2020 Audi Q5 problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
31%
11 of 37 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2020 Audi Q5. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 31% of relevant complaints.
Better than 68% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2020 Audi Q5 have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 11 of 37 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q5 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (31%). For comparison, the 2019 scores 34% and the 2021 scores 40%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
What owners reported
ENGINE06/15/2021FIRE1 INJURED
On July 14, 2020, my daughter and I drove my leased Audi Q5 to Cari’s sister’s home. As I pulled in the driveway, and before I turned off the vehicle and exited the car, smoke began to billow from the engine compartment and enter the interior. My daughter and I were suddenly engulfed by white smoke, and evacuated the v…
STEERING,POWER TRAIN09/04/2026
On September 2, 2026, I purchased a used 2020 Audi Q5 with disclosed Lemon Law Buyback title branding. Approximately two hours after taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced vibration/judder in the drivetrain when turning the steering wheel at low speed, approximately 1-5 mph. Initially occurring only…
POWER TRAIN11/13/2025
Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.
Three of 11 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on the 2020 Audi Q5 (6)
TIRES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabr…
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
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 …
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2020 Audi Q5
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
6 recall campaigns on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A engine already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Questions people ask about the 2020 Audi Q5
Does the 2020 Audi Q5 have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 11 of 37 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q5 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (31%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2020 Audi Q5?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns on the 2020 Audi Q5. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Audi Q5 years are better?
Among the Audi Q5 years we track, the 2018 (22%) and the 2023 (28%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2020 (31%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2020 Audi Q5?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2020 Audi Q5 shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.