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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2018 Audi Q5 Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
9%of 208 total for the year
Median mileage
12,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2018 Audi Q5, 9% of the 208 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 2018 Audi Q5. The electrical system basically went into complete failure, and upon taking it to the dealership, was told the sunroof draining system clogged and the flooding caused by this caused the damage. After significant research online, I have noted this seems to be a very well-known issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11565118, filed 2024-01

“Such incident happened two times: when I was driving at normal speed, another vehicle quickly approached me from back while switching to my lane. Out of any instruction, my vehicle applied brakes to decelerate. This almost caused crash and put my safety at high risk!”

NHTSA complaint #11611313, filed 2024-08

“While driving, the power steering completely went out and lost the ability to steer, while on the road. There were no prior warnings or feeling in the steering to present a possible future failure of steering under power. Put myself, my wife and the other operators at risk as I lost all power steering and had to pull over immediately. I have a current repair order open at a local shop and the PSM module has failed, of course requiring a full steering rack replacement to the tune of +$5k.”

NHTSA complaint #11640890, filed 2025-02

“The cars emergency brake system malfunctioned on our 2018 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, causing the brakes to lock up for no reason while traveling on a busy street at 35 mph. The force of the braking was enough to cause a bruise from the seatbelt. The risk is potential loss of control of the car, especially if this occurred at a higher speed, or being rear ended. We immediately took the car to an Audi dealer who could not ID an issue from looking at fault codes. …”

NHTSA complaint #11455805, filed 2022-03

“We purchased our 2018 AUDI Q5 in May 2018, which currently has 31,567 miles. Having done the majority of the driving, I am pleased overall, and continue to be a proud AUDI owner. However, as with all new cars, we had some glitches. For example, when backing out of the garage, the pre-sense would activate for no apparent reason, causing the brakes to lock up This happened three times and each time the Service Department was able to recalibrate the system. I felt the problem was resolved until recently when it occurred for the fourth time. …”

NHTSA complaint #11532835, filed 2023-07

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20252452%
20241260%
20231330%
202229%
20211115%
2020312%
201959%
2018199%

Other parts of the 2018 Audi Q5

Electrical system
74 complaints
Other or unknown
46 complaints
Engine
31 complaints
Suspension
25 complaints
Brakes
22 complaints
Body and structure
21 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Exterior lighting
13 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Audi Q5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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