Is the 2021 Audi Q5 a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
The Audi Q5 Premium is a strong contender for those seeking a luxury compact SUV with good performance and cutting-edge technology, but be prepared for slightly higher running costs.
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Pros
- Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- Advanced driver assistance features
- Smooth and responsive turbocharged engine
Cons
- Higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury brands
- Complex electronics can lead to costly repairs
- Limited cargo space compared to some rivals
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- Electrical system glitches
- Occasional navigation system malfunctions
- Minor oil leaks
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (8)
The 2021 Audi Q5 has 8 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery (campaign 25V080000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Back Over Prevention — Display Function — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A…
- Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, …
- Electrical System — Propulsion System — Charging — Cable/Cord — Onboard — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 20…
- Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.