Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2025 Audi Q5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed on three occasions, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
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. …
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. …
On December 22nd i got into the vehicle and a few errors popped up which consisted of "loose wheel warning malfunction" "brakes: limited functionality drive with causation" "active front assist and emergency assist unavailable". I called the nearest dealer and was told it's ok to drive it's just a software glitch and if i don't feel comfortable driving i should take it to the dealer and come back tomorrow for a loaner since service was closed already. So i proceeded to drive home, about 10 minutes into the drive a warning for the coolant came up so i pulled off into a parking lot and as i went to park another warning came up saying coolant too high turn off vehicle and as i was approaching the parking spot the car started to overheat and smoke. This is a BRAND new car with BARELY 1000 miles on it.
Check engine light is on almost constantly on my car. It might turn off and stay that way for a couple of days, but always comes on again. Dealership had made two attempts to "fix" it by just clearing the faults. However, according to the service department the reason why check engine light came on was "faults for loss of communication to powertrain electronics and brake electronics" which i think is a real safety concern. After my last trip to the dealership the check engine light came on after just two days of normal driving. There was also a situation when i was unable to shift to park with the risk of rolling along with some other error messages on the dash. I was unable to lock the vehicle because of that and of course there was a risk of it rolling.
The car floods with excess fuel after idling for a short period of time resulting in multiple misfires and violent vibration. The car will not restart and will need to be towed. In traffic jams, the car can fail stranding motorists and creating a very unsafe situation. The problem has been verified by the dealership. Apparently, it is a known issue with the new Audi Q5 and they do not have a viable solution. They said to put the car in neutral and rev the engine to try and burn excess fuel. However, once the misfires start, it's probably too late. I have pictures of the warning lights and the service reports. The car is 2 weeks old and has been back to the shop twice ( towed once) for a total of 5 days.
This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed however, I have personally almost had two major traffic accidents when this system engaged in the process of overtaking a vehicle, slamming the brakes and almost causing a accident where he and I was rear ended. This is not a vehicle. I would let a child learn how to drive in.
Two weeks after purchase, experienced multiple, random driver assistance failures. After attempting to repair issue once unsuccessfully, The dealership was unable to provide a second service appointment for two and a half months. Was explained all 2025 Audis were having issues, so couldn't get car in any sooner. Before that second scheduled service appointment and while driving in traffic, the brakes failed.
Adaptive cruise control not working....,Intermitently shutting off. This is coinciding with numerous engine, oil and gas warning lights going off in the Audi MMI system. Lead tech at Audi dealership in Norwell MA is telling me that this is a well known issue with the 2025 Audi Q5 needing a software update that will not be available until sometime in the 3rd quarter
Electrical complaints in other Q5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2025 Audi Q5?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2025 Audi Q5, 44% of the model year's 45 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2025 Audi Q5 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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.
At what mileage do 2025 Audi Q5 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 0 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
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.