My 2018 Audi Q5 experienced significant water intrusion due to a failure of the panoramic sunroof drain system. Water entered the vehicle interior and traveled down into the electrical compartment, submerging the comfort module and damaging multiple wiring harnesses. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable and unable to start. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2075969/2 describing this exact defect. The bulletin states that the sunroof drain hoses can be kinked during factory installation of the headliner, which blocks drainage and causes water to enter the vehicle. This is a manufacturing defect affecting multiple model years of the Audi Q5. In my case, the water intrusion caused electrical failure, loss of vehicle function, and required thousands of dollars in repairs. Audi declined to cover the defect and stated the vehicle was not maintained on schedule, even though maintenance has no relationship to kinked or improperly routed sunroof drains. This defect poses a safety risk because water intrusion into electrical components can cause sudden vehicle failure, electrical shorts, corrosion, and loss of critical systems. The failure occurred without warning. I am reporting this because the issue appears to be widespread, documented by Audi, and has the potential to disable vehicles unexpectedly.
NHTSA complaint #11751123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The right back up light is defective. This light is in the right rear light housing that sits in the rear bumper. The defective light indicator came on before the 5 year/40k mile warranty had expired. The lamp bulb was changed as I believed this was the cause of the defect error. Took vehicle to Audi dealership where the car was purchased and the service advisor mentioned this happens "all the time" and the entire rear light housing will need to be replaced. Technician diagnostics confirmed this. The bulb was not in-fact out, the power/wiring to the housing was not malfunctioning and the error/fault/malfunction is in the rear bumper light housing. This same issue with 2018 and 2019 Audi's was reported in a thread on [XXX] as well. I feel this is a manufacturing defect and repair/replacement should be covered by the manufacturer, not the consumer. Not having an illuminated reverse backup light is a safety concern for all drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11674381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 06/13/24, milage 61023, I experienced a failure in Left Tail Light. There was no damage to the housing unit, ie a crack in the lighting unit, but I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. The repair was $470.00 for parts and $100 in labor subtotal $570.00 before tax and a dealer discount of $57. 03 total $541.51. I was shocked that it was over $500 to replace a brake light. Then 09/12/24, milage 63515, (3) months and 2,492 miles later I experienced a failure in the Right Tail Light. Again, there was no damage to the housing unit and I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. This repair was provided to me with a dealer discount to the price after tax $481.59. When I asked if this was a recall item I was told no it is not. I asked if there was after-market replacement part as this seems to be a product defect I was told no there are no after-market parts available. I was told that these parts are kept in stock as this is a know issue for all Audi's with the tail brake lights close to the bumper. This is a safety issue as you can not drive the car with a defective brake light. I called Audi USA and reported my complaint and asked for some compensation but more importantly wanted to document this safety issue and after review was offered $200 off future repairs at my local dealer. This is safety issue and there is no reason to pay $1,023.10 for required brake lights repair due to housing unit that does not keep moisture out.
NHTSA complaint #11615892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Level sensor on left rear suspension failed, causing headlights to be pointed downward and not safely lighting the road ahead. The sensor failed due to poor design, metal-to-metal ball and socket linkage in a corrosion-assured location under the car. When the metal-to-metal ball and socket corroded and froze, resulting load caused the sensor linkage to break. A search of Audi forums indicates that this problem is not uncommon, and this same sensor design is used in other Audi models and variants.
NHTSA complaint #11610718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway in the early morning hours and several warnings appeared stating that the left and right tail lights, left and right brake lights, and center brake lights where faulty. It was dark outside and raining, and I immediately had no rear lights of any kind driving on the highway. The dealership was able to correct the issue with a technical service bulletin, but given the extreme danger involved in not having any working rear lights, I would expect this to be a recall and done free of charge, regardless of warranty status. Because my vehicle was 10K miles beyond the warranty, I had to pay a flat diagnostic fee which simply doesn't make sense. If there is service bulletin, why isn't this update made proactively?
NHTSA complaint #11564589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle does a few things that are dangerous. Number 1 the emergency brake went on automatically when I was driving the parkway in New Jersey telling me to watch my surroundings. I was driving late in the evening and no cars were in my immediate distance. Another issue, the emergency warning light just came on my dash telling me my light above my license plate was faulty and I was almost rear ended by the vehicle behind me. My tail lights just stopped working out of no where. Also, when I am backing into a parking space the brakes will automatically slam on when there is no need.
NHTSA complaint #11559588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suddenly car entry stopped working. Warning messages on display about start/stop, engine starting malfunction, every single light. I found the driver rear side full of water where the fuse panel and control modules are located. There was water soaked into the insulation at the bottom of the space as well as the insulation over the wheel well. Water drops were viewed on the controllers in that space.
NHTSA complaint #11552232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Start/ Stop system malfunction shown on dash board. Took vehicle to Lynbrook Audi New York on 9/20/23. Water penetration causing multiple damage to electrical systems. Audi states water possibly entering through faulty skylight drain hose ? Quote service charge of 12,028.00 not including tax , declined service for a second opinion. Invoice # 207805. Paid 271.57 for diagnostic inspection. Vehicle was service at this location on 3/9/22 RO # 188998 Tag w107 Complete Complimentary Inspection on 3/9/22. Vehicle Certified ( pre-owned ) at this location on 12/20/2020 ( paid over 1,000.00)
NHTSA complaint #11546309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Comfort Control Module (J393) is malfunctioning due to water getting into the wiring components and surrounding areas. The rear lighting stops working all together; No taillights, no brake lights, no turn signals, no license plate lights, and no lights when backing up. The problem has been reproduced by an authorized dealer. The component was removed by the dealer and noted of water inside the module and corrosion on the pins/ internals because of the water. The warning lamps occurred at the same time the lights stopped working. There was never any "prior to" warning. The warnings disappear randomly, no set time until they cleared. I am assuming once the module dries out over time is when the warnings start to clear but that is just speculation. UNKNOWN cause of the incident, but water is getting into the inside of the car somehow.
NHTSA complaint #11546356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Control modules located next to the gateway module that was recently recalled are getting wet and shorting out. Tail lights, brake lights, turning signals, license plate lights, and reverse lights all stop working. Once the area is dry, the lighting works only sometimes. I am not ever sure if the lights work or not while I'm driving and am concerned about getting rear-ended because of the lights being out and me not knowing.
NHTSA complaint #11546126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I was driving on the freeway on my way home from work, my car just started giving off warning signals That my brake lights were no longer working and my tail lights were no longer working. Which almost caused a serious accident Due to the car behind me not being able to tell that I was coming to a stop. When I got home I did a little research to see if I can see what the problem was and I come across multiple complaints online about a faulty hatch switch. I took my car into the dealer the next morning for service and the service provider told me that they will have to check my car and more than likely it is the hatch switch and they are aware of it. But Audi doesn't have a recall for something so deadly. faulty hatch switch That controls your brake lights and taillights It's a serious safety concern And should be addressed immediately, people can lose their lives all because of a faulty switch that audi is aware of
NHTSA complaint #11544755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Audi engine start system malfunction continues to go off on the dash and the majority of the exterior lighting has gone into a malfunction as well. The left rear fuse panel in the luggage compartment has moisture in it and on the wires.
NHTSA complaint #11541835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger backup light failure. Taken to dealer and they recommended replacing part TSB 2063766/2. Yes I will supply this part if requested. No backup light is a safety hazard. Yes the vehicle was inspected by the dealer. They gave a parts and labor estimate of $805. Yes there was a warning message in the dashboard for this malfunction. This is a “common failure” in Audi Q5 automobiles to the point where the replacement part is on back order.
NHTSA complaint #11540560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The right rear tail light assembly module which regulates the backup and braking light has not been operable since 05/18/2023. I was informed by Audi online I need to order a new assembly because the bulbs that are installed cannot be changed. I ordered the new part on 05/19/2023 from Audi of Chandler, AZ. and was informed it will take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. I was informed there are currently two thousand of these tail light assemblies on back order. I then contacted the Audi dealerships in Gilbert, AZ. and Scottsdale, AZ. and was informed of the same back order situation. I called the Audi dealership in Chandler, AZ. on 07/14 and was informed by the parts manager there are still 600 assembles on back order. I then contacted Audi corporate on 07/28/2023 to lodge a complaint. I was told I was to receive a call back within two days after a review. After not receiving a call back I contacted Audi on 08/01/2023 and again was informed of no new information. I received an email on 08/01/2023 from Audi customer care informing me to contact a specific representative. I left two voice messages on 08/02/2023 and was never contacted. The email also stated to reply if I care to do so which I did on 08/02/2023 with no response. On 08/03/2023 I left a message for two different representatives and have not heard back. The case # with Audi is [XXX]. This is a circuity problem which Audi must know about if at one point they had two thousand of these tail light assemblies on back order. This non functioning taillight assembly is a serious safety hazard which needs be corrected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11536325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.
NHTSA complaint #11476179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. ADAPTIVE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING. WARNING LIGHT FLASHING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. " ADAPTIVE LIGHT DEFECTIVE" SYMBOL FLASHING. 2. AC/HEATING FAN "SQUEALING" LOUDLY. BEGAN ABOUT A MONTH AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11383444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT ISSUE IS THE REPLACEMENT OF A DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT ON THE 2013 AUDI Q5 WHICH FAILED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS UNDER 60K MILES. AUDI ENGINEERING IMBEDDED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT INTO THE HEADLIGHT UNIT. WHEN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT FAILS, THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT UNIT MUST BE REPLACED - SERVICE ESTIMATE OF $1,695.00. MY RESEARCH SHOWS DEALERSHIP SERVICE ESTIMATES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT TO BE $85.00 OR LESS FOR OTHER VEHICLES. I FEEL AUDI'S ACTIONS WERE FISCALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND I RESENT AUDI FORCING CUSTOMERS LIKE MYSELF TO PAY SUCH AN EXORBITANT COST FOR THIS SAFETY REPAIR DUE TO AUDI'S BLUNDER. AUDI WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BUT DID NOTHING TO NOTIFY ME OF THIS PENDING EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #11240982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.