AUDI Complaints

My instrument cluster and its replacements have malfunctioned multiple times. The original instrument cluster/virtual cockpit failed to boot and had a black/blank screen on 4/19/2024 at 29,687 miles and was replaced on 5/15/2024 at 29,923 mi. That replacement one worked fine for a while and then did the same thing on 7/15/2024 at 33,655 miles and on 1/10/2025 at 42,532 miles. The instrument cluster was then replaced again on 2/10/2025 at 43,841 miles. That replacement unit took only a couple of days to act up again with the blank screen on startup on 2/13/2025 at 43,965 miles and once more on 8/1/2025 at 52,673 miles. I'm currently waiting to hear back from the dealer to get the instrument cluster replaced once again.

Recall for battery potentially causing fires issued in November 2024 has not been resolved.

I began my lease for a brand-new 2025 Audi S5 on July 14, 2025. The vehicle was delivered with a dent in the door, which the dealer repaired before I could take possession. The dent repair was completed on July 22, 2025, at which time I took delivery. On July 23, I informed my sales representative that the SOS/eCall emergency communications system was not functioning. This safety feature, designed to automatically contact emergency services after a crash, has never worked since delivery. I returned the vehicle to the selling dealer on July 28, 2025. As of August 7, 2025, the vehicle remains in the dealer’s service department awaiting repair of the SOS module. No firm completion date has been provided. This defect means the vehicle cannot automatically summon emergency assistance in the event of an accident, creating a significant safety risk to occupants.

On August 3, 2025, my wife and I came home from dinner and I couldn’t get out of the driver’s side door. I took it to Naples Audi where I bought the car and delt with its Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor. Audi estimated the repair to be over $1,300. I called Audi USA Regional Customer Service and Mike B opened a Case 06968056 for me. He got back to me today, August 7, and said Audi Corporate and Naples Audi will still make me pay $800 to do the repair. I'm submitting this claim because an inoperable door handle is a huge safety problem and liability to any Audi owner. The parts to repair cost $500, which includes a part to connect the interior handle to the door latch that opens the door, and 4 bolts! I found out the interior part of the door handle is made of plastic – unbelievably not metal. Audit Assistant Service Manager told me over time, especially in the southwest Florida heat, the plastic can become brittle and crack off the latch. One would think Audi Engineers would know to use metal versus plastic for this critical part that enable the door to open. Audi should fully cover the cost to fix my car due to “engineering mistake.” The part wasn’t broken based on anything I, or any other consumer, could do to provide service maintenance to keep this plastic part from cracking. This breakdown of the driver’s side door not being able to let me out, is a huge safety problem for anyone driving this car.

The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine overheated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming abnormal amounts of coolant without signs of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the engine seized. The coolant reservoir was inspected and there was no coolant in the reservoir. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact recently replaced the coolant pump, coolant control valve and the expansion tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V619000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN, nor the model were included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Many times while driving the Audi MMI system which controls all radio/navigation/controls screen will completely shut off and reboot, leaving the screen blank and functionality gone. When researching online many others have reported the same issue, with Audi unable to provide a definitive cause or a fix for the issue. This is a safety issue as it could cause distraction while driving

The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. The problem was independently reproduced and confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Audi dealership. Both establishments have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to this specific issue. The manufacturer (Audi of America) has been made aware of the issue through their dealership network. They have acknowledged the defect by offering a "goodwill" repair to replace the subframe, confirming their awareness of this failure mode. However, the manufacturer has made this safety-critical repair contingent on the owner first paying for several thousand dollars of unrelated maintenance items, creating a financial barrier that prevents the safety fix from being implemented. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure's discovery. This is a silent failure that provides no warning to the driver. It was only discovered during a routine service visit when the vehicle was on a lift.

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, with no other vehicles or objects nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance system unintendedly activated. The contact stated that within seconds, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged, greatly reducing the speed before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure with Forward Collision Avoidance system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair costs for a clearly known design flaw. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Audi’s CWGD engines should also fall under the scope of the extended warranty or safety defect coverage already applied to DEWA/DEWC engine variants. Audi’s selective VIN or engine code exclusions appear arbitrary and may allow known safety-related failures to go unaddressed. Documentation available: dealer inspection report confirming internal water pump leak, warranty denial letter, and TSB copy.

There is an active recall. I went to the dealer to have it resolved. I was told there is no fix and not sure when there will be a resolution. That is unacceptable in my opinion. Especially when it pertains to the battery and there is a heightened risk for fire. I am reliant on having a vehicle to get to work. This concerns me deeply and should be fixed or considered a lemon based on no resolution.