Fuel system and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
In the world of luxury SUVs, customers have a lot of grand expectations. The 2020 Audi Q5 was set to meet all of those goals by providing “style ahead of the curves.” However, many drivers find that more is needed than just style. What they really want is a functioning electrical system, a reliable fuel system and a strong, durable structure.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019 2021 2022 2023
The electrical system in a vehicle is responsible for starting the engine, running the accessories and keeping everything working correctly. When something malfunctions, it can be downright discouraging.
Here is one example from an Edmunds review. “This is a horrible purchase. Basic features like the rearview camera can’t function properly on my car, the auto start/stop completely shuts my car off at stop signs/lights. The car is sluggish off the line and my sons 07 A4 has more pep. This car has virtually no storage so and the screen functions are better in a basic Honda.”
In this example, it’s clear that the electrical system failures inhibit safety, performance and amenities. The automaker goes on to talk about other issues with Service Bulletin #A9020512058077_4. In this announcement, the company acknowledges trouble with the Audi Pre-Sense system, which leads to “unexpected interventions.” On the bright side, when the Q5 intervenes in a way that it shouldn’t, at least it will provide plenty of style along the way.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Wheels | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Steering | |
| Suspension |
The fuel system is responsible for providing enough gasoline to the engine for a smooth ride. However, this is another area that is causing problems for Q5 owners.
Here is another Edmunds review. “Bought a new Q5 2020 in March 2020. Shortly after the purchase the car would turn off when at a red light. Filled the car with gas and the gas gauge would not work until I drove about 25 miles. Now today the key FOB stopped working and no it was not the battery.”
This is one thing that Audi doesn’t want to talk about. Whether it is an unpredictable performance or a malfunctioning gas gauge, owners are simply being left in the dark for now. Hopefully, there’s enough fuel to get through those curves that are ahead.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
There’s nothing cheap about the Q5 price. Therefore, the structure should be well-made and worth the cost, but it doesn’t seem to be.
Here is a final Edmunds review. “I’m 60 years old and have owned Chevy’s, Fords, Chrysler, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, etc. The Audi Q5 carpet is the most horrible flooring I’ve ever had to deal with. Every tree needle, etc. sticks in the carpet and is a nightmare to get out. The “mat” in the rear, and I call it that because it is more like cheap felt than carpet, is fraying from just moderate normal use. It is so bad that honestly I will never buy another Audi if it has this poor quality flooring.”
In this situation, there’s actually a structure-related recall worth mentioning. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V737000 says that the trim around the rear wheel arch cover can detach and fall off. If this happens, it might create a road hazard and an accident. It looks like the manufacturer failed to install the necessary clips to hold this trim in place. Not only will this defect hamper the Q5’s “style,” but it’s also quite dangerous.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Audi pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
i have an Audi Q5 2020 with about 19k on it. Whenever i drive 60mph or more on the highway with hardly any water on the ground the backend starts to fishtail. This only happens when there is morning dew or light rain. My wife’s KIA Sorrento handles much better in the rain than this expensive Q5. I’ve pressed every button to see if there is a correction and “no.” I put brand new expensive tires on the back and still i cannot drive more than 60mph on the highway which is a joke living on Long Island.