2019 Audi Q5 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 49 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 5 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2019 Audi Q5 receives a 5.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 49 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 5 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
8.4 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
5 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“2019 Audi q5 drive system malfunction/start stop malfunction. Error code will come on randomly in traffic and when you try to put your foot on the gas it hesitates and you need to push harder on the gas. Car will also lose acceleration power and take longer to reach desired sp...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stopped and jerked, and the RED master warning light illuminated, and the message “Electrical Control Module” failure was displayed. On other occasions, while driving at un...”
“Subject: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – Airbag Safety Concern Description of the Problem: The Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely ...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“2019 Audi q5 drive system malfunction/start stop malfunction. Error code will come on randomly in traffic and when you try to put your foot on the gas it hesitates and you need to push harder on the gas. Car will also lose acceleration power and take longer to reach desired sp...”
“A failed (frozen) Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator. An engine warning light came on and engine had less power. It had to be replaced. There was a settled law suit for the same issue covering this item in previous vehicles settled in 2025.”
“Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Summary: The turbocharger on my 2019 Audi Q5 failed prematurely. The initial check engine light and loss of performance began at approximately 48,000 miles, which is within Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The condition progre...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“Went to Mavis on Weber Rd in Bolingbrook, IL for front brake replacement on June 6, 2026. It took 6.5 hours when I was originally told when I called to schedule the appointment it would only take 1.5 hours, so it was obvious that something was wrong. Within 100 yards of leavin...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stopped and jerked, and the RED master warning light illuminated, and the message “Electrical Control Module” failure was displayed. On other occasions, while driving at un...”
“am writing to report a very concerning safety issue with my 2019 Audi Q5 and to request guidance on whether this may be covered under warranty or if my vehicle is experiencing a malfunction. On Saturday, while driving to an appointment, there was a bicyclist in the bike lane. ...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The motor mounts and control arms are defective. The defective motor mounts that secure the engine causes the engine to shake resulting in collapse while driving. Both front control arms over the wheels are defective make clicking noises when turning resulting in the collapse ...”
“Clock spring I drive a 2019 Volkswagen Audi Q5. My vehicle was serviced on .... After the service I received a video message saying “overall my vehicle appeared to be in excellent condition”. The following day I was out running errands and the airbag light came on. I thought i...”
“Power steering rack failed on 4/12/2022 as I drove on I-75 South between Gainesville and Tampa. Lost power steering on the Interstate, putting safety of my passengers (and other vehicles) at risk on the interstate. Audi sent tow and transported vehicle to Wesley Chapel Audi. F...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“My seat belt warning has been going off intermittently. I received an extended warranty from Audi Subject: Seat Occupancy Detection System Limited Warranty Extension extending the warranty for my car. However, when I took it to the dealer they could not replicate the sound. I ...”
“Subject: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – Airbag Safety Concern Description of the Problem: The Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely ...”
“Clock spring I drive a 2019 Volkswagen Audi Q5. My vehicle was serviced on .... After the service I received a video message saying “overall my vehicle appeared to be in excellent condition”. The following day I was out running errands and the airbag light came on. I thought i...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“My 2019 Audi Q5 has 23,300 city-driven odometer miles. The vehicle has been serviced and maintained per the Audi Service Manual, based on months in service, not accumulated mileage. The vehicle has been garaged both at home and at work. The vehicle has never been driven off-ro...”
“Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Summary: The turbocharger on my 2019 Audi Q5 failed prematurely. The initial check engine light and loss of performance began at approximately 48,000 miles, which is within Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The condition progre...”
“I have a 2019 Audi Q5 with under 24k miles over the past 4 years of new vehicle ownership. There have been 5+ instances where I am driving under normal conditions and suddenly the vehicle jerks abruptly, slows down to half the original speed (from 65 mph on freeway to 30 mph),...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (5)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
WHEELS:HUB
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. In the event of a crash deploying the passenger's frontal air bag, the instrument panel carrier may break due to incorrect welding. If the carrier breaks, there may be damage to the passenger frontal air bag.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Audi Q5
Before purchasing a used 2019 Audi Q5, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Audi Q5
Is the 2019 Audi Q5 a reliable used car?
The 2019 Audi Q5 earns a 5.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 49 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Audi Q5?
The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Audi Q5?
Yes, the NHTSA records 5 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.