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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2021 Audi Q5 Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
15%of 74 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 Audi Q5, 15% of the 74 complaints for this model year.

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 experienced two false activation of emergency brakes on my 2021 Q5 in the past 3 months. Both have been very scary incidents for my family - Feb 2022 Driving on a highway with no vehicle in front at 60mph, going through a shade under a bridge where emergency brakes false kicked in - 4/30/22 around 2pm: Driving on a street with no vehicle in front at 30mph where emergency brakes falsely kicked in”

NHTSA complaint #11463925, filed 2022-05

“While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specializes in European cars. The diagnostics indicated a loss of power to the instrument cluster/panel. I was told there was an active recall for this issue, but my VIN was not included. …”

NHTSA complaint #11678159, filed 2025-08

“When attempting a left-hand turn, despite the oncoming vehicle already passed me, the Audi auto-breaks leaving me in the center of the oncoming lane and causes the vehicle behind me to almost crash into me. Very dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #11765676, filed 2026-09

“I was driving down a regular road by my house, full sunshine, perfect road, nothing unusual. In fact, it was such a nice day, the sunroof was open and windows were down. My dog was in the back seat after just being picked up from grooming happily enjoying the day with his head out the window. I was on a road with the speed limit of 30. I was going 30 mph. Nothing unusual. Literally, out of nowhere, like my car was possessed, is the best way I put it, my car abruptly braked in an attempt to stop on a dime. …”

NHTSA complaint #11743573, filed 2026-06

“The Audi Pre Sense automatic braking system engaged without warning and without reason bringing the vehicle to a sudden and complete stop in the middle of an intersection and slamming my body backwards and causing my head to go forward nearly hitting the steering wheel. A school bus was directly behind me and was able to stop in time before it ran into the back of my vehicle, but it could have caused serious injury or death to multiple people. It caused a considerable amount of pain in my neck the day after and soreness in my ribs. The vehicle gave no prior warning. …”

NHTSA complaint #11581957, filed 2024-04

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

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

Other parts of the 2021 Audi Q5

Electrical system
27 complaints
Engine
17 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Wheels
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 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