2018 Audi Q5 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 5, 2026 · Filed: October 26, 2026

The contact owned a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing water to flood into the trunk where the spare tire was located. The water caused electrical failures, short-circuiting the brake lights and indicator lights. The contact stated that the circuit breaker was in the trunk of the vehicle. The message of an electrical failure was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed the failure. The technician at the dealer stated that the failure was a known failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Incident: August 9, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

My 2018 Audi Q5 became disabled after liquid intrusion affected the gateway control module, which is the condition addressed by Audi Safety Recall 90S9. At the time of the failure, I was traveling away from home and was unaware that my vehicle had an open recall. Because the vehicle was disabled, it was taken to an independent repair facility for diagnosis (we were in a small mountain town on a Sunday). The independent facility accessed/opened the gateway module during its good-faith diagnostic effort after the vehicle had already failed. The vehicle was subsequently presented to Audi Reno. Audi refused to perform the recall repair/replacement because the gateway module had previously been accessed by the independent repair facility. I escalated the matter to Audi of America under case 07709194. Audi acknowledged in writing that the module was accessed as part of a good-faith diagnostic effort while I was stranded and unaware of the open recall. However, Audi continues to deny recall coverage based upon the prior diagnostic access. I have asked Audi to identify the specific written provision of Safety Recall 90S9 stating that diagnostic access to an already-failed gateway module disqualifies the vehicle from the safety recall, but Audi has not provided such a provision. I am reporting this because my vehicle experienced the safety condition addressed by the recall, yet Audi refused to perform the recall remedy based on diagnostic activity that occurred only after the vehicle had already become disabled.

Incident: August 23, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

Driving through the expressway a metal noice from the bottom of my car. One of the coil spring was out of the base and the other was broken. As the Audi dealer, the extended warranty doesn’t want to paid due to a corrosion on the bottom of the car. I’m live and drive close to the beach. They gave me thousands excuses to not fix it. My car has 60,000 miles and is from 2018. I was reading that those car may not be coated with special wax for corrosion.

Incident: September 20, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

After one year of use, the car seat developed a sudden defect. An internal rod slid out of place, protruding from the side of the car seat by about an inch. I reported the issue to Graco, and they confirmed this car seat defect is a child safety risk, and in fact the car seat is no longer safe for use. According to the Graco Consumer Care representative: "I do apologize, but the rod protruding from the car seat is not normal and presents a safety hazard. Unfortunately, this is not a replaceable part, and the issue cannot be repaired without replacing the entire car seat." I have a friend who experienced the same issue, and worry that the Graco Turn2Me is prone to sudden safety defects. We have kept the broken car seat and it is available for inspection. The car seat has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or anyone else.

Incident: August 28, 2026 · Filed: September 28, 2026

The sunroof drainage system on my 2018 Audi Q5 failed to properly channel water away from the vehicle, resulting in significant water intrusion and approximately $6,000 in damage. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership after the vehicle was brought in for inspection in August 2026. I am concerned that this represents a design or engineering defect in the sunroof drainage system rather than ordinary wear. A drainage system intended to remove water should not allow water to enter areas of the vehicle where it can damage electrical components or other systems. Water intrusion into these areas could potentially create electrical failures or other safety-related problems. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Audi dealer, and Audi of America was contacted regarding the issue. Audi declined to cover the repairs. There were no clear warning lights or messages alerting me that the drainage system was failing before the water intrusion and resulting damage were discovered. The vehicle and affected components can be made available for inspection if necessary. I am submitting this complaint because I believe NHTSA should investigate whether similar sunroof drainage failures and resulting water intrusion have occurred in other Audi Q5 vehicles and whether this represents a broader vehicle safety defect.

Incident: August 23, 2026 · Filed: September 23, 2026

I have a 2018 Audi Q5, VIN [XXX]. I am reporting a water intrusion/electrical defect involving the rear trunk area and the Comfort Control Module. My vehicle is within the model range affected by the water-intrusion recall 90S9. I want Audi to investigate whether the water intrusion that damaged my vehicle is related to the recall or a known manufacturing defect, and I am requesting that Audi cover the inspection, repair, and related expenses.It is unsafe driving the car as it is, and I can't afford the repairs. Audi dealer-hip in Alentown Pa diagnosis the car and found the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: September 8, 2026 · Filed: September 22, 2026

Multiple electrical failures that control numerous safety systems, such as airbags, Collision avoidance, speed control, etc. Airbags will not activate in a collision. Vehicle will shut off at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering control. The vehicle has been inspected by an Audi dealer. Multiple warnings on dash came on when the issue occurred.

Incident: September 7, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

Incident Description: While accelerating from a red light during rush hour, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of steering control. The steering wheel locked completely and could not be turned. Simultaneous loud, long beeping and dashboard warnings appeared, stating: "Steering malfunction stop the vehicle immediately." The vehicle was immobilized in the middle of a highly congested, complex 5x5 intersection. Local police had to shut down traffic until the vehicle could be cleared. Safety Risk: Stalling abruptly in a major intersection during rush hour created an immediate risk of a multi-car rear-end pile-up. This jeopardized the safety of the driver and multiple children who were inside the vehicle, who faced a severe personal injury risk whether they remained trapped in the active roadway or attempted to exit. Diagnosis, Cost, and Recall Context: The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership. Diagnosis revealed significant water intrusion inside the steering wheel wiring harness. Draining the water cleared the error and the vehicle become operational, but the dealership quoted $6,000 in repairs to replace the steering components completely out-of-pocket cost. Please note it appears the $6,000 quote will be out-of-pocket for catastrophic safety defects although they may be known issues for the same make and model years: Prior Gateway Recall: This vehicle’s VIN was previously impacted by the Gateway module recall (where water intrusion triggers a limp mode). That recall was redeemed prior to this event, and my understanding the repair should have prevented moisture intrusion. There seems to be a history on this make and model for known moisture intrusion causes critical issues. U45 Warranty Exclusion: The manufacturer issued a warranty extension for this exact steering failure on this same make and model years. However, this specific VIN was excluded from coverage, despite it being within the parameters.

Incident: August 23, 2026 · Filed: August 28, 2026

Description of Incident and Safety Defect:Failed Component & Inspection Availability: The gateway control module, located in an unsealed floor compartment under the rear seat, failed due to liquid/moisture intrusion. The damaged module and vehicle are fully available for inspection upon request.Safety Risk: The sudden short-circuit of this module forced the vehicle into an immediate emergency "limp mode" and partial drivetrain shutdown while actively driving on the road. Unexpectedly losing engine power and throttle responsiveness in active traffic put my safety and the safety of surrounding drivers at an immediate, severe risk of a collision.Dealer / Independent Confirmation: The failure has been officially confirmed by an authorized Audi dealership service center. However, the dealer refused to perform a free safety repair because Audi has excluded my specific VIN from the active recall list.Prior Inspections: Outside of the diagnosing Audi dealership service center, the vehicle and failed component have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives.Warning Lamps & Prior Symptoms: Immediately prior to the drivetrain failure, the dashboard lit up with sudden error messages and warning lamps regarding a critical system malfunction. There were no gradual symptoms or warning signs leading up to this incident; the catastrophic module failure occurred suddenly due to moisture contacting the unsealed component.Summary Assessment:This vehicle has suffered the identical engineering defect and hazardous failure mode detailed in NHTSA Recall Campaign 21V-947 (Audi Recall Code 90S9). Audi’s current recall window is too narrow. It must be expanded to include all 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles experiencing this exact, catastrophic safety failure, regardless of their production date cut-offs. To date the car has 89924 miles

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: August 27, 2026

While driving the vehicle after a bump in a pot-hole there was loud clunking noise from the engine compartment and car stopped suddenly. There was a risk of getting hit by the car from behind. Car was towed to Audi Service Center and found to have a Connecting Rod Bearing Failure damaging the whole engine. The act is still at the repair shop and should be available for inspection. It was inspected by the authorized Audi Service center. Insurance advisor will be taking look at it also. There was no warning, messages, or any other symptoms of any problem prior to the incident.