AUDI FIRE RISK? – 89,000 SUVs RECALLED!
For the owners of over 89,000 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs, a small screw might just turn out to be a ticking time bomb.
At a Glance
- Audi is recalling more than 89,000 Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs from 2022 to 2024 due to potential fire risk caused by oil leaks.
- The issue stems from improperly tightened cylinder head cover screws.
- Owners can avail free inspections and repairs at authorized Audi service centers.
- No injuries or fatalities reported, but over 2,500 warranty claims and 11 fire incidents logged.
Details of the Recall
Volkswagen Group of America, responsible for the Audi brand in the US, initiated this massive recall affecting 89,417 vehicles. The models in the spotlight include 78,313 regular Q5s and 11,104 Q5 Sportbacks, spanning model years 2022-2024. The crux of the issue lies in inconsistently fastened cylinder head cover screws, which may loosen over time and cause oil leaks. These leaks pose a significant fire risk if oil comes in contact with the vehicle’s hot engine components.
A simple technical oversight turned potential hazard was brought to light in May 2023 following a series of consumer complaints and reels of customer-supplied data. Investigations revealed that the irregular tightening torque of the cylinder head cover screws was compounded by screws with burrs, damaging the sealing surface and risking reduced torque. As a result of this clumsy engineering flaw, nearly 2,539 warranty claims and 11 fire reports were recorded, though fortunately no injuries or fatalities have been reported as of yet.
Steps Taken by Audi
A technical note initially made the rounds in January 2024, aiming to tackle the issue through Audi’s dealership network. However, with a sharp rise in complaints, the automaker decided an official recall was in order. Owners of the potentially impacted vehicles will start receiving notifications from July 8th, with Audi prodding them to schedule a free inspection and if necessary, repair services at dealerships.
“Audi is recalling more than 89,000 Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs from the 2022 to 2024 model years due to a potential fire risk linked to a screw issue in the cylinder head cover.” – Audi.
The inspections will involve scrutinizing those pesky cylinder head screws for any signs of loosening and replacing them as warranted. While the recall is focused on the U.S. market, it would come as no surprise should Audi Canada steer the same course to address the problem up north. After all, it stands as a fairly universal defect that impacts vehicle safety.
Prevention is Key
For concerned Audi drivers, if smoke or unfamiliar odors emanate from the engine compartment, it’s a flag on the play. Audi has urged its customers to cease driving under such conditions and promptly arrange for their vehicles to be inspected. Vehicle owners are encouraged to verify if their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall page or by directly contacting Audi customer support for assistance.
If you’re a reader who knows someone on the list of potential impact, spread the word. Unlike political mishaps, this one is fixable just by eyeballing the calendar, scheduling, and steering clear of fire hazards. This recall doesn’t have to be a dark spot on Audi’s reputation—after all, it’s a bolt easily tightened. Strap in folks, it’s an under-the-hood matter with very real implications.
