Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 24% | — |
| 2024 | 5 | 25% | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 9% | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 5% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 8% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 7 | 13% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 22 | 11% | 9,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 10% | 18,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 21,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% | 15,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% | 29,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% | 140,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Mileage at time of incident: Approximately 4,000 miles Date of incident: [redacted] Location: [redacted] Incident description: My vehicle was in neutral while going through an automatic car wash, as instructed. When the exit signal indicated it was clear to proceed, with my foot on the brake, I shifted into drive. The vehicle accelerated on its own, without corresponding accelerator pedal input, and struck the building adjacent to the car wash. The vehicle did not exit the building on its own, so I shifted into reverse. The vehicle again accelerated on its own and struck a structural beam. I applied continuous pressure to the brake pedal throughout the incident. The vehicle did not respond immediately, but the brakes eventually engaged and brought the vehicle to a stop. …
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. …
I am writing regarding a serious issue with my 2024 Audi Q5, which I purchased brand new and have owned for only 12 months. The vehicle has developed premature rotor wear, which is entirely unexpected given its age, my normal driving habits, and Audi's reputation for quality. Brake rotors should not require replacement this early unless there is a manufacturing or material defect. This vehicle is still under warranty, and I am requesting that Audi inspect the braking system immediately and cover the cost of any necessary repairs under warranty. Please document the inspection findings and let me know if there is a known issue or Technical Service Bulletin related to this. I am not willing to pay for a component failure that is clearly not due to driver misuse or wear and tear. I expect a prompt resolution and would appreciate a written response confirming next steps. …
The vehicle experiences sudden, uncommanded braking on clear roads due to a malfunction in the Audi Pre Sense system. The system falsely detects obstacles and applies the brakes abruptly, creating a safety hazard for occupants and surrounding traffic. The issue was reported to Audi Beverly Hills multiple times beginning July 2025, including through the dealer's online service request system. However, the dealer repeatedly failed to document the braking concern on repair orders until I insisted during later visits. In one visit (August 7, 2025), the dealer reduced the Pre Sense sensitivity without creating a repair order or performing diagnostics. At other times, service advisors stated the vehicle was "operating normally" or refused to record the concern unless it could be duplicated during a short test drive. …
My wife and I were in the 2023 Audi Q5 with 1000 miles. I had complained to the dealer and manufacturer that this car was unsafe to drive. On June 9, 2023 I was driving slowly in my community. I tried to stop at a stop sign. NO brakes then at the same time the car had unintended sudden acceleration. We had no control, no brakes and hit a fence and shrubbery and cement fence. All airbags deployed.
Car was being driven normally within a parking lot of a shopping center. Proceeded to park the vehicle in a parking space. Upon pressing break and holding break pedal pressed, went to push the parking button on gear shifter and car erratically jolted and drove forward and stopped upon impact with barriers/debris/crash. Multiple alerts and warnings illuminated right prior to the incident. Reviews of other drivers of this vehicle reveals similar incidents of unintended acceleration while breaks are actively being applied. No parking button options were stopping vehicle, impact/crash stopped car. Property of shopping plaza/target was damaged, my vehicle, Audi, was damaged and another vehicle parked next to claims their vehicle was involved/hit as well. …
I was driving down a slight hill in 1/2 inch of snow at 5MPH and when I tired to gently brake as I descended the hill, the brake pedal had no resistance and went flat to the floor. I had no brakes. I then tried to steer towards the side of the road and the steering wheel completely locked up and I was not able to steer. I slid 150 feet down the hill and into a ditch. No brakes and no steering. There must have been a failure of some kind. Terrifying.
The Gateway control module failed in September 2025 on my 2021 Audi Q5. Vehicle error messages included the following failures: Cruise control, Parking brake, transmission, brakes, and steering, windows rolled down, seats moved, dash and MMI black followed by a sudden loss of power, narrowly avoiding an accident (kids in car). Would not restart. Diagnosis by Audi dealer was that the Gateway control module got wet and needed to be replaced. This is Recall 90S9 from 2021 that was "repaired" in March 2022 by covering the module with a plastic bag. This proved an insufficient repair backed up by a class action lawsuit filed in January 2022 titled Gioffe, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:22-cv-00193). I reached out to Audi USA to request a Goodwill repair which was my only available recourse given that the recall had been completed and closed. …
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Q5 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (22), 2025 (11), 2019 (7), 2013 (6) and 2024 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Audi Q5 brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 19V-277 (master cylinder, Apr 8, 2019); 18V-369 (caliper, Jun 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi Q5 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles; 79% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
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.