2020 Audi Q5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 16%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Audi Q5, 16% of the 25 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I have this car and it drinks about 300mL of coolant between 800-1000 miles. I have to add coolant once a while, but not much... Went to the dealership and they did an inspection and pressure test and came back all normal. They told me the car will use coolant during summer?! I see many other people having similar issues on the Audi Forum. Please investigate as VW tends to make poor-quality water pump and I hope it is not the engine consuming it...”
NHTSA complaint #11486864, filed 2022-09“On 12-18-2024, I brought a Audi Q5 2020 from Lynbrook Audi dealership in New york, approximately weeks after the vehicle engine oil light came on to replenish engine oil. I notified the sales representative of the issue, he stated that the vehicle was serviced on 09-2023. After our conversation the vehicle engine oil light continue to light up for oil replenish every 2 to 3 weeks for the past 7 months, I contacted the manufacturer and dealership and both of them is pointing fingers at each other instead of fixing the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11606175, filed 2024-08“The car was constantly smelling like smoke. It felt like it was going to catch fire. I got it serviced when it had to be serviced at 15k but Audi dealership did not warn of any recall and mentioned everything was great with the car. In the end I had to sell the car which was in April, 22 because I didn’t feel safe driving the car anymore. I would also constantly get airbag being deployed warnings on the screen and one time the car shut down automatically as I was driving at about 45Mph going up the mountain”
NHTSA complaint #11470918, filed 2022-06“On July 14, 2020, my daughter and I drove my leased Audi Q5 to Cari’s sister’s home. As I pulled in the driveway, and before I turned off the vehicle and exited the car, smoke began to billow from the engine compartment and enter the interior. My daughter and I were suddenly engulfed by white smoke, and evacuated the vehicle immediately. With the use of a garden hose and fire extinguishers, my sister, brother-in-law, and I were able to subdue the fire until the fire department arrived and extinguished it fully. …”
NHTSA complaint #11421025, filed 2021-06Related 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.
- 11026206Nov 25, 2025This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 13% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 7 | 16% |
| 2022 | 4 | 18% |
| 2021 | 17 | 23% |
| 2020 | 4 | 16% |
| 2019 | 10 | 19% |
| 2018 | 31 | 15% |
| 2017 | 19 | 45% |
| 2016 | 26 | 33% |
| 2015 | 38 | 38% |
| 2014 | 36 | 34% |
| 2013 | 33 | 37% |
| 2012 | 47 | 28% |
| 2011 | 42 | 29% |
| 2010 | 5 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2020 Audi Q5
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Audi Q5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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