AUDI Complaints

My 2021 Audi Q5e is a PHEV. There are ion-lithium batteries in this vehicle, but absolutely no markings on the body that this is a hybrid vehicle. The only marking is a small clear window sticker on the driver's side window, which is almost impossible to read. As an exvoluntiee fireman, we had extensive how to handle a fire when it involved a hybrid/electric vehicle. Audi has done enough to alert emergency personnel that the Q5e contains ion-lithium batteries. There needs to be much better badging on the Q5e indicating it is a hybrid. Audi should at least add the letter "e" to the Q5 emblem on the rear tailgate.

Various components and system malfunctioned. Vehicle is in dealership for 3rd time on electrical/software/hardware troubles, SOS module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The car stopped me on a major highway thinking that I was not available "Emergency Assist, Driver take over the wheel" when I had both hands on the wheel, going straight and was fully in control of the vehicle. The car slowed down from 70 mph and the trailing truck behind me almost rear ended me. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle and components are being inspected/serviced at the Fort Collins Audi dealer. Yes, warning messages as well as the vehicle pumping on the break and jerking the seat belt. These started in Jun 2021 at 1400 miles and continued to the time I turned in the vehicle on 19 Oct 2021 at approx 13500 miles. I am attaching an 11 page documentation of dates, times and mileage of each incident that the vehicle's computer systems are not functioning properly and the safety features are not reliable or make the driver feel safe with bogus warnings, or warnings that are erroneous.

Panoramic sunroof leaked water into the car's electrical system during a rainstorm (despite being closed tight), resulting in a total failure of the car's electrical system, potentially a catastrophic occurrence. Fortunately the electrical failure happened when the car was stationary.

Water pump is leaking coolant - Car was purchased brand new and all services performed on time and it has only 26K miles with no accident history - Audi has recalled multiple other models but this issue is also affecting the 2017 Q7 model which is not listed in the recall below: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/audi-recall-a4-a5-a6-q5-defective-water-pumps/#:~:text=Audi%20A4%2C%20A5%2C%20A6%20and%20Q5%20models%20are%20all%20affected.&text=A%20potential%20fire%20in%20a,worldwide%20for%20coolant%20pump%20issues.&text=The%20other%20has%20moisture%20within,causing%20a%20potential%20short%2Dcircuit.

Vehicle has had all recommended maintenance performed on schedule at the Audi dealer. Driving down a highway at about 73k miles, engine stopped running with no warning. Electronic systems appeared as though engine was running, but it was dead. We were extremely fortunate that this happened on a rural highway and not the big city freeway system we had recently driven through. Cause of the problem was a total engine failure, later discovered to be failure of the turbocharging system. Checking online reveals that it likely due to a defect in an oil strainer. Sudden catastrophic engine failure at only 73K miles in a dealer-maintained vehicle is a safety hazard, to the occupants of the vehicle as well as to surrounding cars that have to navigate around a suddenly powerless car.

It has been nearly 9 months since this recall was issued. Audi cannot provide a remedy and cannot tell me when they can provide a remedy. I cannot transport a passenger in the front seat safely, and I cannot sell the car because Audi has issued a 'stop sell' order. Audi will not repurchase the car.

While driving the message “Vehicle Electronic System Malfunction Shift Car to Park Before Exiting Vehicle.” The car can fail to shift into gear, or change gears while the vehicle is in motion. The mechanic that I usually take my car to said that’s he’s seen the same message in some of his other customers cars. Sometimes it pops up when the car is started, other times is comes up when the car is in motion. I’ve parked the car and turned it off, and the message came back on after restarting the car.

My Audi Certified Preowned A8L, 4.0 TFSI suffered a complete turbocharger failure without any notice. The car went into service 9/30/2013. I purchased the car from the same dealer that originally sold the car in Stratham, New Hampshire on 12/26/2016. I purchased an extended warranty from the dealership for 8 years, 100,000 miles. Thus, the extended warranty expired on 9/30/2021. Car has always been serviced by this Audi Stratham Dealership. During a routine trip, car stalled, went into neutral upon entering a stoplight/intersection and would not re-start. Had to be towed. No modifications ever made to this vehicle. Recently had 75,000 mile service interval completed by Audi. Car now has 81,000 miles. Audi Technical Service Bulletin [21 Engine difficult to start, turbocharger damaged, V8 4.0TFSI 21 17 27 2044640/2 November 21, 2017. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 21 number 17-24 dated February 2, 2017] describes this problem. Audi refuses to cover the ~$9,000 repair.

While driving on highway, had complete electrical system failure. Received red message that said “electrical system malfunction”. Car went totally black and completely shut down within 2 minutes. I had to navigate 3 lanes to pull over with completely black cockpit after car shut down. Audi service says it’s the “starter generator”. Service said there is a chance of fire with moisture ingress in the starter generator. Apparently it’s a known issue with over 60 units on back order from their supplier Continental (no promise date available). Concerned this is a serious safety issue and will cause somebody to have a crash due to car shutting down and potential for electrical fire.

Failed water pump at 67,000 miles. The vehicle started with a slow leak and coolant smell, but escalated to losing one liter of coolant each day in about a month. Potential for overheating and fires.