2021 Audi Q5 E Safety Report
2021 Audi Q5 E shows concerning patterns of unintended automatic braking and critical electrical/power train failures in early complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi Q5 E
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 Audi Q5 E
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi Q5 E:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) The Forward Collision Avoidance system (Pre-sense) activates without a legitimate obstacle, causing sudden, aggressive braking and seatbelt tightening, nearly leading to rear-end collisions and causing injury. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Complete Vehicle Shutdown/Loss Of Power Vehicles experience sudden electrical system failures, loss of power, inability to start, and dashboard warnings, sometimes while driving, rendering the vehicle inoperable. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Malfunction/Loss Of Power Transmission malfunction messages appear, leading to a loss of power, particularly when ascending hills. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Charging System Errors Charging socket lock errors occur, disabling charging and inhibiting the vehicle's electric drivability. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
| Windshield Wiper Stoppage In Rain During heavy rain, windshield wipers stop functioning when the vehicle is at a standstill, severely impairing visibility. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Audi Q5 E:
Erroneous activation of the automatic emergency braking system, causing sudden stops.
Issues related to transmission malfunction and loss of power.
Problems including gas gauge malfunction and reduced range.
Critical failures leading to vehicle shutdown, inability to start, and various warning lights.
Potentially dangerous situations related to the braking system, separate from AEB.
Windshield wipers stopping during heavy rain when the vehicle is stationary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi Q5 E
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 E safe?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Audi Q5 E has 23 complaints, including 1 injury, but no reported crashes or fires. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings, concerning patterns exist with the Forward Collision Avoidance system causing unintended braking and critical electrical/power train failures leading to vehicle shutdowns, which are significant safety risks.
What are common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Audi Q5 E include unintended activation of the Forward Collision Avoidance system (3 complaints), power train malfunctions (2 complaints), and fuel/propulsion system issues (2 complaints). Several complaints also detail severe electrical system failures resulting in complete vehicle shutdowns.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Audi Q5 E?
As of the provided data, there are no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Q5 E.
How does the 2021 Audi Q5 E perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q5 E currently has no official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) available.
What should I be aware of regarding the braking system?
Be aware of reports concerning the Forward Collision Avoidance system (Pre-sense) activating without cause, leading to sudden and aggressive braking. This has been reported multiple times and can create a dangerous situation for both occupants and surrounding traffic.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the early complaints about critical electrical failures and unintended automatic braking, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially concerning these specific issues, before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi Q5 E
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi Q5 E. The data includes 23 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, 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.