Suspension Problems of Audi Q5 - part 1

2014 Audi rear subframe is rusted through. 92,000 mi. My independent mechanic found the problem when performing suspension work. It has not been inspected by the dealer yet but will be soon. With the history of the subframe failures on these models and years, there is a danger to the public driving these vehicles on the road. Audi needs to fix these problems.

See all problems of the 2014 Audi Q5 🔎.

Rear subframe rusted out at only 85,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2015 Audi Q5 🔎.

2015 Audi Q5 quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme nature of corrosion and cracking found on the subframe assembly this should be considered a high priority warning for Audi Q5 owners. A total failure of all rear suspension and drivetrain components may result.

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.

Severe frame rusting of sub frame and crossmember. Rear of car affecting steering , tire aligment and wear. Swaying of rear end of car bouncy ride , wear or cracking of control arm and shocks.

See all problems of the 2010 Audi Q5 🔎.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 tdi (VIN # [xxx] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealerships since purchase. On [xxx], following a failed virginia state safety inspection, the vehicle was inspected by Audi of chantilly, va. Their service department confirmed that the rear subframe is cracked due to extensive rust and recommended immediate repair. I have attached both the inspection report and supporting photographs. This is not an isolated case. Numerous Audi Q5 owners have documented similar corrosion on the rear subframe, often attributed to a plastic cover that traps moisture and accelerates rusting. This appears to be a design defect with potentially dangerous implications. As it stands, the vehicle is not drivable. The compromised subframe poses a serious risk of structural failure while in motion, increasing the potential for loss of control, a crash, or injury. The dealership has estimated repairs at over $9,000, which I am currently seeking coverage for through Audi customer service. However, Audi has indicated that their corrosion warranty covers only body panels—not subframe components—despite the fact that the defect stems from their design. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear subframe rust causing car to fail state inspection. This vehicle has been maintained well and always parked in garage. The rear subframe rusted most, then front subframe. This is a common compliant among Audi forum users.

See all problems of the 2011 Audi Q5 🔎.

The Audi technician discovered that the rear subframe had rusted through completely, which they deemed very unsafe and recommended replacing the subframe.

See all problems of the 2012 Audi Q5 🔎.

The rear passenger side suspension coil was found broken with a clean break but embedded into the coil boot during a 70k service at the Audi dealer with ~61k miles. No alarming condition of the failure was present, and if it would have dislodged while at speed on the interstate would have resulted in complete loss of control and bodily harm to the driver as well as other vehicles on the road. This was a cpo vehicle garage kept and routinely serviced by Audi, yet they denied any liability and provided no assistance when I escalated to corporate due to being out of cpo warranty by ~2 months. As a result, I had an independent vw specialist shop perform the work, document the observations as if they were to be subpoenaed in the future, and provide me all the parts from the repair (which I still have). The spring coating is completely intact on both rear coils and during the repair process it is evident that the part number has changed from what was originally installed to the current version. The clean break suggests part defect either in design for use or in the spring manufacture. Further investigation on various Audi forums as well as the NHTSA shows this is a prevalent failure for the 2018 Q5 and Audi should be doing something about this.

See all problems of the 2018 Audi Q5 🔎.

Took my vehicle in for an alignment, was told by my local Audi dealer the rear subframe has rotted through and will need to be replaced. I asked how could this happen on a vehicle under 10 years? they said they see a lot of Q5's with similar rust issues due to a design flaw where a plastic protective cover cups and holds water directly on the structural part of the vehicle. They quoted me $8,000 to fix and offered no assistance on the price. Many, many others in forums and social media pages have the same issue and are forced to pay out of pocket for this issue caused by Audi.

When going in for an oil change and tire change the dealer noticed both rear springs were broken.

Rear subframe has severe rust through caused by plastic covers that trap moisture. This is a danger as the rust is so severe it will impact suspension, lower control arm in the rear. It was not inspected by anyone other than myself. No warning lamps. I noticed one of the plastic pieces hanging down from the vehicle that led me to inspect the cause of this part coming loose.

I was doing maintenance on car. Had new tires and alignment done. The alignment tech found rotted out rear sub-frame underneath plastic covers. Said that it was unsafe to drive. Had it fixed there. Mechanic had another Q5 on rack, he said it had exact same problem. Tried to find used parts, all had rot through the frame. Found a part in texas that was clean and bought it to replace. Asked Audi USA to reimburse me for the cost as they have a supposed 12 yr rust through warranty. They told me no because it only applies to body parts and that I didn't get it done at an Audi dealer. The plastic cover is the issue as it keeps the moisture locked into the part. Audi a6s have the same frame but no cover and they don't rot. This is a dangerous situation and Audi is looking the other way.

See all problems of the 2013 Audi Q5 🔎.

My dealer informed me during a routine inspection that the rear coils springs were about to break and needed replacement at only 66653 miles. Web search revealed many others who have actually failed. Manufacturer will not cover 'out of warranty' repair. As a mechanical engineer with 45 years in the light vehicle industry - 30 in safety - I can say that coil springs do not routinely fail, especially at this mileage. If the do fail at speed I'd certainly expect potential loss of control by the surprised diver.

Motor mounts leaking, car at only 45k miles Audi dealer indicates fix will be ~$3,200 many posts online (audiworld discussion forums, etc. ) - many drivers encountering issue at even fewer mileage concerning that there was no warning on vehicle.

The Audi Q5 was new in 2015 and I am the original owner. The vehicle has 135,600 miles on it. During an oil change visit to my repair shop, they informed me of significant rust corrosion to the subframe. My Audi dealer in chantilly acknowledged that subframe rust was a design flaw on model years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Audi will not cover this under their 12 year rust corrosion perforation warranty. I believe this to be a significant safety hazard to the owners and their families who are still driving their Q5 without knowledge of the impending disaster. Impending disaster could be a subframe collapse at highway speed.

Audi dealer inspection report said severe rear sub frame rust is a safety issue and requires replacement.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the suspension coil spring was cracked at the bottom. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.

Notified by Audi dealership of a rear coil spring break. Zero corrosion present, powder coating fully intact (picture available), low mileage. Was advised and verified that this serious safety issue is occurring with many 2018 Audi Q5 models. Audi has not, as of yet, recognized this as a defective part and issued a safety recall. Please add my complaint to the many others regarding this safety issue and mandate Audi issue a recall.

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".

Rear spring has broken at 50k miles. This is a potentially catastrophic outcome at speed. Vehicle is not used for towing or any sort of off road use. Estimate from the dealer was $2000 to replace both rear springs. The dealer said that "it happens" and would not cover the failure. The car is driven as a commuting car - really? after some online research, apparently this is a somewhat common issue that Audi refuses to acknowledge or address - it's a "maintenance item". Sorry - this is a safety issue. No spring should fail at 50k miles.

I was recently driving and heard a funny noise from back right of car. Looked underneath and saw a broken spring (I have the broken spring) . I am the original owner of this car and it only has 36,645 miles on it. Never been off-road, hauled anything, or had anything heavy in back. In looking online afterwards this seems to be a common problem in 2018 Audi Q5s. This defect could have caused a serious accident if I hadn't noticed the sound and had it fixed. This is ridiculous for this to fail on this expensive of a vehicle with such low mileage. I had to replace both rear springs (shouldn't only replace one) and have an alignment which ended up costing me $1013. 01. I really think I should be reimbursed by Audi since this is a known defect! thank you.

My 2018 Q5 with around 60k miles had a rear passenger side coil spring break. There is a forum with many other people that have the exact same issue and I believe this is a defect/ faulty design as we all have had the coil break in the same location under similar low mileage. . Read more...

Passenger side broken rear spring was uncovered when Audi Q5 was brought in for it's annual service. There were no warning lights or messages indicating the suspension was broken. This vehicle is drive gently, is not used to tow, carry heavy loads or go off road.

In 7/2023, I was told during a routine maintenance appt at Audi dealership that both rear suspension springs on my 2018 Q5 were broken, as in broken into two pieces. I was told it was a major safety issue. There was no indication or warning from the car’s system of a problem…I only found out as a result of an inspection at the dealership. It was then repaired at the dealership. I am sharing this information because I have read about others having the same problem with the rear springs on the same model. My understanding is that spring breakage is uncommon and should not happen at 55000 miles to a car that is not driven in rocky or bumpy terrain, which mine is not.

On July 12, 2023 I took my 2018 Audi Q5 to the dealership of westwood in Audi massachusetts for an oil change. According to the dealer, the coil mount was broken, and it would lead to coil spring breaking. It is concerning because the car only has 53,000 miles and it’s driven only on the street and it’s not used for off-road and it was never driven hard. Only this dealership ever touched my car and they had never reported any flaws while I had the extended 5-year warranty. This was my first dealership visit for no change without extended warranty. If the coil springs break, I will have no warning so it seems like a safety concern given that the car is relatively new. I searched on the web and apparently 2018 Audi Q5 seem to have a problem with the rear driver side coil springs and coil mount. Did dealership said this is normal wear and tear on the 53,000 mile Audi. They also said that the engine mount would have to be replaced soon in the near future, and they said it was normal wear and tear. I guess the engine could fall on the ground, another safety problem without any warning. Thank you for your time.

My 2018 Audi Q5 has 53,000 miles per the dealer the coil spring seat is broken. Driver rear spring is broken ,rear coil spring mounts are corroded, and if left on resolved my suspension can fail. The dealer also states that this may result in uneven tire wear poor handling in for fuel economy. It is somewhat confusing because all this sounds like a major safety issue since involves the suspension. A simple, google search also showed me that I’m not alone, that many customers are experiencing serious, similar problems with low mileage Audi cars. As always, thank you for your time I have all documentation for my car which was purchased at the dealership and serviced at the dealership without any problems being reported until now.

Brought to dealer for routine maintenance and was told both rear springs are broken and need to be replaced. Last time it was in the shop was for a safety inspection in March with no reported issues with springs. The springs are a critical suspension component and put me and others on the road at risk every time I drove it due to rollover, loss of control and bottom out potential while driving. Yes dealer inspected and confirmed the component failure and suggested replacement. No indication on dashboard or warning lights.

The right rear coil spring broke after only 52,679 miles. The car was never taken off road and most of the mileage was on highways. It was driven by my wife, who is a very conservative driver. The dealer discovered this. The independent shop to which I took it for a second opinion stated that the coil spring looked like new but had a break in it, which they've never seen with a car in pristine condition and such low mileage. Both the dealer and independent shop stated it was a hazard and needed to have both rear coil springs replaced, since although only one was broken it was mechanically necessary to do both. . Read more...

The contact owns 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear driver’s side suspension coil spring had fractured also causing damage to the rear axle and rear differential. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure previously. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Rear suspension coil spring was broken, with only 62,000 miles. This sounds similar to the problem with this car's cousin, the 2018-19 vw tiguan, which had a recall. . Read more...

During a normal service visit it was brought to my attention that the rear suspension coil was broken. They attributed this to normal wear and tear after only 52,000 miles. Upon research it seems this is far more common in 2018 Q5s than it should be this is early.

Two issues: 1. We have needed to repeatedly replace brake booster. 2. Passenger side rear spring has broken and dealer is indicating the driver side should also be replaced.

Both rear coil springs observed to have failed (broken) upon bringing car to mechanic for brake job. Less than 60k miles.

Both rear springs broke. Possible risk to wheel and arm support. No towing, road hazard or excessive load. Car has 48,000 miles. Others reported same problem on Audi members site. Unable to reach Audi USA. Dealer says my problem.