2019 Audi Q5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Often cited as a FY sweet spot with few owner complaints, yet the generation's water-intrusion module failure can still strike; verify the sunroof drains are clear and electrics are healthy. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Audi Q5 ranged from $42,950 to $53,850 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

Often cited as a FY sweet spot with few owner complaints, yet the generation's water-intrusion module failure can still strike; verify the sunroof drains are clear and electrics are healthy.

Sources (5)
  • slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1700901/audi-q5-years-reliable-avoid/
  • rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/audi-q5-years-to-avoid/
  • cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/audi-q5-buying-guide
  • motorhub.clubhttps://motorhub.club/blog/audi-q5-reliability-guide-best-worst-years-common-…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=q5&model…

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=q5&model…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=q5&model…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=q5&model…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=audi&model=q5&model…
  • static.nhtsa.govhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V753-5617.PDF

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard quattro all-wheel drive and composed, secure handling in all weather.
  • Upscale, beautifully built cabin with high-quality materials and a quiet, refined ride.
  • Strong, smooth turbo-four (and a quick SQ5 V6) with respectable real-world economy.
  • Strong crash-test scores and a full modern driver-assistance suite.

Cons

  • Premium fuel required and German parts/labour push running and repair costs above mainstream rivals.
  • Early FY cars (2018-2021) are prone to sunroof-drain water intrusion that floods electronic modules and can disable the car, a costly, recurring fault.
  • Cargo space and rear room trail roomier mainstream compact SUVs.
  • The Pre Sense emergency braking can trigger falsely (phantom braking) on later cars.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Premium $42,950 $52,800 — —
Premium Plus $49,950 $55,700 — —
Prestige $53,850 $60,700 — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

Depreciation

$14k $29k $43k $57k 201920212023202520272029
2019 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($42,950). Higher trims started higher (up to $53,850), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 33% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/audi-q5/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $900–950/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,400–2,500/yr
Expected lifespan~175k miles

Requires premium fuel

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Audi Q5 have?

Documented issue patterns include: Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water reach electronic control modules (the gateway / comfort module sits under a rear seat), causing stalling, no-start and complete electrical failure; even a small spilled drink has triggered it. The defining FY-generation problem; Rear coil springs can crack and break at low mileage even with intact powder coating, usually found at a routine inspection; The panoramic sunroof glass can shatter spontaneously while driving with no impact. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Audi Q5 reliable?

Often cited as a FY sweet spot with few owner complaints, yet the generation's water-intrusion module failure can still strike; verify the sunroof drains are clear and electrics are healthy.

How much did the 2019 Audi Q5 cost new?

Between $42,950 and $53,850 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Audi Q5 expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $900–950/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.