Audi known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 128 Audi problems and 94 NHTSA safety recalls across 12 models — A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, e-tron and Q4 e-tron — organized by generation and engine. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 problems | 8P (2009–2013), 8V (2015–2020), 8Y (2022–present) | 11 | 8 |
| Audi A4 problems | B8 (2009–2012), B8.5 (2013–2016), B9 (2017–2025) | 12 | 7 |
| Audi A5 problems | B8 (2009–2017), B9 (2018–2024), B10 (2025–present) | 12 | 9 |
| Audi A6 problems | C6 (2009–2011), C7 (2012–2018), C8 (2019–present) | 12 | 8 |
| Audi A7 problems | C7 (2012–2018), C8 (2019–present) | 11 | 8 |
| Audi A8 problems | D3 (2009–2010), D4 (2011–2018), D5 (2019–present) | 12 | 8 |
| Audi Q3 problems | 8U (2015–2018), F3 (2019–2025) | 8 | 7 |
| Audi Q5 problems | 8R (2009–2017), FY (2018–2024), GU (2025–present) | 12 | 10 |
| Audi Q7 problems | 4L (2009–2015), 4M (2017–present) | 12 | 8 |
| Audi Q8 problems | 4M (2019–present) | 10 | 7 |
| Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) problems | GE (2019–2024) | 8 | 7 |
| Audi Q4 e-tron problems | F4 (2022–present) | 8 | 7 |
Audi A3 problems
The most-documented Audi A3 problems are 2.0 TFSI timing chain failures on 2008–2012 cars (covered by a class settlement), passenger occupant-sensor recalls 19V474 and 21V198 that can switch off the passenger airbag on 2015–2020 sedans, fuel-leak recalls 09V377 and 16V647, and a 2.0 TFSI coolant pump bulletin on 2022–2024 cars.
Audi A4 problems
The most-documented Audi A4 problems are 2.0 TFSI oil consumption on 2009–2011 cars (TSB 2027731 and the Asghari settlement), EA888 timing chain failures on 2009–2015 cars, the 2.0T electric coolant pump fire recalls 17V002/18V229 and the auxiliary-heater wiring recall 17V622. B9 cars have passenger airbag-sensor recall 21V874.
Audi A5 problems
The most-documented Audi A5 problems are 2.0 TFSI oil consumption on 2010–2011 cars (TSB 2027731), EA888 timing chain failures on 2010–2015 cars, the coolant pump fire recall 18V229 on 2013–2017 cars, and driver-airbag inflator recall 18V082 on 2010–2012 Cabriolets. B9 cars have passenger airbag-sensor recall 21V874 and V6 coolant pump leaks on S5/RS 5.
Audi A6 problems
The most-documented Audi A6 problems are the passenger airbag inflator recall 18V427 on 2009–2011 cars, coolant pump leaks on 2009–2011 3.0 TFSI cars (Service Action 19H1/F1), fuel leak recalls 17V781 and 19V035 on the C7, the 2.0T coolant pump recall 18V229, and V6 TFSI coolant pump and oil leak bulletins on 2019-and-later cars.
Audi A7 problems
The most-documented Audi A7 problems are a run of fuel leak recalls on the first generation (15V019, 16V646, 17V781, 19V035), the passenger airbag sensor recall 18V370, and turbocharger oil-strainer recall 22V178 on the S7 and RS 7. Second-generation cars have gateway-module recall 22V861, PHEV battery recall 24V898 and V6 coolant and oil leak bulletins.
Audi A8 problems
The most-documented Audi A8 problems are turbocharger oil-strainer recall 22V178 on 2013–2017 4.0T cars, hood-seal fire recall 20V397, high-pressure fuel line recalls 18V430 and 19V057, fuel rail recall 19V035 and coolant valve recall 16V619 on the D4. The D5 has V6 TFSI coolant pump, thermostat and oil leak bulletins.
Audi Q3 problems
The most-documented Audi Q3 problems are steering-rack mounting bolt recall 26V590 on 2019–2021 models, lighting software recalls 16V642 and 19V385 on the first generation, fuel tank vent pipe recall 22V673 on 2021–2022 models, rear camera recall 25V082 on 2024–2025 models and a 2.0 TFSI coolant pump bulletin.
Audi Q5 problems
The most-documented Audi Q5 problems are 2.0 TFSI oil consumption on 2011 models (TSB 2027731), EA888 timing chain failures on 2011–2015 models, sunroof-drain airbag recall 17V001, fuel pump flange recalls 16V660 and 17V298, and coolant pump recall 18V229. Second-generation Q5s have gateway recall 21V947 and connecting-rod bearing recall 22V753.
Audi Q7 problems
The most-documented Audi Q7 problems are fuel pump flange recalls 16V660, 18V818 and 17V298 on the first generation, coolant pump leaks on 2009–2011 3.0 TFSI and TDI models (Service Action 19H1/F1) and fuel rail recall 15V019. Second-generation Q7s have C-pillar padding recall 20V658, fuel pump recall 22V516 and a V6 coolant pump bulletin.
Audi Q8 problems
The most-documented Audi Q8 problems are fuel pump recall 22V516 on 2019–2021 models, transmission oil pipe recall 20V272 on 2020 models, rear-axle lock nut recall 21V295, cylinder-bore crack recall 21V339 on some 2021 SQ8 and RS Q8, and Audi bulletins for V6 TFSI coolant pump leaks, cylinder-head oil leaks and thermostat faults.
Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) problems
The most-documented Audi e-tron problems are high-voltage battery module recall 23V867 on 2019–2022 models (fire risk), charging-socket seal recall 19V434 on 2019 models, brake-pedal fastener recalls 24V621 and 26V240, portable charging-cable recall 23V842 and a 12-volt battery drain bulletin after charging. Q8 e-tron models are included where campaigns cover them.
Audi Q4 e-tron problems
The most-documented Audi Q4 e-tron problems are high-voltage battery fire recall 26V698 on 2024–2025 models, on-board 12-volt charger recall 25V125 (loss of drive power), gear-indicator recall 25V120, curtain airbag recall 23V189 and headlight software recall 24V361, plus a 2024 bulletin on AC charging failures.
Confirm how a used Audi was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Audi build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Audi problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 12 Audi models covered here, the most documented items are 2.0 TFSI timing chain tensioner failure (EA888) on the A3; 2.0 TFSI excessive oil consumption (CAEB engine) on the A4; 2.0 TFSI excessive oil consumption (CAEB engine) on the A5. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Audi for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the myAudi owner site, or ask an Audi dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls, and show raw NHTSA complaint counts by model year. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA complaints database (owner complaint volume by model year) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Audi of America media — Audi of America
More Audi tools
- Audi tools & data hub
- Audi engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, V8, V10)
- Audi trim levels explained
- Audi history
- Free Audi VIN decoder
- Audi option codes
- Audi paint codes
- Audi specs by model
- Audi reliability
- How long do Audis last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by AUDI AG or Audi of America. Audi, quattro, TFSI, S tronic, e-tron and the model names are trademarks of their owners.