Skip to content
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2018 Audi Q5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 209 total for the year
Median mileage
80,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2018 Audi Q5, 2% of the 209 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,500 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.

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals were inoperable. The contact pulled over and noticed that the rear lights including brake lights and turn signals were not operational. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause was diagnosed as a sunroof drain line leakage that caused electrical damage due to water build-up, which damaged the control module. The contact stated that the drain lines needed to be unclogged and the control module needed to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #11609505, filed 2024-08, 85,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto START/STOP, fog lights, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing the rear driver's side comfort control module to be flooded with water. The dealer determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the comfort control module and sunroof drain needed to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #11571686, filed 2024-02, 76,000 miles

“2018 Audi Q5 prestige. Consumer writes in regards to the heads up display function on vehicle. The consumer stated when the sun reached a certain angle, a white solid reflection box appears on the windshield. This created a visibility issue for the driver.”

NHTSA complaint #11096268, filed 2018-05

“The rear view camera is not operating when shifting to reverse. I can demonstrate this malfunction at any time to anyone. Driver is unable to detect short objects or small children directly behind the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the dealer during a service visit. At that time, the service technician checked power and ground to the control unit and verified good. Attempted calibration for camera, vehicle would not calibrate. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other agencies. There were no warning messages, or lamps or any other symptoms prior to the failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11727995, filed 2026-03

“The Audi Q5 sunroof drain that is intended to keep water out of the vehicle, leaked where water collected and pooled in the car beneath the car liner. The water collected on the comfort module and electrical fuse box resulting in immediate electrical failure of several vehicle features/systems including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, windshield wipers, etc. to name a few. In addition to repairs in excess of $10k, the vehicle will be totaled by the insurance company. After an exhaustive search, several Audi users of the same make, model and year have faced a similar issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11627813, filed 2024-11

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202537%
202312%
202229%
202134%
202014%
201912%
201852%
201712%
201645%
201555%
201433%
201333%
201274%
201143%
201022%

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
22 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
19 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Exterior lighting
13 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Audi Q5

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