Second generation
2018 Audi Q5
The most reported problem on the 2018 Audi Q5 is stalling, with 25 complaints, usually around 47,000 miles.
- 205owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 40,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Q5 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 reliable?
The 2018 Audi Q5 has 205 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Q5 model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- The 2018 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 23 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2017 draws 4 and the 2019 6.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Stalling has 25 complaints and suspension has 24, out of 205 in all. A quarter of the 14 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 18,000 miles, and half by about 47,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 11 of the 205 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash and 5 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 4 of 10, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as stalling. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 45 and have dropped every year since, to 29 in 2025. So far in 2026, 20 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 25 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
205 complaints is 1.3 times fewer than the median 2018 model on this site and 1.6 times fewer than the median 2018 SUV. Among the 1 Q5 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Audi Q5
Audi filed 1,083 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Audi Q5. 88 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 1 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 24 bulletins · 24 complaints
This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
This bulletin provides information when there are rumbling/knocking noises from the front suspension; bolted connection of strut brace.
22 more on this problem
This TSB provides informaiton pertaining to noises from the guide link bush.
This bulletin provides information when there are rumbling noises from the suspension - upper link rubber mounting.
This bulletin provides information on locating noises coming from the suspension.
This bulletin serves as an assessment aid for shock absorber leaks.
This TSB provides information when there are rumbling/knocking noises from front suspension - bolted connection of strut brace.
This TSB provides informaiton about locating noises coming from suspension.
This bulletin is an assessment aid for shock absorber leaks.
This bulletin provides information when noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft are reported.
This bulletin provides information when DTCs B200FF0 to B200FF5 stored in the J775 suspension control unit.
This bulletin provides infomraion when there are rumbling/knocking noises from the front suspension.
Plus 12 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 17 bulletins · 22 complaints
This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
15 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach for all Audi vehicles regarding brake vibrations.
This bulletin provides information for when the brakes creak at an almost standstill.
This bulletin provides information on for when there is corrosion on the friction surface of a steel brake disc.
This bulletin provides information on brake noise analysis and handling.
This bulletin provides information for when one or more DC is stored in the ABS control unit related to the parking switch; DTC C100C07 and/or C100C29.
This bulletin provides instructions for brake noise analysis and handling.
This bulletin contains instructions for when the brake servo unit is the source of a squawking noise.
This bulletin describes the procedure necessary to address a noise that is heard when pressing the brake pedal.
This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for brake noise.
This bulletin advises to replace the Brake Servo Unit in instances where squeaking noises are heard when pressing the brake pedal.
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 29 bulletins · 17 complaints
This bulletin provides informaito when Apple CarPlay/Android Auto does not react to touch inputs.
This bulleitn provides information whent here are complaints about route guidance with Navigation.
27 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information when a customer reports that poor voice quality via bluetooth with iOS 18.0.x - 18.4.x.
Apple CarPlay: general troubleshooting for connection complaints.
This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
This bulletin provides information when there are various messages displayed; DTCs B200FF1 and/or B200FF2 stored in the camera control module.
This bulletin provides information when the rear lighting warning is displayed in the instrument cluster; various DTCs are stored in the comfort system control module.
This bulletin provides general troubleshooting for connection complaints related to Apple CarPlay.
This bulletin provides information when the top view camera setting changes to graphic view intermittently after startup with MIB2.
This bulletin provides information for vehicles when the infotainment system sporadically reboots.
This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.
This bulletin provides information for when the customer has concerns about the navigation route guidance.
Plus 17 older ones not listed here.
Airbag warning light or recall 6 bulletins · 13 complaints
This bulletin provides information when the airbag warning light is on, DTC B13BCF2 stored in the airbag control module.
This bulletin provides information for when the airbag warning light is on and DTC B13BCF2 is stored in the airbag control module.
4 more on this problem
This bulletin provides instructions for when the airbag light is illuminated in the DIS, and may also be illuminated in the overhead console, and it is accompanied by DTC B122551.
This bulletin contains instructions for when the airbag warning is illuminated and DTC B13BCF2 is stored.
This bulletin contains instructions for when the airbag warning is illuminated and DTC B13BCF2 is stored. 2015-2020 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Sportback, 2018-2020 RS5 Cabriolet, 2018-2020 S5 Sportback
This bulletin contains instructions for correcting DTC B1225F1.
Seat belt or seat problems 4 bulletins · 11 complaints
This TSB provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.
This bulletin contains instructions for addressing a squeaking noise while moving in the seat or while driving.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin addresses the possible concern that the seat belts have been installed on the wrong side during a service appointment.
This informational bulletin outlines what is damage due to outside influence on a seat belt.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 3 bulletins · 11 complaints
This bulletin provides information for when the low coolant light is illuminated but the coolant level is within specifications.
Noise from front door trim panel while driving Low coolant warning in cluster, coolant level is correct Check engine lamp is on, DTC (s) P010600, P023600, P023700, P023800 Leak from oil pan USB Trim detached from center console 3.0L engine sound generator ...
1 more on this problem
This bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing a coolant light concern with normal coolant level in the tank.
Battery dies or the car will not start 3 bulletins · 9 complaints
This bulletin provides information for when the starter battery is discharged, and the vehicle cannot be started due to the front adjustment seat switch becoming jammed.
This bulletin provides information for when the 48V battery is in a low voltage protection state and will not accept a charge; DTC P0A7D00 is logged.
1 more on this problem
THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PROVIDES TROUBLESHOOTING FOR THE BATTERY FOR A CONDITION THAT CAUSES NO START DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE.
Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 2 bulletins · 8 complaints
Diagnosed and confirmed malfunction of the vehicle’s AEB system that resulted from failure or malfunction of the AEB system’s control unit, camera(s), LIDAR, and/or sensor(s) which enable automatic emergency braking functionality.
This bulletin provides information for when an unexpected Audi presense front intervention such as a front end warning, a warning jolt, partial braking, or emergency braking occurs and a warning appears in the instrument cluster and audibly.
Complaints filed by year
45 complaints came in 2023, 3.0 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 Audi Q5
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
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.
Risk and remedy
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. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
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.
Risk and remedy
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. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
All 6 recalls on the 2018 Audi Q5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide One recall here carries a do-not-drive warning. What that means
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Audi Q5?
Stalling, with 25 of the 205 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 47,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Audi Q5 problems start?
Of the 99 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 12,000 miles and half by about 40,000.
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has more complaints than both the 2017 and the 2019: 23 a year against 4 and 6.
How many 2018 Audi Q5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2018 Audi Q5?
No recall on file for the 2018 Audi Q5 is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.