Last updated: 2026-03-04

Audi Q5

1 Audi Q5 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Audi Q5 average of 69/100

The Audi Q5 years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 60/100. The best Audi Q5 year to buy is 2025 76/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Audi Q5 scores significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 60/100 due to electrical system (60) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Audi Q5 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Audi Q5 average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201860/100Good7197Electrical System (60)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Audi Q5

The 2018 Audi Q5 has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 197 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi Q5. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (60), Suspension (26), Unknown Or Other (23).

7 recalls197 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (60), Suspension (26), Unknown Or Other (23), Engine (11), Power Train (11), Air Bags (11)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Audi Q5 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Audi Q5 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

110 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

30 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

27 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SUSPENSION

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Audi Q5 Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Audi Q5

The 2019 Audi Q5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Audi Q5. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Steering (7), Power Train (4).

Score: 69/100 (Good)5 recalls40 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Audi Q5 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Audi Q5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Audi Q5 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Audi Q5 years: 2018 (score: 60/100). These model years score significantly below the Audi Q5 average of 69/100.
What is the best year for the Audi Q5?
The best year for the Audi Q5 is 2025, with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Audi Q5 have?
Across all years in our database, the Audi Q5 has a total of 49 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Audi Q5 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Audi Q5 problems?
The most common Audi Q5 problems are electrical system (110 complaints), engine (30 complaints), power train (27 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Audi Q5 reliable long-term?
The Audi Q5 has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Audi Q5?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Audi Q5 is $928 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Audi Q5 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Audi Q5 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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