2021 Audi Q5

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Audi Q5 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 37 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “Virtual dashboard where speedometer and safety warning are displayed has stopped working. Display has completely shut down. I cannot see any critical information to drive vehicle. I contacted the dealership to address a serious safety concern that mirrors an issue already under active recall for other models by the manufacturer. Despite this, the dealership has refused to perform any inspection or repairs, stating that my specific model is not currently included in the recall—even though the symptoms and risks are identical. This refusal raises significant concerns, as it leaves a known safety issue unaddressed solely due to recall limitations that may not yet reflect the full scope of the problem. In order to receive any resolution, the dealership is asking to cover diagnostic and service costs for the safety issue.” (NHTSA Complaint #11661004)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Audi Q5 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 21 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Date of Incident: 11/09/2025 • Location: I-30 near Cumby, TX (towed to Audi Fort Worth). Daughter was stranded on busy highway in middle of nowhere. Texas State Police came to her aid and helped w tow truck which cost 650. Engine catastrophically failed at 50k miles due to metal shavings throughout oil — Audi Fort Worth made the statement and I have picture of metal shavings. Which is the exact defect in **NHTSA Recall 22V753 / Audi TSB 13i5** (connecting rod bearing damage from factory machining debris). **Symptoms match TSB 13i5 Pages 1, 10–11 (“NOT OK” filter examples)**: – March 2025 oil change at 50,032 miles: **no metal** or at August oil change. Neither Audi corporate or Fort Worth care. Claimed we bought used car and didn’t have oil changed at Audi dealer. This statement violates federal law: – **49 U.S.C. § 30120**: Safety recall remedy free of charge to all owners regardless of purchase history or service location. – **TSB 13i5 Page 1**: Covers **ALL 2021–2023 Q5s** (42,689 units) — **no VIN exclusions**. – **NHTSA 22V753**: Risk of engine failure, loss of motive power, potential fire** — undriveable vehicle” (NHTSA Complaint #11699332)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2021 Audi Q5 have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 17 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “While driving my 2021 Audi Q5, the vehicle experienced a sudden transmission disengagement without warning. The vehicle behaved as if it had shifted into neutral while in motion. When this occurred, pressing the accelerator produced no response — the engine would not rev and the vehicle would not accelerate. This created a serious safety risk as it occurred during normal driving conditions and could have resulted in a collision. After stopping the vehicle and shifting into Park and then back into Drive, the transmission temporarily re-engaged. The issue reoccurred multiple times. Prior to one of the failures, the vehicle hesitated and bucked when starting from a stop. A warning message later appeared stating: “Transmission malfunction. You may continue to drive but will be unable to reverse.” The vehicle was taken to an authorized Audi dealership. Audi of America approved replacement of the transmission control module (mechatronic unit); however, this repair did not resolve the problem. After repeated failed adaptations and diagnostics, the dealer confirmed that the entire transmission requires replacement, citing internal gear set failure. The dealer documented that: Basic transmission settings and adaptations were attempted at least five times The failure consistently occurs at the same gear position A similar Audi Q5 case required full transmission replacement Audi Technical Assistance Center instructed the dealer to replace the transmission Despite this, Audi of America has refused further assistance due to the vehicle being slightly outside the standard warranty period, even though the mileage is extremely low and the failure is safety-related. This appears to be a defect involving the Audi S-tronic transmission, as similar complaints have been reported by other owners. The sudden loss of propulsion while driving presents a clear safety hazard. Safety Impact Sudden loss of acceleration while driving No throttle response during failure Occurred wit” (NHTSA Complaint #11704035)

Forward Collision System

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2021 Audi Q5 has 15 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “The Audi "Pre Sense" automatic braking system engaged without warning and without reason bringing the vehicle to a sudden and complete stop in the mid…”

Other Systems

The 2021 Audi Q5 has generated 10 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Vehicle: 2021 Audi Q5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving unintended emergency braking. On September 10, 2025 and again on January 8, 2026, my vehicle suddenly applied emergency braking while I was driving and there were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of me. The dashboard displayed “Auto Pre Sense” during both incidents. These unexpected braking events created a high risk of a rear-end collision and placed me and other drivers in immediate danger. This is not a driver error, but a malfunction of the safety system. Because this has occurred more than once, I am concerned that the Audi Pre Sense system in my vehicle may operate unpredictably and cause a serious accident. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.” (NHTSA Complaint #11710435)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Audi Q5

The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi Q5 by the NHTSA or Audi. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Audi Q5:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Audi to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Audi Q5 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Audi may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Audi pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Audi willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Audi Q5 Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Audi a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Audi dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Audi pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Audi a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Audi Q5 Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Audi Q5 as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Audi pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Audi Q5?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.