Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2025 Audi Q5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [redacted] ). The vehicle has been in the dealership for approximately 42 non-consecutive days for repeated malfunctions of multiple safety systems.While driving, the vehicle displays warnings and disables the following systems: SOS, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Active Front Assist/Distance Warning, Lane Change Warning, Proactive Occupant Protection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Light, Emergency Assist, High-Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, and Distance Warning. These systems intermittently fail and become unavailable, triggering dashboard alerts and warning messages.Despite multiple repair attempts, the same failures continue to reoccur. …
Brake Electronics Control Unit Failure (DTC U041800): Logged active diagnostic code U041800 (implausible signal in address 812C). Dealership records confirm no permanent remedy exists, with software patches delayed into Q3 2026, leaving active braking and electronic system faults unaddressed. Electrical Grid Collapse & Parasitic Battery Drain: Vehicle experienced exterior lights activating independently during sleep mode and cyclical 300mA to 2.0A parasitic draws. Required warranty replacement of the Central Electrical Control Module (J519), Low Voltage Power Distributor Module (J1282), and primary 12V battery (RO #AUCS214055). Powertrain & Transmission Engagement Failures: Experienced Check Engine Light cycling and a total failure to engage "Park" for 20 minutes. …
On October 14, 2026, while driving my 2025 Audi Q5 on a busy freeway at approximately 57 mph, the vehicle suddenly activated emergency braking and rapidly slowed/stopped without warning. At the same time, the seat belt tightened extremely forcefully around my body, restricting my movement and making it difficult to breathe. The instrument cluster then displayed "Emergency assist: canceled." I believe the malfunction involved the vehicle's emergency/driver-assistance braking system and restraint system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden braking created an immediate risk of a serious rear-end collision because the vehicle unexpectedly slowed/stopped in freeway traffic. I was also physically restrained by the seat belt during the event and unable to move normally. This specific freeway incident has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. …
The ADAS is not working properly. Adaptive cruise control, emergency assist, lane departure, active front assist, distance warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive light, etc. are all not working. The check engine light is illuminated, the key fob would not open car (not a battery issue) and the seat belt tensioner is not working properly. Those ADAS features are there for a reason and that is to enhance the safety of me, my passengers and other drivers. The key fob allows quick access to my vehicle, which enhances my safety when alone or with others. The seat belt tensioner provides restraint during an accident so neither I nor my passenger will go head first into the windshield, air bags and/or steering wheel/dashboard. The problems have been confirmed with the dealership. Yes, it has been inspected by the dealership. Yes, they first appeared January 2025. …
Regarding the adaptive cruise control, sometimes the system won't engage. The first time this happened a warning popped on the screen saying something about seatbelts. I've learned that the problem can be "fixed" by pulling off the road and turning the car completely off. That includes opening a door to silence the radio. The cruise has always worked afterwards. Sometimes while driving on cruise control, in a straight line, the car brakes abruptly for no apparent reason. Granted we were on the interstate and there was traffic but no reason whatsoever to brake. The cruise control is easily confused on roads with multiple lanes and sharp curves, like on [redacted] between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. The car will brake abruptly, seemingly sensing a car in front of me but in a different lane. …
The airbag light and the driving assistance warning lights appeared on the dashboard randomly one day. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Audi of Columbia), where they kept it for a week and said the software needed to be updated. They updated it multiple times, but the car would not complete the update until the last attempt. When I picked up the car, they reported that several other 2025 Q5 (new model) vehicles were being brought in for the same issue. When I picked up the car, there were no warning lights on the dashboard. Approximately 1-2 weeks later, the same warning lights appeared on the dashboard again. I brought it to the dealership again, where they recalibrated the systems, disconnected the battery, and then cleared the fault code. That cleared the warning lights, and they planned to drop off my vehicle the next business day. …
While driving home from the dealership on Route 65 at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully applied the brakes without warning. My husband and I are experiencing symptoms of whiplash including back and neck pain. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles nearby that would have triggered this response. This was a scary experience, and I am concerned it could happen again in traffic or at higher speeds. This incident presents a serious safety hazard to me, my passengers, and others on the road. The auto was purchased one week ago. Had it in for service. According to the service summary, the Driver Assist System had a coding error, and a hard reset of the module was performed. Unfortunately, after the braking incident, upon arriving home and restarting the vehicle, the same error message "Initializing Active Front Assist" immediately reappeared. …
* Primary Component: Forward Collision Avoidance * Secondary Component (if available): Electrical System / Lane Departure Step 3: The Incident Description (Copy & Paste below) > Summary of Safety Defect: > The vehicle is experiencing a critical, recurring failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). There are two primary life-safety issues: > * Phantom Braking: The vehicle initiates sudden, forceful emergency braking without any external hazard or obstacle present. This rapid, unprovoked deceleration occurs at highway speeds, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. > * Total Warning Failure: The system fails to provide any visual or audible "Pre-Sense" alerts when actual hazards are present. The safety suite is non-functional and fails to warn the driver of oncoming items. …
My vehicle has now experienced a serious electrical malfunction a few times, including one again today. Each time, the car suddenly loses power and drops to 40 mph, the steering wheel shakes, and all warning lights come on. This is extremely dangerous and puts my safety-and the safety of others-at risk. The Car is Brand new and has about 1200 miles. I took the car in previously, and the dealership admitted they do not know how to fix the issue. Despite this, when I called again today after the problem happened, they refused to take the car in. At this point I do not feel safe driving it or having anyone else in the vehicle. This is severely impacting my daily life and mobility. I need immediate action and a resolution to this unsafe situation. I only get run around when I call Audi Fletcher Jones and my service adviser does not resolve my issue. …
The 2025 Audi Q5 has a systemic problem with its Multi Meidia and driver assist features, such as cruise control, side mirrors, back up camera, directional maps, etc, which malfunction at inopportune times causing major distraction while driving. Audi has been aware of the problem since 2025 and had a partial patch available in 2025, but did not inform drivers nor make it available unless requested by vehicle owner. Dealers, such at the dealer we purchased our Audi Q5 from, D-Patrick, Evansville IN, did not make us aware of flaws, and kept inidicating that it was or phones or other situations which could be easily adjusted, which was false. We did not feel safe using the vehicle and conatantly look for alternatives, due to fear and safety concerns. The first incident occured immediately after pruchase of the vehicle and has continued on a repeat basis. …
Collision Avoidance complaints in other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are collision avoidance problems on the 2025 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2025 Audi Q5, 56% of the model year's 45 complaints. The component named most often is automatic emergency braking (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2025 Audi Q5 collision avoidance problems?
No. NHTSA lists no driver assistance recall for the 2025 Audi Q5, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to driver assistance problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.