2019 Audi Q5

Severe consequential safety defect involving total anti-lock braking system (ABS) failure stemming from a manufacturer recall defect and volatile CAN-bus network conditions during repair. This vehicle has less than 7,500 miles and has been grounded at an authorized dealership, Audi Brooklyn- Lic# [XXX], 700 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, for exactly 20 days since being flatbed-towed on [XXX], due to total power failure caused by the known manufacturing defect of clogged sunroof drains flooding the critical interior electrical network. The dealership replaced the comfort control module under the VIN recall warranty. However, during the dealer's active programming phase of this recall component, a fatal communication fault was introduced to the J104 ABS safety module. My original Service Advisor documented explicitly in writing via text that the technician observed the ABS faults materialize specifically during the recall programming process. No prior warning signs other than the vehicle's sudden loss of power. The manufacturer's design defect allowed moisture ingress to destabilize the vehicle's localized CAN-bus communication network, leading directly to the catastrophic failure of a critical braking system (ABS). Dealership management is now attempting to evade safety liability and force an out-of-pocket repair payment by manipulating records. They have actively backdated internal "Ready for Pickup" dates for the vehicle from August 24 to September 1 to hide an 8-day window where they concealed a New York State safety inspection failure from me and attempted to release an illegal, uninspected vehicle with compromised brakes back to a vulnerable consumer. The owners of the vehicle are [XXX]. Furthermore, despite claiming the ABS module was a severe safety hazard, the facility logged 50 unauthorized miles (odometer jumped from 7,437 to 7,487) on public roads while it has been in their custody. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2019 Audi q5 drive system malfunction/start stop malfunction. Error code will come on randomly in traffic and when you try to put your foot on the gas it hesitates and you need to push harder on the gas. Car will also lose acceleration power and take longer to reach desired speed. Drive system malfunction light will come on as well as an error stating start/stop system malfunction. Have had multiple sensors and battery replaced with only temporary results. Start stop malfunction will come on randomly at any time and then go away for a certain amount of time and come back again. This malfunction is constantly going on and off and is sometimes dangerous because you don’t know when it will happen, if it does happen you don’t know if you need to press harder on the gas, or if you do accelerate you don’t know if you’re damaging your engine. After multiple fixes at Audi dealership and other repair shops, them attempting to address this issue has done nothing for the car leaving me to believe this could be a fault. This issue has been going on for at least 10 months with multiple dealer visits attempting to address this issue.

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stopped and jerked, and the RED master warning light illuminated, and the message “Electrical Control Module” failure was displayed. On other occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the turn signals and brake lights failed to operate as intended, and the message "Faulty Brake Light" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was water trapped in the clogged sunroof drain, and the water leaked, and the control module was covered in water. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Subject: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – Airbag Safety Concern Description of the Problem: The Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) in my 2019 Audi Q5 is malfunctioning. The system intermittently fails to recognize when a passenger is present, or it falsely indicates that a passenger is present when the seat is empty. This creates uncertainty about whether the passenger airbag will deploy correctly in the event of a collision. The issue has occurred multiple times. Safety Concern: Because the PODS system directly controls passenger airbag deployment, a malfunction could result in the airbag being disabled when an adult passenger is seated, or unintentionally activated when no one is present. This poses a significant safety risk. Request: I am reporting this issue as it appears to be a defect in the occupant detection system. Other Audi models from nearby years have had recalls related to PODS malfunctions. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether this defect extends to the 2019 Audi Q5 and to consider issuing a recall if warranted.

My vehicle does a few things that are dangerous. Number 1 the emergency brake went on automatically when I was driving the parkway in New Jersey telling me to watch my surroundings. I was driving late in the evening and no cars were in my immediate distance. Another issue, the emergency warning light just came on my dash telling me my light above my license plate was faulty and I was almost rear ended by the vehicle behind me. My tail lights just stopped working out of no where. Also, when I am backing into a parking space the brakes will automatically slam on when there is no need.

The right rear tail light assembly module which regulates the backup and braking light has not been operable since 05/18/2023. I was informed by Audi online I need to order a new assembly because the bulbs that are installed cannot be changed. I ordered the new part on 05/19/2023 from Audi of Chandler, AZ. and was informed it will take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. I was informed there are currently two thousand of these tail light assemblies on back order. I then contacted the Audi dealerships in Gilbert, AZ. and Scottsdale, AZ. and was informed of the same back order situation. I called the Audi dealership in Chandler, AZ. on 07/14 and was informed by the parts manager there are still 600 assembles on back order. I then contacted Audi corporate on 07/28/2023 to lodge a complaint. I was told I was to receive a call back within two days after a review. After not receiving a call back I contacted Audi on 08/01/2023 and again was informed of no new information. I received an email on 08/01/2023 from Audi customer care informing me to contact a specific representative. I left two voice messages on 08/02/2023 and was never contacted. The email also stated to reply if I care to do so which I did on 08/02/2023 with no response. On 08/03/2023 I left a message for two different representatives and have not heard back. The case # with Audi is [XXX]. This is a circuity problem which Audi must know about if at one point they had two thousand of these tail light assemblies on back order. This non functioning taillight assembly is a serious safety hazard which needs be corrected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I received a Safety Recall from Audi of America for my 2019 Audi Q5, I am pleased that the recall is being done. However, the description of what could happen, in the Safety Recall letter, should water enter the Gateway Module does not describe what happen to me when the Gateway Control Module got wet from liquid spilled in the backseat of my car. The 2nd paragraph under “ What is the Issue “ states in part, “ The vehicle remains steerable and the brake system is fully operable. The engine goes into emergency mode and remains in operation with reduced power. “ I was driving my 2019 Audi Q5 on December 12, 2021 on a heavy traveled avenue with many traffic lights. As I went thru the second light before entering 1- 20 West the car just shut down and I mean totally stopped. No warning, nothing. The vehicle was not steerable, The brake system did not work The engine did not start, did not go into an emergency mode and did not remain in operation with reduced power. The car was Totally Un-Operable We called 911 for the Police and a Tow Truck. We sat in horrible traffic for more than 2 hours even with the Police. And the car could not be towed with a regular truck because the wheels were locked. Thus another tow truck had to be called so the car could be put on a flatbed truck to be taken to the Audi Dealer. I believe the Safety Notice from Audi needs to be corrected to give Notice that the Gateway Control Module when exposed to water can and has shut the entire system down and the car can become entirely inoperable as I described above. This is a very dangerous situation which may not only cause serious accidents but permanent injuries and death. I shiver now when I think of what else could have happened to us, but for the Grace of God, because we were seconds from getting on I- 20 West when the car just stopped. I appreciate this opportunity to share this information with you. I hope it will make a positive difference for the safety of others.

After driving on deep wet icy slush, the vehicle was on a straight section of road and suddenly vehicle inexplicably veered hard to the left causing it to run off the road and into a tree. Electrical component failure lights were illuminated on dash afterwards. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I believe that the stability control systems and or drive train suddenly changed. I believe this might be due to water ingress and failure of gateway module. This is available upon request. Car is in shop How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? sudden loss of steering control in icy conditions Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet. Current recall Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? body shop is looking at vehicle Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I was unaware of warning lamps until after loss of control.