2020 Audi Q5 E Safety Report

2020 Audi Q5 E shows limited complaints, but includes a battery fire and electrical/powertrain malfunctions.

12Complaints
0Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Service Brakes (2)Engine (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Electrical System (1)Power Train (1)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Suspension,Wheels (1)Suspension,Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Audi Q5 E

The 2020 Audi Q5 E presents a mixed safety picture based on the limited NHTSA data available. With only 12 total complaints, the vehicle has not been extensively reported, which could be due to its lower sales volume as a plug-in hybrid variant. A significant concern is the single reported fire incident involving the plug-in hybrid battery, which occurred while the car was charging. While only one instance, battery fires are high-severity events that warrant attention. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths associated with these complaints. Common complaint patterns include issues with the electrical system and engine, often manifesting as 'drive system malfunction' warnings, rough idling, and even the car shutting itself off. Service brakes are also a recurring theme, with two complaints specifically mentioning brake booster issues, despite the vehicle's VIN not being included in a related recall for other 2020 Audi Q5 models. Power train issues, specifically transmission failure and jerking during EV to hybrid transition, are also noted. The vehicle has no open recalls, which is positive, but some complaints reference existing recalls (e.g., 22V034 for rear axle alignment) where owners felt the recall work was incomplete or did not cover consequential damage like tire wear. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2020 Audi Q5 E are not available (N/A) for overall, frontal, side, or rollover categories. This lack of official crash test data makes it difficult to assess its performance in collision scenarios. However, the standard Audi Q5 models typically perform well in crash tests. The primary safety concerns for the Q5 E, based on the complaints, revolve around potential electrical and powertrain malfunctions that could lead to unexpected vehicle behavior or loss of power, and the isolated but serious battery fire incident.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Audi Q5 E receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2020 Audi Q5 E

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Audi Q5 E:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire
One reported incident of the plug-in hybrid battery emitting smoke and catching fire while charging.		 High Rare N/A miles
Electrical/Engine 'Drive System Malfunction'
Multiple complaints of 'Electrical Malfunction' or 'drive system malfunction' warnings, leading to rough engine idling, cooling issues, and the car shutting off.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Brake Booster Failure
Complaints of brake booster light illumination and faulty units, with owners noting TSBs but not being covered by existing recalls for other Q5 models.		 High Occasional under 50000 miles
Cvt Transmission Jerking/Failure
Vehicle jerking during EV to Hybrid transition, and one report of complete transmission failure with racing and banging noises.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Rear Axle Alignment/Tire Wear (Recall Related)
Owners reporting uneven and unsafe tire wear due to a known defect (NHTSA: 22V034) with the rear axle suspension alignment, with some issues regarding recall repair completion.		 Medium Occasional 15000-N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Audi Q5 E:

Electrical System 33% of complaints

Frequent reports of 'Electrical Malfunction' and 'drive system malfunction' warnings, often linked to engine and cooling issues.

Engine 25% of complaints

Issues include rough idling, the car shutting off, and jerking during EV to hybrid transition, often intertwined with electrical problems.

Service Brakes 17% of complaints

Complaints about brake booster failure and warning lights, with some owners feeling their VINs should be included in existing recalls.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Reported issues include transmission failure and jerking during mode transitions.

Fuel/Propulsion System 8% of complaints

One severe incident of a plug-in hybrid battery fire while charging.

Suspension 17% of complaints

Concerns related to rear axle alignment leading to premature and uneven tire wear, referencing recall 22V034.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Audi Q5 E

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 E safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Audi Q5 E has a low number of complaints (12 total), but these include a serious battery fire incident and multiple reports of electrical and powertrain malfunctions that could affect drivability. There are no official NHTSA crash test ratings available for this specific model, making a full safety assessment challenging.

What are common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5 E?

The most reported issues for the 2020 Audi Q5 E are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33% of complaints) and ENGINE (25%), often manifesting as 'drive system malfunction' warnings, rough idling, and the car shutting off. SERVICE BRAKES (17%) are also a concern, specifically brake booster failures. One critical issue reported is a plug-in hybrid battery fire.

Are there any recalls for the 2020 Audi Q5 E?

According to the provided data, there are no open recalls specifically for the 2020 Audi Q5 E. However, some complaints reference recall 22V034 for rear axle alignment, indicating that some owners believe their vehicles should be covered or that recall repairs were incomplete.

How does the 2020 Audi Q5 E perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2020 Audi Q5 E are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, so its specific crash test performance cannot be assessed from this data.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2020 Audi Q5 E?

When considering a used 2020 Audi Q5 E, pay close attention to any 'drive system malfunction' warnings, check for smooth transitions between EV and hybrid modes, and inspect the brake system for any warning lights or unusual noises. Inquire about the vehicle's service history, especially regarding any electrical, engine, or brake-related repairs, and ensure any applicable recalls, like the rear axle alignment (22V034), have been properly addressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the limited data, the 2020 Audi Q5 E shows potential high-severity issues like a battery fire and electrical/powertrain malfunctions; a thorough pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is highly recommended, focusing on the hybrid system, brakes, and electrical components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Audi Q5 E

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Audi Q5 E. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.