2023 Audi Q5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Polished, well-built Q5 with good reliability scores, but it falls within the 22V753 connecting-rod recall (2021-2023), confirm that inspection was done. Premium fuel and higher running costs apply. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Audi Q5 ranged from $44,200 to $57,400 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Polished, well-built Q5 with good reliability scores, but it falls within the 22V753 connecting-rod recall (2021-2023), confirm that inspection was done. Premium fuel and higher running costs apply.
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
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Engine connecting-rod bearings can wear from manufacturing particles in the oil, causing rising engine noise then stalling, engine failure and in rare cases fire, the subject of NHTSA recall 22V753; confirm the inspection/remedy was done.
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–66k miles · engine
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The Pre Sense automatic emergency braking can falsely activate (phantom braking) with no obstacle present, most often during turns or at highway speed, creating a rear-end-collision risk.
commonly reported · 17 NHTSA complaints · brake
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Adaptive cruise control and driver-assist sensors can drop out or abruptly slow the car, sometimes needing recalibration after any front-end work.
occasional · 6 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (8)
- 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
- 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…
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
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $44,200 | $52,800 | — | — |
| S line Premium | $46,700 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium Plus | $49,400 | $55,700 | — | — |
| S line Premium Plus | $51,900 | discontinued | — | — |
| Prestige | $54,900 | $60,700 | — | — |
| S line Prestige | $57,400 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-audi-q5-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/audi-q5-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($44,200). Higher trims started higher (up to $57,400), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 37% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/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)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/audi/q5
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/audi-q5-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Audi Q5 have?
Documented issue patterns include: Engine connecting-rod bearings can wear from manufacturing particles in the oil, causing rising engine noise then stalling, engine failure and in rare cases fire, the subject of NHTSA recall 22V753; confirm the inspection/remedy was done; The Pre Sense automatic emergency braking can falsely activate (phantom braking) with no obstacle present, most often during turns or at highway speed, creating a rear-end-collision risk; Adaptive cruise control and driver-assist sensors can drop out or abruptly slow the car, sometimes needing recalibration after any front-end work. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Audi Q5 reliable?
Polished, well-built Q5 with good reliability scores, but it falls within the 22V753 connecting-rod recall (2021-2023), confirm that inspection was done. Premium fuel and higher running costs apply.
How much did the 2023 Audi Q5 cost new?
Between $44,200 and $57,400 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. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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.