2019 Audi Q5: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NY

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)

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Summary: The turbocharger on my 2019 Audi Q5 failed prematurely. The initial check engine light and loss of performance began at approximately 48,000 miles, which is within Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The condition progressively worsened and the vehicle became difficult to drive safely in traffic due to reduced power and hesitation during acceleration. The turbocharger ultimately required complete replacement at 50,334 miles at a cost of $ 2511.20 This appears to be a premature failure of a major engine component. A sudden loss of power while merging or crossing intersections creates a safety concern. The vehicle has been properly maintained, is completely stock, and has never been modified. No warning was provided prior to the check engine light and rapid performance degradation. I am submitting this complaint because similar turbocharger wastegate failures have been documented in other Volkswagen/Audi vehicles using related engines, and a failure at this mileage should not occur in a properly maintained vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced engine power and hesitation during acceleration creates a hazardous condition when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Repair: Turbocharger replacement Repair cost: $ 2511.20 Mileage at repair: 50,334

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

Turbo Charger Failed. Lost power for driving and Car Start Stop function failed, quit completely. 2. Fluid leaking in the Motor Mounts. 3. Rear passenger side Tail Reverse Light and Rear camera not Working at all. This could cause me a serious accident or I could get a Citation.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Steering · OH

Power steering rack failed on 4/12/2022 as I drove on I-75 South between Gainesville and Tampa. Lost power steering on the Interstate, putting safety of my passengers (and other vehicles) at risk on the interstate. Audi sent tow and transported vehicle to Wesley Chapel Audi. Failure was confirmed and rack was replaced under warranty.

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

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.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Steering · 4,000 miles · NJ

Driving at highway speeds on interstate 79 just outside of charlestown wv, the alarms in the car went off and a "steering malfunction", "stop the car immediately" messages were displayed. The car lost all power steering ability. It was an extremely dangerous and thankfully the road was not heavily traveled when this happened. An accident surely would have happened if the road was more crowded.