Almost 300,000 Audi Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback models have been recalled in the United States because of a water ingress issue that could potentially cause a short leading to a sudden loss of engine power and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Audi says that if liquid is spilled on the rear seats of affected models, it is possible the liquid will enter the gateway control module. There’s also a chance that an insufficient underbody seam could cause water to enter the gateway control module, for example while driving through deep water or during heavy rain.
Read Also: Various 2021 And 2022 Audi Models Recalled Over Rear-View Camera Issue
If water is to enter the module, it could lead to short circuits and various internal errors. Audi has designed the gateway control model to switch off if it identifies moisture and while the steering and braking systems remain fully operable, the engine goes into emergency (limp) mode and remains in operation, but with reduced power. Audi states in its recall notice that “unexpected reduced engine power may create an increased risk of an accident in certain driving situations.”
Owners of impacted vehicles will see several warning messages if the gateway control module shuts down.
Which Audi models does it involve?
The recall affects 2018-2022 Audi Q5 models built between November 9, 2016 and December 3, 2021 (248,261 units), 2018-2022 Audi SQ5 models made between January 12, 2017 and December 2, 2021 (36,196 units), a total of 824 SQ5 Sportback models built between February 20, 2021 and December 2, 2021, and 3,710 Q5 Sportback models produced from February 20, 2021 until December 1, 2021. All up, the recall impacts 288,991 vehicles.
The German automakers said it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries stemming from this issue.
Audi will resolve the problem by installing a protective cover on the gateway control module to protect it from liquid ingress. Dealers will also seal the insufficient underbody seam on vehicles produced until the end of August 2021.
