2018 Audi Q5: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · FL

Multiple electrical failures that control numerous safety systems, such as airbags, Collision avoidance, speed control, etc. Airbags will not activate in a collision. Vehicle will shut off at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering control. The vehicle has been inspected by an Audi dealer. Multiple warnings on dash came on when the issue occurred.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Incident Description: While accelerating from a red light during rush hour, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of steering control. The steering wheel locked completely and could not be turned. Simultaneous loud, long beeping and dashboard warnings appeared, stating: "Steering malfunction stop the vehicle immediately." The vehicle was immobilized in the middle of a highly congested, complex 5x5 intersection. Local police had to shut down traffic until the vehicle could be cleared. Safety Risk: Stalling abruptly in a major intersection during rush hour created an immediate risk of a multi-car rear-end pile-up. This jeopardized the safety of the driver and multiple children who were inside the vehicle, who faced a severe personal injury risk whether they remained trapped in the active roadway or attempted to exit. Diagnosis, Cost, and Recall Context: The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership. Diagnosis revealed significant water intrusion inside the steering wheel wiring harness. Draining the water cleared the error and the vehicle become operational, but the dealership quoted $6,000 in repairs to replace the steering components completely out-of-pocket cost. Please note it appears the $6,000 quote will be out-of-pocket for catastrophic safety defects although they may be known issues for the same make and model years: Prior Gateway Recall: This vehicle’s VIN was previously impacted by the Gateway module recall (where water intrusion triggers a limp mode). That recall was redeemed prior to this event, and my understanding the repair should have prevented moisture intrusion. There seems to be a history on this make and model for known moisture intrusion causes critical issues. U45 Warranty Exclusion: The manufacturer issued a warranty extension for this exact steering failure on this same make and model years. However, this specific VIN was excluded from coverage, despite it being within the parameters.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TN

I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (the federal safety agency Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module. Summary of the issue: My vehicle recently experienced a complete gateway control module failure due to water intrusion. I lost steering and brake assist warnings while driving, and the vehicle would not restart after being pulled over safely. It was towed first to the nearest Audi mechanic who diagnosed the issue as Recall 90S9. We then contacted Audi Memphis for inspection by them since it was a recall issues and paid a 2nd towing charge. Audi Memphis (owned by Gossett Motor Cars) said they could not do anything until they looked at the car. I have since obtained a copy of the original repair order from when Recall 90S9 was performed on my vehicle. The vehicle at the time of recall repair was owned by my Mother. The recall requires two remedies: (1) installation of a protective cover over the gateway control module, and (2) sealing of an underbody seam on vehicles produced before September 2021. The repair order shows a technician comment reading "INSF" next to the seam sealant line item, which indicates the sealant application was noted as insufficient at the time of the original recall service. Despite this documentation, and despite towing my vehicle in specifically for a 2nd inspection, Audi Memphis has stated they have no findings and no liability for the current failure. Given that: • My vehicle is included in the affected range for Recall 90S9, • The original repair order appears to document an incomplete or insufficient sealant application, and • Audi's own 90S9 technical bulletin states that damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow the work instructions are the dealer's responsibility, I am requesting that this case be escalated for review. The current gateway control module repair be repaired at no cost to me. I currently have no working vehicle.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Steering · NJ

Title - Sudden Loss of Steering Control While Driving – 2018 Audi Q5 (Aug 2024) While driving my 2018 Audi Q5 at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. A dashboard alert stating “Power Steering Malfunction” appeared simultaneously with an immediate and severe increase in steering effort, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and effectively resulting in a loss of steering control. This incident occurred on a public roadway while I was transporting my family, including two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ). The uncommanded loss of steering assist created an immediate and serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a crash, serious injuries, or fatalities to vehicle occupants and others on the road. I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop and subsequently to the dealership, only with significant effort and risk. There were no prior warning lamps, noises, reduced steering assist, or other symptoms before the failure. The malfunction was abrupt and occurred without any advance indication. The vehicle had approximately 39,000 miles at the time, which is well below what would reasonably be expected for a power steering rack failure. The vehicle was not modified or abused and was driven under normal conditions. Audi dealership confirmed failure of the electric power steering system and diagnosed the issue as a power steering rack failure requiring full replacement. The repair was completed only after the vehicle became unsafe to operate. The removed component may be available through the servicing dealer or Audi of America for inspection upon request, and I have retained all repair documentation. Audi of America was notified of this incident after the repair but declined responsibility. Based on subsequent research, I am aware of multiple similar reports involving Audi Q5 power steering failures. I am submitting to assist the federal safety agency in determining whether this issue poses a broader risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

Filed Dec 26, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NE

While driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked up and could not be turned. Several warning lights simultaneously appeared on the dashboard including: "Steering malfunction! Please stop vehicle", "Audi adaptive light malfunction! See owners manual", "Start/stop system malfunction! Function unavailable", and "Audi pre sense currently limited" - No warning lights were present prior to this event. The sudden loss of steering could have caused serious injury to myself and to other drivers or pedestrians nearby. I was thankfully able to stop the vehicle, but I could not pull over because the steering wheel could not be turned. The car was towed to the Audi dealership and I was told the "Electronic power steering rack" would need to be replaced costing nearly $5,000.00.

Filed Mar 23, 2024 · Electrical · TX

-Car shut down (engine off, battery still functioning) while driving. Car went into neutral. -Lost power steering and other functions after about 20 seconds of the engine shutting down. -Immediate life-threatening danger while driving to us and surrounding drivers and pedestrians -no inspection or police report yet. -the car has not been driven since the incident and so the problem has not been reproduced yet. Upon inspection of the trunk area (2018 Audi Q5), we found about 4 inches of water. This has been attributed to clogged sunroof drains causing water to flow into the trunk and short out electrical components.