2023 AUDI Q5

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Audi Q5 presents several concerning reliability issues, particularly with its electrical and airbag systems. Given that many problems occur within the first 20,000 miles, owners should be vigilant about potential safety risks.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recall concerns

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The safety of passengers, especially children in the back seat, is paramount, and the identified defects in the Audi Q5 could pose serious risks. The recalls related to electrical systems indicate potential hazards such as overheating and malfunctioning charging cables, which could lead to vehicle fires or disablement. Additionally, issues with front passenger airbag sensors jeopardize protection during collisions, putting all occupants at risk. These defects warrant immediate attention to ensure family safety on the road.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Accident
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.8)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Overall, the 2023 Audi Q5's reliability has notable concerns that deviate from expected standards for a premium brand like Audi. With multiple recalls affecting critical systems and a significant number of complaints raised by owners, it raises alarms about long-term safety for families relying on this vehicle.

Safety & Reliability Score

54/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-0.95
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 AUDI Q5

Model Year2023
MakeAUDI
ModelQ5
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May23
ISSUEFirst Report
Mar24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul25
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

4 complaints (21% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 19 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(11%)
🟑Medium
7(37%)
🟒Low
10(53%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With a peak failure range of 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage of only 5200 miles, current owners should be acutely aware that issues may arise early in the vehicle's lifespan. This high incidence of problems shortly after purchase stresses the importance of regular inspections and vigilance in monitoring any warning signs.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 1 of 19 complaints (5% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAIR BAGSENGINE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Air Bags

Issue: Possible deactivation of front passenger airbag due to electrical connection issues.

βœ…

Have your airbag system inspected immediately to confirm functionality.

πŸ”

Inquire about any completed recall repairs related to airbag systems before purchasing.

Campaign:23V146000
2

Electrical System

Issue: Risk of overheating in charging cables and traction battery malfunctions.

βœ…

Ensure that your charging setup is compatible with Audi's specifications and monitor for warnings.

πŸ”

'Ask whether previous owners experienced any electrical system issues or if recalls were addressed prior to purchase.'

Campaigns:23V13600023V148000
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your AUDI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 23V842000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.

Consequence

An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V251000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V898000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Audi Q5 PHEV and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Consequence

A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V080.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 25V080000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Consequence

A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 25V294000

ENGINE

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.

Consequence

The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Q5.

INV-2023-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Q5 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 37,193

Consumer Complaints

19 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Q5.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Accident21%
Acceleration Issues21%
Warning16%
Noise11%
Crash/Accident11%
Leak5%
Burn5%
Smell5%
Injury5%
Jerk5%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN

While travelling at highway speeds in the passing lane, a warning appeared β€œTransmission Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle” at which point the vehicle acceleration suddenly stopped. Fortunately despite the heavy and fast traffic I was able to get to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not move. The deslership noted this was part of technical bulletin 2064312/7 that caused this issue. Fortunately the Ohio Highway patrol came to keep me safe until the tow truck arrived. This is an extremely dangerous flaw that could have led to a serious accident. I urge you to investigate and order a recall for this potentially fatal issue.

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The digital dash screen system continually disconnects from the phone and will not reconnect. It disconnects during 911 calls. It disconnects when navigation is activated. It is very dangerous to drive a car that does this. I’m sure I paid thousands a dollar for this digital dash screen system, and is very frustrating that it does not work yet the Audi dealership and Audi corporate refused to, and or cannot fix my car. I’ve done research and it appears this is a very common problem and the service department at the dealership says they hear this complaint all the time.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Total engine failure at ~13.5k miles. 2 out of 4 cylinders and pistons failed, found damage on cylinder walls. Cylinder pressure too high. Failed cylinder leak down test and pressure test. Metal shavings found in oil filter and housing.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am not sure of what happened and I am not seeing any remedy also in the finding. My car has been idle since May 7th and hence please help me in resolving it as the recall status says that remedy not available.

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
STEERING,ENGINE

1 Steering wheel makes noise. Dealership fixed in December 2024 but same sound come back again. 2 Oil burning smell comes while driving.

ElectricalπŸ”Ά Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

We have a leased 2023 Audi Q5 that has been to the Audi Service Department twice so far to determine the source of the problem with our SOS sensor, which turns on randomly and now stays on and won't turn off. The first time, on April 23rd, Audi Service did not address the issue because they forgot to. The second time, on April 29th, the Audi Service rep, Kyle Blomberg, reported that the SOS sensor issue may be fixed with a software update coming out later this year. He will speak with the service foreman today for more information. This is a safety issue if the car is ever in an accident, as we are not sure if the airbags will deploy, whether the seat belt tension will be activated, or whether the eCall system will automatically contact emergency services. It's unacceptable for Audi not to deploy an update more expeditiously, as waiting nearly seven months is entirely ludicrous. Please investigate this further.

Steering/SuspensionπŸ”Ά Medium
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE

The lane keeping system randomly will malfunction and will veer the car either into oncoming traffic or out of the lane i am driving in. The most recent it tried to veer me off the road completely and into a sign off the road. The vehicle will also sometimes trigger the Audi collision avoidance system randomly. It has done it twice while turning left that the car will come to an abrupt halt for no reason. Both of these concerns can create car accidents if someone is either following closely behind or if the car veers into a different lane. I have reported this to the dealer multiple times and have escalated to Audi corporate. They are unable to replicate the issue, because it happens randomly and say the vehicle is operating within the standard. There have been no warnings or lamps that would indicate that the car has an issue.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
TIRES

235/55 R 19-101H, manufacture defect in the tread, there are remnants components of the fabric belt that are imbedded in the tread of the tire. The tires only have 5,200 miles on them. This was brought to the attention of the Audi Service Department on Saturday 16 March 2024, where they inspected the tire and replaced it the same day.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN THE HATCHBACK ON THIS CAR HAS BEEN OPEN ON AT LEAST 8 OCASSIONS IT HAS AUTOMATICALLY PEEPED AND BEGAN TO CLOSE ON ME WHILE, FOR EXAMPLE I WAS LEANING INTO THE BACK PUTTING IN OR TAKING OUT GROCERIES. THIS CAR HAS REAR BUMPER SENSOR TO ALLOW ONE TO OPEN THE HATCH WITH YOUR FOOT. THIS SENSOR IS ON THE LEFT END OF THE BUMPER. MY FEET HAVE NEVER BEEN NEAR THE SENSOR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED, THIS HATCH HAS ALSO CLOSED ON MY HUSBAND SO I DONT FEEL IT SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT I AM DOING.

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS

I am writing to file a complaint against Audi of America. My new vehicle, a 2023 Audi Q5 that I was involved in a minor car accident on [XXX]. That evening my car was side swiped during a merge after a toll both in Woodbridge, NJ off. Both vehicles were moving at relatively low speeds (30-35 mph). The damage to my car occurred on the passenger side panel and multiple air bags deployed including all 4 curtains as well as the passenger side seat air bag (though I did not have a passenger in the car with me). My car was towed to a local lot and has been with an auto body shop since [XXX]. Though all repairs were completed by mid-January, the car has been untouched since then due to the lack of availability of one part - the right front seat air bag. Part# 80A880242G which has been on order since Dec. 14th. So far, Audi has repeatedly claimed that the part ETA is unknown. My research online through Audi and car forums has shown that many other Audi drivers who have been in accidents are in the same predicament because the side air bag is deploying even when unnecessary creating a parts shortage with no solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues reported for the 2023 Audi Q5?'

'Common concerns include electrical system failures leading to overheating hazards and complications with airbag deployment due to sensor malfunctions. Owners frequently report these issues within the first few thousand miles.'

'How do the recalls affect my decision to buy a used 2023 Audi Q5?'

'Given multiple recalls focusing on critical components like airbags and electrical systems, ensure you verify all repairs have been completed before considering a used model. Prioritize vehicles with documented resolution of these safety concerns.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official AUDI records to ensure no 5 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in AUDI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every AUDI recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Q5 iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a AUDI specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.