2021 Audi Q5 E Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 17%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Audi Q5 E, 17% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has an issue with the transmission control, it will not reliably shift into the appropriate gears as it gains speed, often slipping & shuddering, sometimes even slamming into a higher gear. A few times it has stayed in first or second gear as I was pulling onto a busy street into oncoming traffic, I was unable to gain speed without taking my foot off the gas entirely and trying again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11738560, filed 2026-05“The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise and all the warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded and drove at 15 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and could not be driven any further. In addition, all the windows were independently opened and closed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was pending a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11452715, filed 2022-02, 10,000 miles“Vehicle Information: 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) e-quattro Component: Engine (Engine Block, Connecting Rod Bearings, Cylinders)Description of Incident:My 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal engine failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11766043, filed 2026-09“Six months ago received a warning saying Electrical System Failure: safely stop vehicle. Took it to the dealer. They had the vehicle 30+ days and said they had finally fixed it. Almost immediately began receiving the same error message upon driving vehicle again. Called dealer and asked what to do. They said it must be a sensor problem because they replaced everything. Said it could be ignored. Warning light would come on and then go off periodically but we continued to drive vehicle on dealer's advice. …”
NHTSA complaint #11509542, filed 2023-02Related service bulletins
- 11038129Sep 25, 2026This bulletin provides information when the starter/generator drive belt is noisy or came off.
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11034656Jun 4, 2026This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
- 11029368Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11027439Dec 19, 2025This bulletin provides service information when there is dirt or a small amount of oil residue on the engine mounting.
- 11027356Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11026211Nov 19, 2025This bulletin provides information when the starter/generator drive belt is noisy or came off; 2.0 ltr. Inline 4-cyl. TFSI.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Audi Q5 E
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Audi Q5 E
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology