Body Problems of Audi Q5 - part 1

My rear subframe is completely rotted out and the dealership I bought it from but a new inspection sticker sold it to me and told me it was perfect condition.

See all problems of the 2017 Audi Q5 🔎.

Mechanic was checking the car and noticed subframe is rusted through underneath the plastic cladding. Audi dealers should cover this under warranty as it’s a safety issue. This happened due to poor designing.

See all problems of the 2016 Audi Q5 🔎.

This vintage 2014 Audi a5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.

See all problems of the 2014 Audi Q5 🔎.

Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 premium plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in south carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as very dangerous on the service invoice and quoted $4,711. 52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's automotive in westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural metal on both sides of the subframe. The vehicle has plastic stone guard covers bolted over the subframe from the factory. These covers trapped road salt and moisture against unpainted mild steel, accelerating concealed corrosion that was invisible until the covers were removed during inspection. The vehicle is undriveable and has not been driven since the defect was discovered in approximately March 2026. This defect pattern is documented in at least 16 prior NHTSA complaints for Audi Q5 models spanning model years 2010 through 2018. Audi has revised the subframe part number at least five times (8r0505235f through 8r0505235n) but has issued zero recalls and zero consumer notifications.

Vehicle rear subframe comes with plastic covers that trap road salt and cause severe corrosion. Issue only presents itself when plastic covers are removed, revealing rust/corrosion and lost material, and a risk of the subframe to split resulting in lost of vehicle control on the road. This was found as a preventative action due to reports from other car owners and is confirmed by Audi dealers as a common issue. Labor and parts estimate around $6000 (including $2000 in parts).

2014 Audi Q5 tdi with 115000 miles. Rear subframe inspected individually, by independent shop, and by Audi dealership. Found to have severe rust with perforation underneath where plastic debris covers are mounted. It is currently installed on vehicle at time of complaint. The failure of the subframe can disable the vehicle while driving, disconnect the axle and surrounding components, and cause an accident with one or more vehicles on the road. Audi has a 12 year/unlimited mileage warranty but claims it is not covered under warranty. Repair is quoted around ~$6000 including parts and labor.

Incident date: 06/30/25, lift gate has closed while still trying to retrieve items from the cargo area, it seems if key is on the person and somehow the kick sensor was activated by accident the lift gate will shut down, the vehicle did make a beeping sound yet I was not clear where/what until the lift gate is coming down on me so I had to quickly move, the lift gate was quite close yet no sensor was activated to prevent the lift gate from shutting. This incident occurred prior to this date and I had to manually push the lift gate up since it was even closer to my body. I did some troubleshooting and read that the key should not be on the person, if so then someone can set off the kick sensor, designed for hands-free operation, can be sensitive and might accidentally trigger the liftgate to close if someone is too close to the rear bumper. Some users report this happening even without intentionally activating the feature. This is a safety issue that a vehicle does not have the sensor to detect an object or body to lift back up. A situation where a 2024 Audi Q5 liftgate closes by itself, potentially causing injury, is concerning. It does appear several factors can contribute to such a malfunction, causing a safety hazard. **please note I have a video from my from home camera yet unable to upload it. I tried my best to take pictures from the video.

See all problems of the 2024 Audi Q5 🔎.

A coil that is attached underneath the sunroof is attached to the bcm. There is not a drain plug at the end so there was 5 inches of water there and the bcm was made to sit in that spot. The electrical wires and bcm were burned out because of this. The bcm controls the entire system not limited to the start button and everything that runs the car. I have only had the vehicle less than 1 year and it costs 4000 dollars to fix. My car has been at the dealership since June 9th.

See all problems of the 2018 Audi Q5 🔎.

There is severe rust in the rear subframe. It's so bad that the rust has made holes right through the subframe - compromising its integrity. This is a serious safety issue as the subframe holds the suspension and wheels and could break at any point. This is not normal wear and tear. This is a manufacturer's defect and a major safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Took vehicle in for state safety inspection. Found heavy rust on subframe nearly all the way through. Was told if it gets any worse it will not pass inspection next time. Apparently there are plastic rock shields on subframe that trap water causing it to rust. Took it to dealer and they want to charge close to $4000 to replace. This seems like an engineering defect. The vehicle is kept in a garage and doesn’t have any other rust on it.

See all problems of the 2013 Audi Q5 🔎.

The Audi Q5 sunroof drain that is intended to keep water out of the vehicle, leaked where water collected and pooled in the car beneath the car liner. The water collected on the "comfort module" and electrical fuse box resulting in immediate electrical failure of several vehicle features/systems including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, windshield wipers, etc. To name a few. In addition to repairs in excess of $10k, the vehicle will be totaled by the insurance company. After an exhaustive search, several Audi users of the same make, model and year have faced a similar issue. This issue must be addressed by Audi and should be reviewed immediately.

I found out this past summer that my rear subframe on my Audi Q5 (2012) had rusted out to the point of being dangerous to drive. Looking into it, this is apparently a common problem due to the 1st and 2nd generation design of the Q5 where they placed a wind deflector over the rear subframe. In doing so, that wind deflector collected and held moisture and corrosive agents against the frame to the point where it was completely rusted through. I was told my Q5 was not safe to drive until I got the rear subframe replaced. The Audi dealership that I ordered the subframe from (rockville Audi) said they have been increasing the number of subframes on order as this is becoming a consistent problem. When I spoke with Audi of America about it, they said they did not believe it was an issue beyond regular aging of the vehicle but I disagree as I have other vehicles with many more years that do not have complete sections of the frame rusted/rotted out.

See all problems of the 2012 Audi Q5 🔎.

The rear subframe has plastic "stone guards" to protect the frame from being damaged in off-road conditions. Where these stone guards are attached, the subframe has rotted/rusted large holes. Water and salt from winter seasons can get trapped behind these guards. A subframe on a vehicle at this age should not have complete holes rotted through. Let alone a vehicle brand such as Audi, known for quality. The rear subframe connects the rear suspension and awd drivetrain to the unibody of the vehicle. This is a major safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer; my Audi dealer denied this could happen. I am part of a few Audi groups/forums with others facing the same issues, and Audi replacing the subframe under the corrosion warranty. This is a widespread issue amongst the forums. There are no warnings or symptoms as of yet. I noticed the holes 3/17/24. The vehicle has been somewhat sufficient to operate. I just don't want to be traveling down the road with my family in the vehicle if the subframe collapses. I am afraid to fully remove the stone guards as others on the forums claimed that Audi would do nothing for them after removing the guards. Being that they are "protection".

2024 Audi Q5, VIN: wa1abafy6r2047210 purchase date: 1/17/24 the automatic tailgate has a foot sensing devise to open or close the tailgate. The problem is that when I am loading or unloading from the luggage area, my foot sometimes activates the sensor and the tailgate tries to close on top of me. I have not been injured yet, but it takes a significant force to overpower the tailgate and stop it. This happened on the first day I got the vehicle and has happened at least 5 more time since then. The dealer checked the vehicle and told me there were no problems shown in the obd. I told them that I would like the foot sensor deactivated or disconnected. They told me they could not do that.

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.

My 2018 Q5 has experienced water intrusion due to the defective design of the sunroof/drainage system, causing water to leak into the trunk and rear left cavity where the ecm and battery are located. After several hours of rain, approx. 2 inches was collected in the location of the battery and was extremely dangerous.

Having taking the car in for routine service at the Audi dealership, it was discovered that the right rear spring and lower perch were not in correct position. I had the car inspected by an auto body shop and was told that the perch is hanging down and the spring has tipped sideways. I am having the car flat bedded to the dealer in hyannis and the next available date on the schedule for the car to be repaired is 9/26/23. I was advised not to drive the car by the dealership until the repairs are made.

I hit 2 mailboxes and one car back but not warning no emergency brake work. I wonder why my car doesn’t have any safety features it should have.

See all problems of the 2022 Audi Q5 🔎.

In early July, 2023 various warning and fault lights began to show on the dashboard: engine start system, brake lights, start/stop system, and others - indicating malfunctions with systems important to safety. Also, the car alarm system sounded without cause and key pods would not lock/unlock the doors electronically. These warning lights proliferated over several days. We took our car into our local Audi dealership. They diagnosed the problem as follows: "performed gff and found code for 3393 comfort system control module replacement. Control module faulty due to control unit being submerged in water and fried the control unit. Water leak due to rear drains clogged causing the water to overflow. Performed/fixed the water leak, cleaned out the pools of water that have accumulated, replaced the control unit 3393 comfort system control module, performed control unit replacement test plan and program keys. " the Audi Q5 is well known to have design/parts problems in the sunroof drainage system. As has occurred in thousands of other Q5s, those issues caused the rear cargo area to flood, frying an important electronic component and activating warning/fault lights for a range of other systems. Malfunctions in several of those systems could have caused critical safety issues. We are fortunate because we decided to take our Audi directly to the dealership service center. Repairs cost several thousand dollars.

Have water leaking on the driver side roof and upon dealer servicing - it was due to faulty or worn out seals on the front windscreen- and even though the windscreen is not damaged - Audi recons it has to be replaced at customer cost including the windshield that is in good condition since to cover their inability to take the glass out w/o breaking it. In public forums I see quite a few such fixes enough to warrant this should be investigated and tagged under recalls.

See all problems of the 2010 Audi Q5 🔎.

The sunroof draining is designed in such a way that if the holes get clogged, the water can back up and flood the comfort control module in the rear of the car rendering it useless. That module controls critical parts of the driving of the car like turn signals, the on/off starter motor, which if they fail while on the road make it incredibly dangerous to drive. Audi has already recalled the car to "enclose" the gateway control module but refuses to take responsibility for damage to the comfort control module caused by badly designed sunroof drainage. This incident caused a $9,000 repair that they refused to pay for.

The car is totalled. My car tripped 9+ malfunction warnings, after starting and driving. These included rear brake lights, directionals, start/stop system, and more. It appears that the sunroof leaks, and the roof drains were clogged (even though they were specifically checked and cleaned by the dealer 2 months earlier). This led to water accumulating in the areas under the back seat (a prior recall which allegedly had been addressed. . . Nhtsa campaign number: 21v947000. Audi’s number for this recall is 90s9. ), and in the rear wheel well area, where electronics control modules live. The car eventually had to be towed to the dealer. It was initially estimated to cost $9,500 to repair. But, after several weeks, more water was found and it was declared not worth repairing.

I recently discovered that my Q5 tubular rear subframe/crossmember (part # 8r0505235n) has rusted thru near a bushing that supports the rear transaxle. The rust thru area at the transaxle is about a foot long. This subframe supports the rear axle and all the rear suspension components. I brought my Q5 to the local Audi dealer and they took a video showing two areas on the subframe that have rusted thru, the bushing area supporting the transaxle and also an area supporting the left rear suspension. The dealership did not allow me to take the Q5 back and gave me a loaner vehicle to drive until the subframe can be replaced. The dealership contacted Audi north America and Audi agreed to pay 40% of the cost to replace the rear subframe. I think Audi should pay 100% as this is a serious safety issue. My Q5 has no other areas of corrosion except a slight amount of surface rust on the exhaust and is otherwise in excellent condition with only 50,444 miles. It has always been garaged since purchased new and has been in no accidents. The Audi service tech even complimented me on how clean my Q5 was at 10 years old. Ps - how can I include an attachment of the video taken by the Audi dealership?.

The rear subframe was found to have two significant holes that would not allow the car to pass a safety inspection, and I was told a significant hazard that required immediate repair. This is the only part on the vehicle with rust and is the same issue of rear subframe rust that Mercedes Benz is covering under warranty on the same-year cars due to a manufacturing defect. Audi tysons had serviced the vehicle since new but was negligent in warning me of the extreme rust or safety hazard that had developed. The first inspection by an independent shop found this issue and said it is common on Audi Q5 manufactured in this time frame. According to the repair shop, the part has a plastic protective cover that allowed water to stay trapped and is the main contributing factor. Audi refused any warranty coverage stating the warranty only covers "vehicle body sheet metal panels," but the owner's manual for warranty coverage states "-- a defect in manufacturer's material and workmanship that will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body". The Q5 is a low-mileage (87,500) vehicle that has been garaged for ~50% of its life in northern virginia. In summary, this is a know critical safety issue due to a manufacturing/design defect that Audi is not addressing.

The vehicle sunroof exploded. On March 10th at approximately 12:15pm, while driving down the road from my residence in my 2012 Audi Q5, the sunroof blew up, without warning, causing shattered glass to fall inside the cab of the vehicle onto myself, and my then nine year old son, causing minor cuts, and small pieces of glass to be lodged into the skin of our arms, chest, and head . I called the Audi service ref repairs, and was told it would take three months, before the service department could look at and repair my vehicle, as they were backed up with repairs. I ordered a new sunroof windshield and did a self repair and calibration. I followed up with Audi, advising of the incident, and was told the sunroof was under a recall, but their records, this item had been address on my vehicle, no further assistance was offered.

Unknown.

The hood has opened 3 different times with no warning while driving down the road.

See all problems of the 2020 Audi Q5 🔎.

Rear hatch randomly open during operations and while sitting parked.

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.

I was about to get on the freeway when my car's electrical system failed and I got several warning lights. The braking/stop start system, lights and a few other lit up. I pulled off the road and had it towed. The dealership said water (rain) got in through my sunroof and shorted my system (warranty won't cover). There are several class action suits re. This issue already and Audi knows about it, but there's no recall and cars have stopped suddenly on the freeway. It's very dangerous.

When closing the trunk the dash marks as if it were open. I have to open and close the trunk several times so that it stops marking as if it were open.

Squeaks and/or rattles are heard from the panoramic sunroof area.

Noticed passenger side floor board is soaked after it rains. This happens if it is parked or if your driving. All drains are clear and when dropping headliner, noticed a "water" way running down towards passenger pillar, on pillar airbag and down to floor board. Dealership told me that many other 2010 Audi Q5's have the same issue and implied this is probably why my sunroof motor is not functioning anymore due to water getting in and they quoted me $2500 to fix this manufacture flaw. If my vehicle hasn't been in a wreck and the sunroof frame is bad, why isn't there a recall for this?.

Hit a stationary Honda crv on black ice at approx 45-50 mph. Impact was straight on front of our car and rear of the crv. Our both vehicles were totaled, none of our air bags deployed. Our vehicle was then hit from the rear by a Jeep wrangler at about the same speed. Still no deployment of air bags. We are concerned that the airbags may have been defective. Accident happened in a 31 car pile up on I-68 near exit 29. We are very lucky there were no known injuries other than stiffness and sore spots. Occupants were driver 52 yrs old and front passenger 17 yrs old.

I've just completed a telephone call to schedule a recall repair, but I was told by the service center that the parts needed to repair to vehicle aren't available and they have no idea when they'll arrive. I just find this to be very unsatisfactory when Audi knows their best selling vehicle is the Q5. I'm trying to do my due diligence to keep myself and those on the road all safe as well.

See all problems of the 2019 Audi Q5 🔎.