Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Audi Q5 E
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2021 Audi Q5 E, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 29 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 7 complaints
- Electrical System 6 complaints
- Engine 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 5 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 3 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
Together, the 29 complaints on file report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $8,000–$14,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Audi Q5 E exhibits a moderate level of reliability with frequent powertrain and electrical issues. These, combined with isolated complaints about the engine and propulsion systems, necessitate a cautious approach to ownership.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| powertrain | 30,000–60,000 miles | $1,200–$2,500 | common |
| electrical system | 20,000–40,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | common |
| engine | 40,000–70,000 miles | $1,500–$3,500 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- oil and filter changes
- battery health checks
- brake pad and rotor replacements
- tire rotations and balancing
- coolant and fluid checks
- HVAC filter replacements
- alignment and suspension checks
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- delayed gear shifts
- unresponsive electrical components
- reduced engine power
- irregular acceleration
- warning lights on dashboard
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Audi Q5 E at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.