2018 Audi Q5: windshield wiper failure

Filed Dec 1, 2024 · Electrical · VA

2018 Audi Q5 (2.0, 40K miles, excellent condition) experienced severe electronic failure, due to sunroof drainage lines depositing water into the rear side wells where sensitive electronics are housed, impacting all tail-lights, wipers, sensors, internal dashboard sensors, etc., rendering the car highly unsafe and undrivable. The issue is a design and manufacturer defect that has allowed rainwater to leak into the rear side compartments destroying sensitive electronics & wiring, from faulty/kinked drain lines in the sunroof (according to the Audi Technician from my local Audi store), rendering the vehicle undrivable. It was obvious, repeatable, and avoidable. Worse this issue was misdiagnosed by the same Audi store, causing extra parts & labor expenses that didn't solve anything. It took my AUDI store OVER a MONTH to diagnose the issue correctly. There were also significant investigative/diagnostic charges from my Audi Dealership. There were also significant repair expenses to replace all water-logged equipment, including the Electronics Control Unit (ECU). This should be a clear recall item.

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · Body, Electrical · NJ

The Audi Q5 sunroof drain that is intended to keep water out of the vehicle, leaked where water collected and pooled in the car beneath the car liner. The water collected on the "comfort module" and electrical fuse box resulting in immediate electrical failure of several vehicle features/systems including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, windshield wipers, etc. to name a few. In addition to repairs in excess of $10k, the vehicle will be totaled by the insurance company. After an exhaustive search, several Audi users of the same make, model and year have faced a similar issue. This issue must be addressed by Audi and should be reviewed immediately.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Electrical · MN

The car was sitting in the driveway in the rain. I went out to get something out of it and the car was dead, but the back wiper was going, the rear lights were on and the driver side windows went down. I had it towed to the dealer and they told me water had gotten into the area in the back left wheel well where the comfort module is located. The dealer tried to say there was something wrong with the rear hatch but there isn’t. I’ve read account after account online of this exact issue happening to other owners and it caused by a defective sunroof drain. It drains right into the rear hatch with the module. They quoted $9000 for the repairs.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MA

On 8/8/2023 my vehicle was outside in the driveway of our home in Truro, MA. A large storm moved through the area with torrential rain and lightning. Once the rain let up I looked out the window to find all 4 windows down 4-6 inches, the rear hatch was opened with the rear wiper and high middle brake light on. When I ran outside to close the windows etc. I could not start the car the MMI did not come on and I could only get 3 of the windows up. I had to manually close the rear hatch. I put a tarp over the drivers side window that wouldn't close and had AAA come out. They assessed that it was not a battery issue bit an electrical module issue. I filed a claim with my Insurance and after waiting for the adjuster to look at the car I had AAA tow it to an Audi Dealership. They ran a diagnostic test on it and found water had caused the Comfort Module and associated wiring to fail. The estimate to fix the issues was is nearly $12,000. Because of the cost my insurance company is sending another adjuster out to inspect the issues at the dealership. There were no prior issues or symptoms before this issue took place.

Filed Apr 20, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

My 2018 Audi Q5 has a water intrusion issue with control module damage. The vehicle reduce speed to 15 mph on the highway, when parked the lights would not shut off. The vehicle would then not turn on. Thirty minutes later the vehicle started. I received a front passenger seatbelt malfunction and several controls went out. The passenger seatbelt would not recognize there was a passenger buckled in the seat. The lights stayed on. The windshield wipers started on their own. The car wouldn’t recognize the key fob. Later the turn signal malfunctioned, along with the front lights staying on but the rear light and license plate light would not come on. At the dealership they found water in the comfort module housing, left rear quarter panel/wheelbase and said it was probably caused by the pressure vent seal allowing water to enter damaging the comfort module and 56 wires. They stated the vehicle was unsafe and inoperable. They also were not able to roll the windows back up or lock and secure my vehicle. The issues with the vehicle speed occurred 5 weeks ago. The dealership changed the thermostat but the speed reduction happened again afterwards once but when it was turned off and turned back on the speed went back to normal. Then today the vehicle just went crazy with things turning on and other controls not working, like the taillights. Multiple times I have told the dealership of the seatbelt malfunction. They said it was probably the seat detecting something on the seat, like a bag but couldn’t account for the malfunction when the seat was occupied. The vehicle is now at the dealership with plastic taped around the opened windows and unsecured since the locking controls will not work. They suggested I file a claim with my insurance for the repair. This screams defect to me!