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2021 AUDI Q5

8 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #22V753000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The engine connecting rod bearings in your vehicle are responsible for keeping the engine's moving parts lubricated and in sync. In certain 2021-2023 Audi and Volkswagen models, these bearings can wear out and break, causing engine damage.
Risk if Unfixed
If the engine connecting rod bearings fail, your engine could seize, causing your vehicle to stall. This increases the risk of a crash. If an oil leak occurs, there's also a risk of a fire.
Free Fix
Your authorized Volkswagen or Audi dealer will inspect your engine and replace the affected connecting rod bearings, if necessary, for free. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, which will be mailed to you on December 6, 2022.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #22V034000 Plain English
Component

TIRES

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rear axle in your vehicle is what connects your wheels to the rest of the car. In some 2019-2021 Audi models, the alignment of this axle wasn't checked properly after a previous repair.
Risk if Unfixed
If the axle is misaligned, your tires will wear down faster or unevenly. This could cause a blowout while driving, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will check the axle, adjust it if needed, and replace any worn-out tires — all for free. You should schedule this repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V606000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The automatic locking retractor in the rear seat belt is a safety mechanism that helps secure a child seat. In some 2021 Volkswagen and Audi models, it might stop working too early, which can leave a child seat unsecured.
Risk if Unfixed
If the retractor fails, a child seat might not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury to a child during a crash. This is a serious safety concern that you should address as soon as possible.
Free Fix
Your authorized Volkswagen or Audi dealer will inspect and replace the rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you. Schedule the repair when you receive the recall notice, and you'll have the peace of mind of knowing your child's safety is ensured.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V295000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The lock nut on your rear axle is a critical part that keeps the suspension stable. Unfortunately, it can break due to corrosion, particularly in certain 2021 and 2020 models of Audi vehicles.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lock nut breaks, the rear axle can become misaligned, making it harder to control your vehicle. This could lead to a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will replace the faulty lock nut and any associated bolts at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #25V080000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The high-voltage battery in your Audi is the part that powers the electric motor. In certain 2021-2024 models, this battery could overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the battery overheats, it could catch fire, which is a serious safety risk. This could cause damage to your vehicle and potentially put you and others in harm's way.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will install new diagnostic software to help prevent the battery from overheating — this will be done at no cost to you. Until then, do not charge your vehicle until you've been notified that the fix is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy, anticipated to be available in the second quarter of 2025. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehicles in which online data is unavailable, owners are advised not to charge their batteries until the final remedy becomes available. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased recall. Phase 1 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include Owner letters 2021-2024 model year vehicles, and Phase 3 will include Interim letters 2022-2023 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed February 28, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93AA. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V898.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #23V842000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The high-power charging cable in your vehicle is the part that lets you fill up your battery at home with a 220V outlet. In some cases, this cable can overheat if you're using a weak or old outlet.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cable or outlet overheats, it could catch fire, which is a serious safety risk for you and your property.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will replace the high-power charging cable with a newer, safer one that includes a built-in temperature sensor to prevent overheating. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #21V947000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The body control module in your Audi is like a computer that helps control many of your vehicle's functions. It's located near the rear seat and can be damaged by liquid spills or water that gets into the car.
Risk if Unfixed
If liquid gets into the body control module and it shuts down, your engine power will suddenly drop. This means you'll have reduced control over your vehicle, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will add a protective cover to the body control module and seal any gaps under the car to prevent future damage, all at no cost to you. Just schedule the repair when you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #22V742000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rearview camera display on your vehicle is a crucial safety feature that shows what's behind you when you're reversing. In certain Audi models, a software glitch can cause the screen to go blank or turn black when you're in reverse gear.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rearview camera display fails, you'll have reduced visibility of what's behind your vehicle, which could lead to a crash when reversing.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will update the infotainment system software to fix the issue, and this repair is free. You should schedule the update as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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