NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
42 reportsClear category filter125,000 miles · Apr 20, 2017
Engine
AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS I STARTED MY AUDI Q5. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO IDLE HARD. NO WARNING LIGHTS ECT., BUT ENOUGH FOR CONCERN. DROVE IT IMMEDIATELY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC JUST BLOCKS AWAY. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE TENSIONER ON THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE MAINTAINED TH…
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AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS I STARTED MY AUDI Q5. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO IDLE HARD. NO WARNING LIGHTS ECT., BUT ENOUGH FOR CONCERN. DROVE IT IMMEDIATELY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC JUST BLOCKS AWAY. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE TENSIONER ON THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE CAR METICULOUSLY, AND AM BESIDE MYSELF OVER THIS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MULTIPLE PEOPLE AND THERE IS CURRENTLY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED FILED LAST SPRING IN NEW JERSEY FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. MY ENGINE WAS REBUILT AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL TWO YEARS AGO ON AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. I AM BEING TOLD IT WILL COST ME $13,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE, BUT IS SEEMS THAT THIS WAS AN EXISTING PROBLEM THAT AUDI KEPT FROM ITS CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA ODI #10979450
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2017
Air BagsEngineFuel System, Other
AUDI Q5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NO REMEDY/TIME FRAME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AIR BAG REPLACEMENT RECALL, FUEL PUMP CRACKS AND ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE ISSUES. *SMD UPDATED 04/19/2017. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10965489
107,000 miles · Jan 28, 2017
Engine
I HAVE BEEN TREATED SO BADLY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI. THE MANAGER HAS TERRIBLE LEADERSHIP OF THE DEALERSHIP AND MY SERVICE EXPERIENCE WAS A ABSOLUTE DISASTER. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER SINCE I PURCHASED BY Q5 (NEVER MISSED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT AND ALWAYS DID IT AT THE DEALERSHIP). THE ENGINE HAS LEAKED OIL THE EN…
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I HAVE BEEN TREATED SO BADLY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI. THE MANAGER HAS TERRIBLE LEADERSHIP OF THE DEALERSHIP AND MY SERVICE EXPERIENCE WAS A ABSOLUTE DISASTER. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER SINCE I PURCHASED BY Q5 (NEVER MISSED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT AND ALWAYS DID IT AT THE DEALERSHIP). THE ENGINE HAS LEAKED OIL THE ENTIRE TIME. 3 YEARS AGO AUDI REPLACED THE PISTONS DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT (THEY PAID FOR IT). 4 DAYS BEFORE MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICE APPOINTMENT MY ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING IT HOME FROM WORK THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. I HAD A HALF-MILE WARNING SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING. IF I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. WHEN I GOT IT INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND TURNED IT OFF IT WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER 4-5 ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURNOVER. SO I HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT. THE NEXT DAY THEY TELL ME ENGINE CAR WAS WORTHLESS AND THAT I MUST PUT IN A NEW ENGINE FOR $11,000. THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN ENGINES FAIL AROUND 105,000. MINE HAS 107,000. I ASKED WHY THEY DID NOT ALERT ME TO THIS RISK AS I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN SOONER. I ARGUED BACK UNTIL THEY REDUCED THE PRICE TO $6,300 FOR NEW ENGINE ON A 6 YEAR OLD CAR, AND THEY WOULD OFFER ME $8,500 TO TRADE IT IN ON A NEW ONE. I DO NOT HAVE $6,300 TO DO INVEST. BESIDES, THE ENGINE IN THE Q5 HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE I PURCHASED IT AS A PRE-CERTIFIED VEHICLE IN 2011. I AM A SINGLE MOM, AND I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR ON MY OWN FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS, WHILE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT "ASSESSED" THE ENGINE ISSUE. TODAY I FINALLY GAVE UP AND I ARRANGED FOR MY Q5 TO BE TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. IF AUDI WOULD HAVE WORKED WITH ME ON ALERTING ME TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE ISSUE AT 105,000 MILES; SUGGESTED FIXING MY CAR SOONER; OFFERING ME A LOANER DURING THIS PROCESS; OR A BETTER TRADE IN VALUE -- I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANOTHER AUDI.
NHTSA ODI #10948103
95,000 miles · Sep 29, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF OIL LEAKED AND CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF OIL LEAKED AND CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. UPDATED 12/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT, DUE TO AN OIL LEAK. ALSO, AT 98,000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. UPDATED 12/21/16.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10910590
110,000 miles · Sep 13, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA ODI #10906190
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2016
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or Other
AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE COST OF $14,700. THIS IS AFTER…
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AFTER MY Q5 HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE BROKE DOWN ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY SMALL CHILD ON BOARD. MY AUDI ADVISOR TOLD ME TO TRY TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER. WE DID NOT MAKE IT. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I WAS ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT THE COST OF $14,700. THIS IS AFTER IT HAD BEEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. SECONDLY, IT HAS A RECALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND AUDI'S RESPONSE TO ME WAS THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET. THEY ARE HOWEVER ARE WORKING WITH TAKATA TO PRODUCE REPLACEMENT PARTS. SO, AGAIN THEY ARE JEOPARDIZING MINE AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY. AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS RIDICULOUS. NO VEHICLE SHOULD USE A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE COMPANY AND THEIR RESPONSES ARE ALL SCRIPTED.
NHTSA ODI #10851984
67,000 miles · Sep 13, 2015
EngineFire
THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE. THIS CAN BE DOCUMENTED WITH AUDI OF HUNTSVILLE AL. NO WARNINGS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER A PASSERBY CAME INTO THE RESTAURANT IN WHICH WE WERE DINING SAYING A GRAY AUDI WAS ON FIRE. OWNER OF RESTAURANT TRIED TO USE HANDHE…
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THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE. THIS CAN BE DOCUMENTED WITH AUDI OF HUNTSVILLE AL. NO WARNINGS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER A PASSERBY CAME INTO THE RESTAURANT IN WHICH WE WERE DINING SAYING A GRAY AUDI WAS ON FIRE. OWNER OF RESTAURANT TRIED TO USE HANDHELD FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO THE FRONT GRILL. NO LUCK AS IT IMMEDIATELY MELTED THE HOOD AND ENGULFED THE WHOLE CAR IN FLAMES. TOOK FIREMEN 30 MINUTES TO PUT IT OUT. THEY HAD NO IDEA OF CAUSE BUT SPECULATED ELECTRICAL AS THE SOURCE.
NHTSA ODI #10763376
21,000 miles · Feb 3, 2015
EnginePower Train
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 20,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE. THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS GONE THROUGH THE MANUFACTURES OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, BOTH 1 AND 2 WHICH THEY ARE SAYING BARELY PASSED. THE CAR IS CONTINUING TO BURN OIL AND HAS GONE THROUGH PHASE 1 AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME AND AM BEING TOLD IT PASSED. …
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THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 20,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE. THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS GONE THROUGH THE MANUFACTURES OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, BOTH 1 AND 2 WHICH THEY ARE SAYING BARELY PASSED. THE CAR IS CONTINUING TO BURN OIL AND HAS GONE THROUGH PHASE 1 AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME AND AM BEING TOLD IT PASSED. AUDI STATES AN OIL CHANGE IS GOOD FOR 10,000 MILES AND HERE I AM AT 7,000 MILES HAVING TO PUT OIL IN IT AND TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY FEW MONTHS TO TEST IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680957
26,281 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine
THE AUDI 2.0T ENGINE IS KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH SIGNIFICANT OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT AUDI WITH THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES. DURING OTHER SERVICE VISITS I HAVE MENTIONED TO THE AUDI DEALER THAT THE CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000-1200 MILES. AUDI CLAIMS THAT THIS IS PART OF THE ENGINE DESIGN IN ORDER FOR IT TO G…
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THE AUDI 2.0T ENGINE IS KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH SIGNIFICANT OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT AUDI WITH THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES. DURING OTHER SERVICE VISITS I HAVE MENTIONED TO THE AUDI DEALER THAT THE CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000-1200 MILES. AUDI CLAIMS THAT THIS IS PART OF THE ENGINE DESIGN IN ORDER FOR IT TO GIVE BETTER FUEL ECONOMY. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT TRUE. I HAVE FRIENDS WITH AUDIS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0T ENGINE AND THEY HAVE ZERO OIL CONSUMPTION. THERE ARE MULTIPLE ONLINE BLOGS WITH OTHER AUDI OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT IS CLEARLY SOMETHING THAT AUDI SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL TO RESOLVE THE MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607753
55,975 miles · May 31, 2014
EnginePower TrainStructureFire
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED AUDI Q5 LAST MARCH 2013. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE. NO PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUDI DEALER IN FEBRUARY 2014 FOR AN ANNUAL SERVICE AND ALSO IN MARCH 2014 FOR MY YEARLY INSPECTION/EMISSIONS TESTING. ON APRIL 2014, I HAD LOSS THE VEHICLE DUE TO AN UNKNOWN FIRE THAT HAD …
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I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED AUDI Q5 LAST MARCH 2013. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE. NO PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUDI DEALER IN FEBRUARY 2014 FOR AN ANNUAL SERVICE AND ALSO IN MARCH 2014 FOR MY YEARLY INSPECTION/EMISSIONS TESTING. ON APRIL 2014, I HAD LOSS THE VEHICLE DUE TO AN UNKNOWN FIRE THAT HAD STARTED IN THE CAR. YES, MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE! PRIOR TO THIS FIRE, I HAD NO PROBLEMS OR MESSAGES ON MY DASHBOARD OR SMELLED SMOKE WHILE I HAD DROVE THE CAR. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE UP UNTIL THAT DAY. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD INVESTIGATED THIS VEHICLE, AND THEY STATED THAT ARSON WAS NOT THE BLAME FOR THE FIRE. THEY R/O AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT MIGHT OF BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD ALSO RESEARCHED RECALLS AND MANUFACTURER DEFECTS, AND THEY CLAIMED THERE WERE NO ISSUES. I AM COMPLETELY STUNNED ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. THE CAR WAS PARKED ALL DAY, AND I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE OUT OF NOWHERE THAT THE CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AND THEY ARE AS SHOCKED AS I AM ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN. HOPEFULLY, I'LL GET AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE HAD MYSTERIOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595254
Official recalls
5Nov 19, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Jan 30, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Jan 3, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. If this happens, the corrosion can weaken the canister and the inflator could fracture without air bag deployment, propelling fragments into the passenger compartment, striking and causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.
Sep 13, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Feb 10, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗