
Good

2023

2Recalls
6Complaints
70
Good

2024

5Recalls
26Complaints
69
Good

2020

(Current Model)

6Recalls
22Complaints

Audi Q5 Years to Avoid

Audi Q5 Reliability Score Trend

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
201860/100—Good7197

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?
Yes, its reliability standing is good, and it is close to average against other 2020 SUVs. Owners filed 22 complaints, or 4.4 per 10,000 sold. It sits in the middle of the nine scored Q5 years. Electrical shutdowns and fluid loss are the weak spots to check before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5?
Electrical complaints lead, with four reports of sudden shutdowns, error message bursts, false airbag warnings and hard braking from the Pre Sense system. Engine reports follow, including a fire and steady coolant or oil loss. Steering and brake assist loss when the car shuts off comes next.
Does the 2020 Audi Q5 shut off while driving?
Some owners say it does. Reports describe the car dying without warning at expressway or mountain-road speeds and then not restarting. Others say auto stop/start killed the engine at a stop sign, followed by a full electronics shutdown. Owners and dealers tie these failures to the gateway control module.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q5 have?
Federal records list six recalls. They cover structure, the electrical system, tires, suspension and seats. The 2019 has five recalls, and the 2021 has 16. Ask the seller for proof that each 2020 recall repair was completed.
Is the 2020 Audi Q5 expensive to repair?
A little more than average. Independent repair-cost data estimates $928 a year for the Q5 across model years, against $807 for its class. Dealers topping off coolant or oil without finding the cause could add to that, so review service records.

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

Look Up a VIN →

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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Audi Q5.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.

See incorrect data? Report an issue