The 2021 Q5 with the 2.0T TFSI engine suffers from a catastrophic defect: piston ring land failure leading to complete engine destruction, often under 40,000 miles. This is a known issue across VW/Audi EA888 Gen3B engines and has triggered recalls, though many owners still end up paying out-of-pocket.
Piston Ring Land Failure / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, misfires, rough idle, White or blue smoke from exhaust, Metal debris in oil, rod knock or knocking noise, Check engine light with multiple cylinder misfire codes, Catastrophic failure often occurs without much warning
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Piston ring lands crack, allowing combustion gases into crankcase, leading to bearing damage and total failure. 18-25 labor hours for long-block replacement. Some covered under warranty extension or recall, but many owners denied and forced to pay. Audi has issued TSB but no universal fix.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
Rear Differential Axle Mount / Subframe Cracking
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or banging from rear on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration through chassis at highway speeds, Rear axle misalignment visible on alignment rack, Metallic scraping or grinding noise from rear
Fix: Rear subframe or differential mounting points crack due to inadequate weld penetration or structural design flaw. Recall 23V-297 covers some VINs. Requires subframe removal, repair or replacement. 8-12 hours labor. If not recall-covered, extremely expensive repair.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near front of vehicle, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Rough or delayed shifts when cold, Pink or red fluid pooling under engine bay
Fix: The external transmission cooler develops leaks at crimped connections or internal corrosion. Requires cooler replacement and full transmission fluid flush. 3-5 hours labor depending on access.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Injector / High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when warm, Misfires on one or multiple cylinders, Fuel smell in cabin or engine bay, P0087 or P2293 fuel pressure codes, Rough idle and poor fuel economy
Fix: Direct injection system components wear prematurely. Injectors seize or leak internally, HPFP loses pressure. Individual injector replacement: 2-3 hours. HPFP replacement: 3-4 hours. Often multiple injectors fail together.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Transmission Mounts Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Drivetrain shudder during acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount inspection
Fix: The fluid-filled transmission mount deteriorates, causing driveline movement. Requires mount replacement. 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Common wear item but annoying.
Estimated cost: $400-700
MMI / Infotainment System Glitches and Module Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Screen freezes, goes black, or reboots randomly, Backup camera fails to display, Bluetooth or CarPlay connectivity drops, Climate control unresponsive through touchscreen, Navigation system crashes or loses GPS
Fix: Software bugs or failing control modules in MMI system. Often requires module replacement or software reflash at dealer. Recall 21V-531 addresses some BCM issues. 1-2 hours diagnostic plus module replacement if needed.
Estimated cost: $200-1,200
Owner tips
Check engine history thoroughly—if any internal engine work or oil consumption complaints exist, walk away
Verify VIN against recall 23V-297 (rear subframe) and 21V-724 (engine failure)—get repairs done before purchase
Use only VW/Audi 502.00/504.00 spec oil, change every 5,000 miles maximum regardless of oil life monitor
Inspect transmission fluid for metal shavings at every oil change—early warning for torque converter issues
Budget $200/month minimum for unexpected repairs if buying out of warranty
Avoid unless CPO with extended warranty—the engine failure risk alone makes this a financial grenade, and resale values reflect owners fleeing the platform.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
Consequence: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 22V753000
2022-10-07
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.
Consequence: 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.
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).
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 22V742000
2022-10-05
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."
Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
TIRES · 22V034000
2022-01-26
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.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · 21V947000
2021-12-08
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.
Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR · 21V606000
2021-08-05
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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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).
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.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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