VehicleVerdict

2023 Audi Q5 Sportback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Q5 Sportback years?

Q5 Sportback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted43 complaints2022: 43 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Q5 Sportback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q5 Sportback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure220%
Electrical System110%
Engine110%
Other110%
Speed Control110%
Steering110%
Tires & Wheels110%
Brakes110%
Transmission110%

Does the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V294000EngineMay 7, 2025 · 89,417 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.

22V753000EngineOctober 7, 2022 · 76,515 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

Consequence

A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q5. The contact stated that after opening the trunk door and reaching into the trunk, the trunk door inadvertently released, and the door struck the contact on the neck. No medical attention was sought. The contact stated that the trunk door was difficult to manually…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 6, 2023

“The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while using the liftgate to load or unload the rear cargo compartment, the motion-sensor used to activate the liftgate would close or open the liftgate due to the slightest movement. The contact stated that he had been struck on the head by…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2023

“Brand new vehicle with less than 1000 miles. Whenever I take an exit from highyway vehicle's rear wheel slips and shakes. It shakes and slips when I change lanes in a curvy highway such as Hardy Toll Road in Houston. Happened several times. I am taking it to the dealer this week to have it checked…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 15, 2023

“The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH over a speed pump the driver pressed the brake pedal while approaching a stop sign when suddenly the vehicle accelerated forward at a high rate of speed and crashed into a fence and brick wall. During the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2023 · crash

“Brand new vehicle with less than 1000 miles. Whenever I take an exit from highyway vehicle's rear wheel slips and shakes. It shakes and slips when I change lanes in a curvy highway such as Hardy Toll Road in Houston. Happened several times. I am taking it to the dealer this week to have it checked…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 15, 2023

2023 Audi Q5 Sportback — common questions

Is the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2023 Q5 Sportback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (2 complaints), other (1 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q5 Sportback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q5 Sportback years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Q5 Sportback years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.