2024 Audi Q5 Safety Report

The 2024 Audi Q5 presents a mixed safety picture, excelling in crash test performance but showing concerning patterns in advanced driver-assistance systems and a notable recall history. NHTSA awarded the vehicle a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong occupant protection in collisions. However, the vehicle has accumulated 16 complaints, with a significant portion (6 out of 16, or 37.5%) directly related to the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, specifically the Audi Pre-Sense. Multiple complaints describe sudden, uncommanded braking events, often in clear conditions or during turns, leading to near rear-end collisions and creating hazardous situations. Beyond the Pre-Sense issues, the 2024 Q5 has been subject to four recalls, which address critical safety concerns. Two recalls relate to fire risks: one for improperly tightened cylinder head cover screws in the engine, potentially leading to oil leaks and fire, and another for high-voltage battery overheating in PHEV models, also increasing fire risk. A third recall addresses a deactivated front passenger airbag sensor, which could prevent airbag deployment in a crash, increasing injury risk. The fourth recall concerns an overheating charging cable, again posing a fire hazard. These recalls, particularly those related to fire and airbag functionality, highlight serious manufacturing or design flaws that required immediate corrective action. In summary, while the 2024 Audi Q5 demonstrates excellent passive safety through its crash test ratings, the active safety systems, particularly the Pre-Sense, show a concerning pattern of malfunction based on consumer complaints. The four recalls, especially those involving fire risk and airbag deployment, indicate significant safety vulnerabilities that Audi has had to address. Prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for erratic behavior from the forward collision avoidance system and ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the documented issues with the Audi Pre-Sense system and ensure all four safety recalls have been completed. Consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection and test drive to evaluate the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems.