2018 Audi Q5

My 2018 Audi Q5 experienced significant water intrusion due to a failure of the panoramic sunroof drain system. Water entered the vehicle interior and traveled down into the electrical compartment, submerging the comfort module and damaging multiple wiring harnesses. This caused the vehicle to become inoperable and unable to start. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2075969/2 describing this exact defect. The bulletin states that the sunroof drain hoses can be kinked during factory installation of the headliner, which blocks drainage and causes water to enter the vehicle. This is a manufacturing defect affecting multiple model years of the Audi Q5. In my case, the water intrusion caused electrical failure, loss of vehicle function, and required thousands of dollars in repairs. Audi declined to cover the defect and stated the vehicle was not maintained on schedule, even though maintenance has no relationship to kinked or improperly routed sunroof drains. This defect poses a safety risk because water intrusion into electrical components can cause sudden vehicle failure, electrical shorts, corrosion, and loss of critical systems. The failure occurred without warning. I am reporting this because the issue appears to be widespread, documented by Audi, and has the potential to disable vehicles unexpectedly.

On 06/13/24, milage 61023, I experienced a failure in Left Tail Light. There was no damage to the housing unit, ie a crack in the lighting unit, but I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. The repair was $470.00 for parts and $100 in labor subtotal $570.00 before tax and a dealer discount of $57. 03 total $541.51. I was shocked that it was over $500 to replace a brake light. Then 09/12/24, milage 63515, (3) months and 2,492 miles later I experienced a failure in the Right Tail Light. Again, there was no damage to the housing unit and I was advised that the entire housing unit needed to be replaced as there was water in the housing unit that corroded the light socket for the led light. This repair was provided to me with a dealer discount to the price after tax $481.59. When I asked if this was a recall item I was told no it is not. I asked if there was after-market replacement part as this seems to be a product defect I was told no there are no after-market parts available. I was told that these parts are kept in stock as this is a know issue for all Audi's with the tail brake lights close to the bumper. This is a safety issue as you can not drive the car with a defective brake light. I called Audi USA and reported my complaint and asked for some compensation but more importantly wanted to document this safety issue and after review was offered $200 off future repairs at my local dealer. This is safety issue and there is no reason to pay $1,023.10 for required brake lights repair due to housing unit that does not keep moisture out.

Suddenly car entry stopped working. Warning messages on display about start/stop, engine starting malfunction, every single light. I found the driver rear side full of water where the fuse panel and control modules are located. There was water soaked into the insulation at the bottom of the space as well as the insulation over the wheel well. Water drops were viewed on the controllers in that space.

Comfort Control Module (J393) is malfunctioning due to water getting into the wiring components and surrounding areas. The rear lighting stops working all together; No taillights, no brake lights, no turn signals, no license plate lights, and no lights when backing up. The problem has been reproduced by an authorized dealer. The component was removed by the dealer and noted of water inside the module and corrosion on the pins/ internals because of the water. The warning lamps occurred at the same time the lights stopped working. There was never any "prior to" warning. The warnings disappear randomly, no set time until they cleared. I am assuming once the module dries out over time is when the warnings start to clear but that is just speculation. UNKNOWN cause of the incident, but water is getting into the inside of the car somehow.

Start/ Stop system malfunction shown on dash board. Took vehicle to Lynbrook Audi New York on 9/20/23. Water penetration causing multiple damage to electrical systems. Audi states water possibly entering through faulty skylight drain hose ? Quote service charge of 12,028.00 not including tax , declined service for a second opinion. Invoice # 207805. Paid 271.57 for diagnostic inspection. Vehicle was service at this location on 3/9/22 RO # 188998 Tag w107 Complete Complimentary Inspection on 3/9/22. Vehicle Certified ( pre-owned ) at this location on 12/20/2020 ( paid over 1,000.00)

Control modules located next to the gateway module that was recently recalled are getting wet and shorting out. Tail lights, brake lights, turning signals, license plate lights, and reverse lights all stop working. Once the area is dry, the lighting works only sometimes. I am not ever sure if the lights work or not while I'm driving and am concerned about getting rear-ended because of the lights being out and me not knowing.

As I was driving on the freeway on my way home from work, my car just started giving off warning signals That my brake lights were no longer working and my tail lights were no longer working. Which almost caused a serious accident Due to the car behind me not being able to tell that I was coming to a stop. When I got home I did a little research to see if I can see what the problem was and I come across multiple complaints online about a faulty hatch switch. I took my car into the dealer the next morning for service and the service provider told me that they will have to check my car and more than likely it is the hatch switch and they are aware of it. But Audi doesn't have a recall for something so deadly. faulty hatch switch That controls your brake lights and taillights It's a serious safety concern And should be addressed immediately, people can lose their lives all because of a faulty switch that audi is aware of

Passenger backup light failure. Taken to dealer and they recommended replacing part TSB 2063766/2. Yes I will supply this part if requested. No backup light is a safety hazard. Yes the vehicle was inspected by the dealer. They gave a parts and labor estimate of $805. Yes there was a warning message in the dashboard for this malfunction. This is a “common failure” in Audi Q5 automobiles to the point where the replacement part is on back order.