Electrical System Problems of Audi Q5 - part 1

The gateway control module failed in September 2025 on my 2021 Audi Q5. Vehicle error messages included the following failures: cruise control, parking brake, transmission, brakes, and steering, windows rolled down, seats moved, dash and mmi black followed by a sudden loss of power, narrowly avoiding an accident (kids in car). Would not restart. Diagnosis by Audi dealer was that the gateway control module got wet and needed to be replaced. This is recall 90s9 from 2021 that was “repaired” in March 2022 by covering the module with a plastic bag. This proved an insufficient repair backed up by a class action lawsuit filed in January 2022 titled gioffe, et al. V. Volkswagen group of America, inc. , et al. (case no. 1:22-cv-00193). I reached out to Audi USA to request a goodwill repair which was my only available recourse given that the recall had been completed and closed. After 5 days the regional manager denied my request even after I emphasized the safety risk associated with this catastrophic failure as well as the recall in 2021 and class action suit filed in 2022. I paid $1485. 33 to re-repair the recall. Driving home from repair my vehicle alerted me to the following messages: vehicle starting system: malfunction! please contact service, and Audi pre-sense: currently limited. See owner’s manual. An obd scan alerted 7 more codes: 1. Steering assistance id 44 (terminal 30 open circuit), 2. Central electrics id 09 (garage door opener transmitter no communication), 3. Gateway id 19 control module for emergency call module and communication unit no communication, 4. Ethernet notrufmodul keine kommunikation, 5. Ethernet databus branch 1 no communication, 6. Multimedia id sf function restriction due to communication interruption, 7. Driver assistance id a5 dynamic calibration function limitation due to limit value exceedance. I reached out to the dealership that performed the service and was told that those are “ghost codes” and nothing to do with the work performed.

See all problems of the 2021 Audi Q5 🔎.

My car randomly rebooting while driving. The whole mmi goes down.

See all problems of the 2018 Audi Q5 🔎.

The car floods with excess fuel after idling for a short period of time resulting in multiple misfires and violent vibration. The car will not restart and will need to be towed. In traffic jams, the car can fail stranding motorists and creating a very unsafe situation. The problem has been verified by the dealership. Apparently, it is a known issue with the new Audi Q5 and they do not have a viable solution. They said to put the car in neutral and rev the engine to try and burn excess fuel. However, once the misfires start, it’s probably too late. I have pictures of the warning lights and the service reports. The car is 2 weeks old and has been back to the shop twice ( towed once) for a total of 5 days.

Subject: passenger occupant detection system (pods) – airbag safety concern description of the problem: the passenger occupant detection system (pods) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely indicates that a passenger is present when the seat is empty. This creates uncertainty about whether the passenger airbag will deploy correctly in the event of a collision. The issue has occurred multiple times. Safety concern: because the pods system directly controls passenger airbag deployment, a malfunction could result in the airbag being disabled when an adult passenger is seated, or unintentionally activated when no one is present. This poses a significant safety risk. Request: I am reporting this issue as it appears to be a defect in the occupant detection system. Other Audi models from nearby years have had recalls related to pods malfunctions. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this defect extends to the 2019 Audi Q5 and to consider issuing a recall if warranted.

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The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v898000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See all problems of the 2022 Audi Q5 🔎.

While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, my instrument panel went completely dark. I was not able to see the speed I was driving and my warning sounds/lights were not working. The dealer could not get me an appointment for 4 weeks so I took it to a mechanic who specializes in european cars. The diagnostics indicated a loss of power to the instrument cluster/panel. I was told there was an active recall for this issue, but my VIN was not included. As this is a safety issue that sounds very familiar to the current recall for other Audi models, I contacted Audi and after inspection they diagnosed it as a failing instrument cluster. Since it's not in the current recall, I'm having to replace it. I've had computer issues in the past which the current Audi dealership has checked and told me there was nothing wrong, but after speaking to the Audi service tech many of the recalled issues were solved by a software update. The loss of the instrument panel is a major safety issue and Audi refuses to resolve the issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 mph and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the body control module(bcm) was floating in water. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 21v947000 (electrical system, structure), and the additional repairs were at the contact's expense. The contact stated that the recall remedy was inadequate for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Turbo charger failed. Lost power for driving and car start stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the motor mounts. 3. Rear passenger side tail reverse light and rear camera not working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a citation.

Invoice from mechanic states my water pump failed along with other engine components which led to a domino effect of system failures and leaks with potential to cause fire. Similar recalls have been issued for 2014 Audi Q5s.

See all problems of the 2014 Audi Q5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while pulling into a business at an undisclosed speed, there was an unknown warning light illuminated, and the message "left and right rear signal and center rear brake light malfunction" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the key warning light and engine malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that there was water intrusion into the rear cargo area of the vehicle, due to a clogged drain. The contact was informed that the drain tube needed to be cleaned, the module needed to be replaced, and the vehicle needed to be rewired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

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.

Bcm.

My vehicle spontaneously began displaying emergency signals including engine malfunction, turn signal malfunction, parking brake malfunction, brake light malfunction. I would also turn the car completely off and brake lights would remain on asymetrically. Also, the related alert bells would go off intermittently. I have kept my car in good repair and on a regular maintanence schedule. I took the car first to my mechanic who evaluated and said I should take to the Audi dealership. After two days of diagnosis, they came back that the sunroof drains were clogged with debris which definitively caused water to enter and soak the "comfort module" after irrigating them, they did not find any damage and said they do not need replacement. However, the water soaked and heavily corroded the comfort module and say the entire module needs to be replaced along with a rebuild of the harness. They are quoting me $12,300. My safety was at risk in the malfunction of the engine system, and especially signalling capabilities and possible brake impact. The problem has been confirmed by two mechanics - mine and Audi I searched online and have discovered a number of other 2018 Audi Q5 owner accounts of the same and similar defect and result. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Turns out numerous complaints about water finding its way onto the computer comfort module. It is well known. Audi techs admitted it is due a bad design by Audi. There are no indications or warnings something is going wrong. Module gets fried and vehicle shuts off. Can't even shift or take out of park. Insurances do not want to cover due it being water related. Audi does not want to repair due to no recall. They want approx $10,000. 00 per occurrence when this happens. Definitely not fair to consumers to have to pay this or total their vehicles. My car only has 50k miles.

Virtual dashboard where speedometer and safety warning are displayed has stopped working. Display has completely shut down. I cannot see any critical information to drive vehicle. I contacted the dealership to address a serious safety concern that mirrors an issue already under active recall for other models by the manufacturer. Despite this, the dealership has refused to perform any inspection or repairs, stating that my specific model is not currently included in the recall—even though the symptoms and risks are identical. This refusal raises significant concerns, as it leaves a known safety issue unaddressed solely due to recall limitations that may not yet reflect the full scope of the problem. In order to receive any resolution, the dealership is asking to cover diagnostic and service costs for the safety issue.

We have a leased 2023 Audi Q5 that has been to the Audi service department twice so far to determine the source of the problem with our sos sensor, which turns on randomly and now stays on and won't turn off. The first time, on April 23rd, Audi service did not address the issue because they forgot to. The second time, on April 29th, the Audi service rep, kyle blomberg, reported that the sos sensor issue may be fixed with a software update coming out later this year. He will speak with the service foreman today for more information. This is a safety issue if the car is ever in an accident, as we are not sure if the airbags will deploy, whether the seat belt tension will be activated, or whether the ecall system will automatically contact emergency services. It's unacceptable for Audi not to deploy an update more expeditiously, as waiting nearly seven months is entirely ludicrous. Please investigate this further.

See all problems of the 2023 Audi Q5 🔎.

Water seeped into comfort control module via blocked sunroof drain hoses and damaged electrical. There was a recall for the same issue regading the gateway control module which allows shops to add a protective cover. This same recall needs to be on the comfort control module since the way they designed the sunroof drains allows for water to seep into the cc module. This is a ridiculous design that requires a 11k dollar repair for customers.

During a rain storm a water egress issue damaged my comfort control module. An issue identified for many Audi Q5 vehicles; however my VIN for some reason is not showing this recall. It appears the recall may need to be expanded.

The instrument panel cluster assembly (screen behind steering wheel) needed to be replaced because it would intermittently stop working and I had no idea of how fast I was going, what gear I was in, how much fuel I had or whether the lane assist and other safety features were working. Without knowing speed, I may have followed cars too closely to safely stop or I could have run out of gas and left stranded somewhere. I thought it might have been software updates occurring but after a few days, I went to the dealer for service. Audi naples was able to detect fault, replicate problem and replaced the assembly on 4/10/2025 for $3,391. 96. The dealer kept the part and told me to keep my receipt in case there is a recall. My car currently has 31,489 miles and had a total inspection and was last serviced on 1/22/2025 with 31,487 miles. I find it outrageous that a part like that would fail in such a short period of time. I was lucky I wasn't on a long trip away from home when it occurred.

Rear driver side door will not unlock when keypad, nor inside unlock button is pressed. Once inside, door will not unlock in sequence with other doors when vehicle is shut off and it is time to exit the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2011 Audi Q5 🔎.

It has been very cold here in the north east. Under freezing for more than a month. My door lock sensors stopped working about 4-5 weeks ago. Two days ago I was driving and the power steering stopped working. Then after about 2 days it began working again. Just as the temps went above freezing. And the door lock sensors started working again. I had noticed over the last month or so that papers I had behind the front seat when I went to retrieve them were very wet, soaked. I took my car to my mechanic today and he told me that the computer is under the front seat. And water in this area may be causing the failure of the power steering and the door locks. So he said I should report it to you and you could possibly help.

Water intrusion from sunroof floods electronics modules and shorting out, making the car unoperable.

2018 Audi Q5 comfort system control module is faulty due to corrosion from water and or humidity. No incidents have occurred with my vehicle that has less than 70k miles. I purchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned with 7700 miles on the car. The dealership claims that outside forces have cause the module to corrode and that I am responsible for the 10k payment to replace and/or repair.

Audi Q5 shows no recalls on my vehicle. My car stops randomly while driving even while being on highways and interstates. As well as the passenger side leaking due to sunroof drainage coming to the inside (which may affect the air bags). This car has not had any repairs on recalls that I know of personally.

While driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked up and could not be turned. Several warning lights simultaneously appeared on the dashboard including: "steering malfunction! please stop vehicle", "Audi adaptive light malfunction! see owners manual", "start/stop system malfunction! function unavailable", and "Audi pre sense currently limited" - no warning lights were present prior to this event. The sudden loss of steering could have caused serious injury to myself and to other drivers or pedestrians nearby. I was thankfully able to stop the vehicle, but I could not pull over because the steering wheel could not be turned. The car was towed to the Audi dealership and I was told the "electronic power steering rack" would need to be replaced costing nearly $5,000. 00.

Gateway control module shutdown. After a rain storm vehicle had electrical issues such as rear light turning off, and engine start malfunction alarm on dashboard. To vehicle automatically stoping with no vehicle nearby, seat belt tightening and to engine seized while driving to the dealer for the “engine start malfunction alarm”. The Audi dealer is quoting us $17,000 to repair for damages. Multiple people on this post have also had this issue with one going on 4 months waiting for parts to repair this issue.

A recall notice was sent on November 2024 informing us that the vehicle's high-voltage battery modules may experience a thermal overload possibly resulting in smoke or fire. In addition, we were notified that a defective high-voltage battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. The recall notice indicated to contact the manufacturer, Audi, to remedy the recall. We contacted Audi multiple times starting on November 2024 for the manufacture to remedy this safety recall. We have yet to receive any information as to the timeframe to remedy the recall or have had Audi reach out setting an appointment for diagnostics or replacement of the defective battery. We have been concern for the safety of ourselves and the vehicle given the current recall.

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.

Roof drains clogged resulting in water filling the interior left rear wheelwell where ligting control modules are stored and are not waterproofed. Design defect allowing water incursion into an electrical connection system that is not waterproofed resulted in sudden and immediate multiple lighting system failure, road hazard.

2018 Audi Q5 (2. 0, 40k miles, excellent condition) experienced severe electronic failure, due to sunroof drainage lines depositing water into the rear side wells where sensitive electronics are housed, impacting all tail-lights, wipers, sensors, internal dashboard sensors, etc. , rendering the car highly unsafe and undrivable. The issue is a design and manufacturer defect that has allowed rainwater to leak into the rear side compartments destroying sensitive electronics & wiring, from faulty/kinked drain lines in the sunroof (according to the Audi technician from my local Audi store), rendering the vehicle undrivable. It was obvious, repeatable, and avoidable. Worse this issue was misdiagnosed by the same Audi store, causing extra parts & labor expenses that didn't solve anything. It took my Audi store over a month to diagnose the issue correctly. There were also significant investigative/diagnostic charges from my Audi dealership. There were also significant repair expenses to replace all water-logged equipment, including the electronics control unit (ecu). This should be a clear recall item.

My car cut off while I was driving [xxx]. My family including my [xxx] was in the car when the car shut off mid drive. No warning nothing. Power was on but the steering wheel locked and the brake pedal was firm. I could not switch gears nothing. It's a Sunday so I had the car towed to my home. 10/7 I have the car towed to bell Audi in edison NJ and was told it's my alternator. I work from home, I barely drive 10 miles a week. I use my car to pick my daughter up from school which is close to home. I have researched and found this is a common issue with Audi cars that are not old. At 13k miles I should not have this issue. We could've died on the highway as that is where I was heading towards. I checked my VIN and found this is a common issue which is not acceptable as we almost died in the car as it stopped short and scared all of us and locked up. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The comfort control module in the trunk of the car was sitting in water due to an ingress of water coming in the car. The car would not start due to this water ingress and could have shut off completely on the freeway or while driving. This caused my car to completely shut off and malfunction. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem. I found out about the problem by taking the car to the Audi dealership. They originally thought the problem was the gateway module which has already been recalled due to the same problem of an ingress of water. The Audi dealership has claimed that the ingress of water is from a clogged drain pipe in the sunroof. They said there is nothing you can do to prevent this from happening.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals were inoperable. The contact pulled over and noticed that the rear lights including brake lights and turn signals were not operational. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause was diagnosed as a sunroof drain line leakage that caused electrical damage due to water build up, that damaged the control module. The contact stated that the drain lines need to be unclogged and the control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer awaiting the repairs. The contact was concerned that the owner’s manual did not provide guidance on sunroof maintenance to prevent the failure. The contact opened the rear hatch and found water accumulation under the mat. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Starter button does not work. Use of emergency start only. Dealership says rain water running off car towards the back, gets into the wiring and causes massive damage. Getting a bill of over $11,000 there are recalls on this for other Q5 years but not 2018.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, upon reaching the destination, the contact became aware that the headlights would not turn off. After which, the vehicle failed to restart, and the vehicle was towed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v947000 (electrical system, structure); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.