Audi Q5 3rd generation (2024–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 199+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
80
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2024–2026
5
recall campaigns
forward collision avoidance
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2024-2026 Q5 is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year.
15 problems reported (3 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDriver-assistance systems (adaptive cruise
Lane assist, collision warning, blind spot) failing at random, often requiring a restart to clear.
- Very frequentSoftware and infotainment faults including MMI freezes
Connectivity loss, and virtual cockpit blackouts.
- Very frequentMultiple simultaneous dashboard warning lights and "ghost codes" that cannot be diagnosed or cleared
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentVehicles immobilized or requiring towing shortly after delivery
- RecurrentTrunk latch failures that disable driver-assist features
- RecurrentInterior creaks and rattles from plastic trim
- RecurrentAlarm triggering randomly or battery draining
- RecurrentRemote start and connected-app features not working
- IsolatedSteering wheel vibration or shake at speed requiring a module replacement
- IsolatedInterior LED lighting failing
- IsolatedHard or noisy engagement into first and reverse from the dual-clutch transmission
- IsolatedOverheating and coolant loss on a new vehicle
- IsolatedAlternator failure on a new vehicle
- IsolatedThrottle body and wiring replacement
- IsolatedSlow throttle response
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 2026 model year over the 2025, with owners describing the 2026 as markedly less troubled and one owner specifically stating they would only consider the 2026 due to its software and hardware changes. Among trims, multiple owners recommend Premium Plus or Prestige over the base Premium for a proper luxury feel, and the SQ5 is repeatedly praised for its performance and engagement, though some SQ5 owners say they would have saved money with a Premium Plus Q5 with the sport package. The 45 TFSI is described as a solid, proven engine.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Lexus NX, Lexus RX350 and Genesis GV70.
Is a 2024–2026 Q5 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2024-2026 Q5 is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year. The 2025 launch year drew intense criticism, with owners and technicians describing widespread electrical and software faults, repeated dealer visits, and vehicles immobilized or bought back. The 2026 model year is viewed far more favorably, with owners reporting that early problems appear largely sorted and that the revised hardware and software make it a much better ownership proposition. Across both years, owners consistently praise the driving experience, ride comfort, available air suspension, quiet cabin, and quick phone connectivity, while criticizing the touch-heavy interior, cheap-feeling plastics, interior creaks, and the unreliable software and driver-assistance systems. A recurring theme is that the car drives beautifully but the electronics let it down.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Q5 as a refined, comfortable, and engaging midsize luxury SUV whose main draw is how it drives and rides, particularly with air suspension, rather than its technology. Against the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, owners describe the Q5 as driving just as well or better and prefer its seating position and mechanical feel, though some concede rivals may have better-stocked service networks for electronic faults. Against the Lexus NX and RX350 and the Genesis GV70, owners treat the Q5 as the more fun and characterful choice, with the RX350 noted as roughly ten thousand dollars more expensive. Against the Porsche Macan, owners see the two as closely related under the same parent group, with the Macan considered nicer to drive. Against the Toyota Land Cruiser, owners argue the Q5 will not approach the Toyota's longevity but will be far more enjoyable, and that maintenance costs will not come close to the price gap over five years, especially under warranty. Several owners also cross-shop the larger Audi A6 and Q7, positioning the Q5 as smaller and less luxurious than the A6 but more practical than a sedan.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the Premium Plus or Prestige trim over the base Premium for the added features that make the car feel genuinely luxurious. The 45 TFSI is repeatedly called a solid, tried-and-tested engine. For those wanting performance, the SQ5 is recommended, though some owners note the Premium Plus Q5 with the sport package offers most of the experience for less money. On model year, owners strongly suggest favoring the 2026 over the 2025, and several advise avoiding the first model year of the generation entirely and waiting for later iterations. Adaptive air suspension is frequently praised as comfortable and adjustable. Several owners recommend a certified pre-owned example and putting the savings toward an extended warranty, and prepaid maintenance packages are suggested to control early ownership costs.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who prioritize driving feel, ride comfort, and a quiet cabin and who are willing to accept a touch-heavy interior and the risk of electronic gremlins, ideally protected by warranty. Owners strongly advise favoring the 2026 model year over the 2025, and several recommend avoiding the first year of any new generation. Buyers considering a 2025 should confirm all software updates have been applied before delivery and verify the car is a genuine current model year rather than an older unit that has been sitting. Given the volume of reported electrical and driver-assistance faults, a thorough pre-purchase inspection, a check of software version and campaign status, and an extended warranty are widely recommended. Owners also note that any repair outside warranty will carry premium German-brand pricing.
Remarks
A notable pattern in owner discussions is that the 2025 model year is widely described as a troubled launch, with technicians and owners citing an unusually high rate of unresolved faults and buybacks, while the 2026 model year is repeatedly described as significantly improved. Several owners report that software updates, including one referred to as KD2, resolved many but not all issues, and some report updates introducing new problems. Owners frequently note that the driving experience, ride, and cabin quietness remain strengths even when the electronics disappoint. Analysis based on approximately 199 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2025 | 43 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2024 | 34 | 4 | forward collision avoidance |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2025 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 26V266000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belts may have been manufactured incorrectly, and fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
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 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V080000
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.
2024 · enginecampaign 25V294000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.