Audi Q5 Collision Avoidance Problems

Owners have filed 104 complaints about driver assistance problems with the Audi Q5 — 8% of all Q5 complaints. The worst model years are 2025 (25), 2018 (22) and 2023 (15). Problems typically start around 10,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

104complaints
2025worst year
10ktypical miles
1related recalls
9crashes
0fires

Collision Avoidance complaints by model year

’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’251132264123151225
Collision Avoidance complaints per model year, Audi Q5.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
20252556%—
20241260%—
20231534%—
2022314%—
20211216%—
2020416%5,000 miles
2019612%—
20182211%12,000 miles
201634%—
201511%—
201411%—

Which parts fail

  • Automatic emergency braking
    59
  • Warnings
    44
  • Adaptive cruise control
    19
  • Assist
    10
  • Blind spot detection
    8
  • Warning
    8
  • Rearview system braking
    4
  • Sensing system › Camera
    1

Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    375%
  • 25k–50k
    00%
  • 50k–75k
    125%
  • 75k–100k
    00%
  • 100k–150k
    00%
  • 150k+
    00%

What owners report

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. …

2025 Q5 · Assist · Nov 2025

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. …

2025 Q5 · Adaptive cruise control · Jan 2026

In addition to our complaint #11608543, filed on 8/14/2024, we are submitting a new and different safety concern today. While driving our new 2024 Audi Q5 with the adaptive cruise control set at the speed zone limit (55 mph), the cruise control adjusted itself down to 20 mph. The adjustment from 55 to 20 is sudden and extremely abrupt with some braking being applied. NO advanced warnings or discernible causes for the speed reductions were observed. If another driver had been following us, we likely would have experienced a rear end collision. We have experienced this malfunction on [redacted], east of Carroll, IA, and 1 to 1-1/2 miles north of [redacted], traveling in both the north direction and south direction. We have visited with the dealer numerous times. …

2024 Q5 · Adaptive cruise control · Sep 2024

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. …

2024 Q5 · Warnings · Feb 2025

My wife was pulling into a parking spot when all of a sudden the cars engine accelerated causing the car to jump one curb, hit a step and striking a pole before finally the brakes stopped the car from going through a storefront. None of the safety crash features stopped the vehicle. My wifes foot was on the brake, not the accelerator. Previously we had the vehicle in for service to reset the computer that kept freezing. Unfortunately we did not research Audi in detail before we bought. Since this occurrence, we have seen that some of Audi's models have had a history of "unintended sudden acceleration" and that there was actually a class action lawsuit years ago. After reading about those occurrences, we believe that this is what occurred. Audi corporate sent their engineers to download the computer data. They concluded that there was no computer error and no evidence of impact. …

2023 Q5 · Automatic emergency braking · Nov 2023 · crash

Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged when the vehicle was parked on an incline. Unable to release automatic emergency brake when vehicle was started with key. Ignition light warning - RED - symbol - brake failure. Required a tow to Audi dealership. Audi dealership in two states failed to use OMB II reader to scan codes at the time of emergency visit. Vehicle was released to owner without scanning codes at the time of the emergency therefore owner acquired more than 3-4 consecutive drive cycles before scheduled repair appointment 7 days after emergency incident described above because the Audi dealerships in two states (vehicle occupants were traveling long distance) failed to read and store computer codes immediately after emergency incident with the automatic braking system. This incident made the vehicle inoperable and placed the occupants of the vehicle in an unsafe situation. …

2023 Q5 · Automatic emergency braking · Jun 2026

While driving my 2022 Audi Q5 on Interstate I-35 at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly applied braking while traveling on a wet roadway. The braking felt unexpected and the vehicle lost traction and control. The vehicle skidded and struck a concrete barrier. The side airbag deployed during the crash. Fortunately, my family survived the accident. I am unsure whether this event was caused by road conditions or a possible malfunction related to braking, stability control, or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but I am reporting the incident for safety review.

2022 Q5 · Adaptive cruise control · Mar 2026 · crash

NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint - 2022 Audi Q5 I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion through the panoramic-roof drainage system of a 2022 Audi Q5 and resulting damage to the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle was purchased with a rebuilt title at approximately 8,000 miles following minor dents/scratches and was fully operational. We drove approximately 23,000 additional miles without water-intrusion or electrical problems. Following heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle and reached the comfort module, wiring and connectors, causing corrosion and extensive electrical damage. While driving, the vehicle began stalling and its lights/electronics started flashing. After we stopped, it would not start again. …

2022 Q5 · Blind spot detection · Jul 2026

Related recalls (1)

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 22V-742 · Oct 5, 2022 · 170,296 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5,…

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Frequently asked questions

Which Audi Q5 years have collision avoidance problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2025 (25), 2018 (22), 2023 (15), 2021 (12) and 2024 (12) model years. Collision Avoidance complaints make up 56% of all complaints for the 2025.

Is there a recall for Audi Q5 collision avoidance problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-742 (display function, Oct 5, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Audi Q5 collision avoidance problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles; 75% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the automatic emergency braking (59 mentions), followed by the warnings (44).

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.