AUDI Complaints

Rear subframe structure has rusted through in the same location on both sides of the car. Moisture is being trapped between a plastic pieces of molding and the subframe and causing it to rust out completely.

I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.

This vehicle had a claim for water pump replacement and the 3.0 model has a recall for the turbo charger. This vehicle is experiencing the same issues and went from 70 mph to 0 and stalled on the freeway. Thankfully the semi and other vehicles were able to avoid me or my family would be reaching out instead of me. Currently the vehicle is parked in my garage because it is unsafe to drive. Can you please advise Audi to take responsibility and offer the same recalls on the 2.0 vehicles for the water pump and turbo charger because they have the same internal parts as the 3.0 vehicles that failed and these parts were covered.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions. The dealer inspected the tires while the warning light was illuminated, and the dealer informed the contact that no failure was found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally with the message "Engine Fault Detected" displayed. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and was unable to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Purchased 2024 brand new Audi Q5 with Kumho tires - KL33  235\55R19 from manufacturer Dec 2023. Have the car serviced at the Audi dealership per service recommendation. Tires were inspected and deemed roadworthy Jan 2025. By [XXX] (15 months post new purchase of vehicle) rear tire shredded on highway due to a known detreading issue with the Kumho tires. Causing pulling of vehicle into the central lane on highway. No accident or fatalities. Had emergency replacement of the affected tire and evaluation of the other three tires. It is noted during inspection of the three tires were also worn down atypically for the mileage (19,600). The rear tire on the driver side was also noted to not pass inspection due to early defective wear. All tires replaced, no accountability from dealership.  According to the manufacturer warranty these tires would have all been replaced if bought personally (within 5 years of purchase, or under 60,000) , due to the fact the tires came with the vehicle there is no recourse per Audi dealership. Upon further investigation of Kuhmo tires there appears to be a known component regarding detreading of the tires especially with highway road speeds that has caused fatal accidents. Unable to reach Kuhmo tires to discuss accountability regarding gap in warranty coverage  and defective tires. Per Audi employee this is a known issue with Audi and the tire company where they would rather pay off damages than correct the problem due to profit loss. My safety and others on the road were put in peril due to placing unsafe tires with known detreading issues on new cars, without any place for recourse when the said defective tires fail. Lack of consideration from Kuhmo tire company and Audi has placed a large population of car owners at risk, as Audi unable to get Continental tires knowingly and willingly opted for cheaper tires with known issues. Looking for accountability from these corporations. Will continue to reach out to Kuhmo for recourse.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Error front left side marker light defective error message but no issue with the actual marker light. To be clear the marker light is operating perfectly as noted by my dealer. It is a known system error code malfunction and exact issue for my vehicle year and make - recall code 97cb. I contacted Audi and they claim my VIN was not impacted by the production line issue but obviously that is not true. Audi is not standing by their product and dealer charge is $6,889 to replace left headlight. VIN [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97cb (NHTSA campaign id 16v642000), with details available at [xxx] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "front right side marker light defective. " this poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing to alert the driver of an actual side marker light issue in the future. Many owners of the same model and year are disabling their side marker lights entirely to avoid the error, as evidenced in discussions such as those on [xxx] . Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, with costs ranging from $2,400 to $5,300, making it prohibitively expensive for many. Although Audi initiated a recall (97cb) for a similar issue, it was limited to a specific subset of vehicles, and the widespread nature of this problem in other vehicles outside the recall’s VIN range suggests a broader defect. Given these safety risks, high repair costs, and the frequency of the issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this problem warrants a broader recall or corrective actions by the manufacturer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

After seeing the rear subframe of a 2014 Audi Q5 nearly split in half due to rust, causing vehicle handling and steering issues, I inspected the rear subframe of my 2014 Audi SQ5 and found similar rust, though not quite as bad. The plastic gravel guards that use plastic rivets to attach to the rear subframe trap water, salt, and brine inside the hollow steel tubing of the subframe causing it to rust rapidly from the inside out in two locations, weakening the subframe and greatly increasing the chances of serious injury or death due to losing control of the vehicle. Photos of the damage were sent to one local dealer who claimed not to seen this type of damage before and refused to cover repair under Audi's 12 year corrosion perforation warranty. This is a serious defect that appears to affect quite a few 2008-2017 Audi Q5 and SQ5 models.

The contact owns a 2022 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.