2018 Audi Q5 Brakes Problems

I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11750841

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

The dashboard displayed a solid red brake light with a flashing warning “stop vehicle safely” light. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed a permanent hard fault on the ABS control Module (J104) and Hydraulic Unit (N55). The vehicle has only 66,755 miles. Independent repair shops cannot service this unit because it requires highly restricted, specialized Audi factory programming and coding software, forcing consumers to face massive dealership replacement costs for a premature electronic failure ona critical safety system.

NHTSA ID

11744593

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

Problem with Brake booster servo issue comes on the dash then goes away. Brakes are spongy and brake pedal makes a swooshing sound when pressed

NHTSA ID

11722143

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

My vehicle spontaneously began displaying emergency signals including engine malfunction, turn signal malfunction, parking brake malfunction, brake light malfunction. I would also turn the car completely off and brake lights would remain on asymetrically. Also, the related alert bells would go off intermittently. I have kept my car in good repair and on a regular maintanence schedule. I took the car first to my mechanic who evaluated and said I should take to the Audi dealership. After two days of diagnosis, they came back that the sunroof drains were clogged with debris which definitively caused water to enter and soak the "comfort module" After irrigating them, they did not find any damage and said they do not need replacement. However, the water soaked and heavily corroded the comfort module and say the entire module needs to be replaced along with a rebuild of the harness. They are quoting me $12,300. My safety was at risk in the malfunction of the engine system, and especially signalling capabilities and possible brake impact. The problem has been confirmed by two mechanics - mine and Audi I searched online and have discovered a number of other 2018 Audi Q5 owner accounts of the same and similar defect and result. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11666620

Incident

May 23, 2025

Comfort Control Module (J393) is malfunctioning due to water getting into the wiring components and surrounding areas. The rear lighting stops working all together; No taillights, no brake lights, no turn signals, no license plate lights, and no lights when backing up. The problem has been reproduced by an authorized dealer. The component was removed by the dealer and noted of water inside the module and corrosion on the pins/ internals because of the water. The warning lamps occurred at the same time the lights stopped working. There was never any "prior to" warning. The warnings disappear randomly, no set time until they cleared. I am assuming once the module dries out over time is when the warnings start to clear but that is just speculation. UNKNOWN cause of the incident, but water is getting into the inside of the car somehow.

NHTSA ID

11546356

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

recently on a number of occassions the car stopped because the pre-sense sensor went off prematurely. There were no cars within 500 feet of my car on all occassions. Now the Pre-Sense has completely turned off and will not turn back on

NHTSA ID

11534219

Incident

Jul 22, 2023

The sunroof draining is designed in such a way that if the holes get clogged, the water can back up and flood the comfort control module in the rear of the car rendering it useless. That module controls critical parts of the driving of the car like turn signals, the on/off starter motor, which if they fail while on the road make it incredibly dangerous to drive. Audi has already recalled the car to "enclose" the gateway control module but refuses to take responsibility for damage to the comfort control module caused by badly designed sunroof drainage. This incident caused a $9,000 repair that they refused to pay for.

NHTSA ID

11533619

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

I was trying to park my car in my office parking space, after right turn to parking space, I applied brake to stop, but the car suddenly accelerated and within few seconds it crashed into the office building. I was still applying brake when it accelerated and I could not do anything else. The fact that vehicle climbed two levels of curbs to hit the building shows that the acceleration was out of my control. And even vehicle's collision system did not kick in when car was climbed over the curb. Polic report #: 22-350-0239C Agency: SCCSO

NHTSA ID

11498164

Incident

Dec 16, 2022

Two issues: 1. We have needed to repeatedly replace brake booster. 2. Passenger side rear spring has broken and dealer is indicating the driver side should also be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11495457

Incident

Nov 23, 2022

While driving at a relatively low speed, approximately 30 mph, I approached a red light and proceeded to slow down. The brakes did not engage, so I continue to pump them but had to swerve into the right lane to avoid hitting the car in front of me. Fortunately, there wasn’t a car in the right lane. It was raining but not heavily, although earlier we did go through heavy rain on the freeway. After this incident we still had to drive about 5 more miles to get to our destination. The brakes worked the rest of the way. I took the car to Audi to have them check it and they said they didn’t find anything; however, this was certainly some sort of brake malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11471568

Incident

Jun 27, 2022

The 2nd generation Audi Q5 (roughly 2017-2021+) has a major susceptibility to immediate, catastrophic failure as evidenced from my own experience and dozens of episodes reported online. This failure typically causes a $2000-$3000 repair bill that Audi will not cover and will claim is the fault of the owner. My wife was driving the vehicle with our 5-year-old daughter in the car In the middle of the rear seat. The daughter spilled part of a 500 ml water bottle onto the seat next to her. Within 20 seconds of this happening, the car began alerting about steering malfunctions, braking malfunctions, and the windows began seizing up and down repeatedly. The car was completely inoperable. We are lucky this was on a slow city street and not on the interstate or tollway! Once stopped, we no buttons generated any actions from the vehicle. we couldn't power it on, put it into neutral to be towed away, raise the windows, or perform ANY other function at all. The car was a useless brick. We were charged $125 for the towing service and another $2200 from Audi Plano in Texas. After countless conversations, even debates, with David (director Audi Plano) and even Audi USA customer experience team, they REFUSED to admit any fault in a poor design and help cover any of the costs whatsoever, and we are even still in warranty. The part that was damaged is DIRECTLY below the cupholders and has no effective liquid protections - what did they think would happen! Here are other examples from online: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/water-bottle-leak-%241800-damage-3009540/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/control-module-ruined-moisture-corrosion-3001605/page5/ https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/shopping/3641294-Audi-Q5-taken-out-by-DD-water-spill-in-rear-seat https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=11350209

NHTSA ID

11422837

Incident

Jun 23, 2021

WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT TIMES YOU HEAR A METAL CLANG SOUND LIKE SOMETHING HITTING A TIN CAN. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN BUT IS NOT CONSISTENT. I HAVE VIDEO EVIDENCE OF THIS AS WELL AS HAVE SEEN THIS ITEM DISCUSSED IN DETAIL OF AUDI FORUMS. AUDI CLAIMS REGARDLESS OF MY EVIDENCE NOTHING CAN BE DONE. MY CONCERN IS IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE BRAKE AND TO ME IS A SAFTEY CONCERN*DT

NHTSA ID

11413267

Incident

Apr 14, 2021

Mileage

15,500 mi

TWICE IN 2019 MY CAR SLAMMED TO A STOP WHILE BACKING UP AT 2-3 MPH. I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING AND NO DAMAGE TO CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING TO HIT, JUST A VACANT AREA. YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT 35-40 MPH ON A MAIN STREET WITH THE CLOSEST ONCOMING CAR 1 BLOCK AWAY MY CAR SLAMMED TO A DEAD, WALL SLAMMING STOP. IF A CAR HAD BEEN BEHIND ME THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I EMPHASIZE: THIS WAS A DEAD, NO SLOW-DOWN STOP. I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT 50 MILES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS PICKED IT UP AND TOLD ME THE SENSORS WERE SET TOO SENSITIVE. IF SO, WHY DID THIS NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME I DROVE? FRANKLY, I AM AFRAID I WILL BE FORCED TO DRIVE THIS CAR FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS UNTIL MY LEASE EXPIRES. THE DEALER WILL NOT GIVE ME A LOANER. I THINK THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CAR. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE WAY THIS IS BEING HANDLED. FOR YOUR INTEREST, I WAS GIVEN A RIDE TODAY IN THE 2019 SEDAN MODEL. UNBELIEVABLY IT SLAMMED TO A STOP WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID

11361398

Incident

Sep 24, 2020

Mileage

10,400 mi

AUDI PRE-SENSE BRAKING FAULT; RECALL NEEDED! 1- WHILE MOVING FORWARD ON AN EMPTY, FLAT, 2-LANE, SUBURBAN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, BRING MY VEHICLE TO A NEAR STOP, WITH A LOUD, GRINDING SOUND. TERRIFYING. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS OR VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, NO GLARING SUNLIGHT OR OTHER PROBLEMS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. APRIL 15, 2020. 2- TWICE OR MORE, IN THE FEW WEEKS OR SO PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, WHILE BACKING UP INTO MY GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITH A LOUD GRINDING SOUND. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS, VEHICLES, GLARING LIGHTS, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE THIS TIME VS. THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER TIMES THE SAME PROCESS HAD BEEN COMPLETED. BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2020, TO PRESENT. VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS OLD AND APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES WHEN THESE BRAKING EVENTS HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY AN ERROR IN THE AUDI PRE-SENSE SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE TO PREVENT A COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ID

11323824

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A STAIRWAY RAIL OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI LIVERMORE (3400 LAS POSITAS RD, LIVERMORE, CA 94551) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

NHTSA ID

11278273

Incident

Oct 25, 2019

Mileage

9,000 mi

1.I HAD AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 10:45 A.M. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 IN THE PARKING LOT FOR THE MEDICAL OFFICES LOCATED AT 2000 SOUTH MAYS STREET, ROUND ROCK, TEXAS. 2.I PARKED IN A SPACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS PART OF THEIR PROPERTY. 3.MY NORMAL HABIT IS TO PLACE THE CAR IN 'PARK' WHEN I STOP IN A PARKING SPOT. 4.SINCE IT WAS VERY WARM, I LEFT THE MOTOR RUNNING SO I'D HAVE AIR CONDITIONING AS I PLACED THE SUN SCREEN OVER THE WINDSHIELD. 5.THE SUN SHADE IS ONE PIECE AND TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT TO PROPERLY INSTALL. 6.WHEN I COMPLETED INSTALLING THE SUN SHADE, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS MOVING BACKWARDS AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. 7.I TRIED REPEATEDLY TO STOP THE CAR BY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND SLAMMING ON THE BRAKE. 8.WHAT WAS HAPPENING MADE NO SENSE TO ME; IT WAS SURREAL. WHY WAS THE CAR MOVING BACKWARDS AND WHY COULDN'T I STOP THE CAR? 9.THE CAR STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A PARKING LOT LIGHT POLE ON MY LEFT REAR AND THE LEFT FRONT OF A TOYOTA ON MY RIGHT REAR. 10.THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH EVERY PRE SENSE, DRIVER ASSISTANCE, AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AUDI OFFERS; HOWEVER, ALL SYSTEMS FAILED TO DETECT OR AVOID THE COLLISION. 11.THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY SOME WEIRD PROBLEM WITH MY 2018 AUDI Q5. THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO IN THE TIME I HAD WITHOUT THE BRAKES WORKING.

NHTSA ID

11258331

Incident

Sep 19, 2019

Mileage

14,100 mi

I HAVE REPORTED TO SEWICKLEY AUDI, MY CLOSEST DEALER, ON SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS THAT MY BRAKES SEVERLY GRIND UPON APPLICATION. I WOULD BELIEVE THAT THE ROTORS ARE SEVERLY SCORERD OR WARPED. IT HAPPENS UPON FIRST USE EVERY DAY, AS WELL AS A LOUD GRINDING UPON EVERY STOP ESPECIALLY FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY BRAKES ALTHOUGH I COMPLAINED FROM MY INITIAL VISIT , MY LAST INSPECTION AND RECENTLY BROUGHT IT IN SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT. THE NOISE/ GRINDING IS BAD, BUT THE LACK OF QUALITY BRAKING HAS ME MORE CONCERNED. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT TO "MIDAS MUFFLER" OR SOMEONE ELSE TO CHECK. I BELIEVE OTHER Q5 AND CROSS LINKED VOLKSWAGENS HAVE CALIPER PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE MY CAR DOES AS WELL BUT THEY ARE UNWILLING TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY TO SAVE COST.

NHTSA ID

11242898

Incident

Aug 9, 2019

Mileage

2,500 mi

SQUEALING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP ABLE TO REPLICATE ISSUE BUT UNABLE TO RESOLVE ADEQUATELY. THEY ASKING US TO REPLACE ROTORS AND PADS WITH SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLAR COST TO US. CAR IS ONLY 2 YRS OLD NOW. WE BOUGHT CPO AFTER CAR WAS USED BY DEALER SALESMAN FOR 6MO. BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEALING SOON AFTER WE GOT THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11228337

Incident

Feb 1, 2018

Mileage

5,750 mi

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING THE AUDI Q5 THE PRE-SENSE ENGAGES INAPPROPRIATELY (NO TRIGGER) RESULTING IN AN IMMEDIATE AND HARSH BRAKING OF THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN TRAFFIC, THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL BODILY INJURY. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE IS DESIGNED TO STOP A CAR FROM AN IMMINENT CRASH, HOWEVER AN APPARENT FLAW IN THE TECHNOLOGY ENGAGES THE PRE-SENSE WITHOUT TOTALLY UNNECESSARILY (NO CROSS TRAFFIC, AT LEAST 10 FEET FROM A BUSH OR OTHER OBJECT). NOT ONLY DOES THE UNEXPECTED AND UNNECESSARY HARD AUTO-BRAKING ADD WEAR AND TEAR TO THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION, IT POSES A REAL RISK OF AN ACCIDENT AS OTHER DRIVERS DO NOT EXPECT THE SUDDEN AND UNNECESSARY BRAKING. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT A PATTERN IN DRY AND WET WEATHER ON A FLAT SURFACE OR AN INCLINE. ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN IN REVERSE.

NHTSA ID

11186236

Incident

Mar 10, 2019

Mileage

3,100 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND I WAS INTENDING TO TURN LEFT AT A SIGNAL LIGHT. WHEN THE SIGNAL CHANGED FOR ME TO PROCEED I ACCELERATED INTO MY LEFT TURN WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ITS OWN AND PULLED ME BACK INTO THE SEAT. THE AUDI SENSE INDICATOR CAME ON BEING ACTIVATED AS IF IT SENSED I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE TURNING LEFT AND THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME NOR ANY OTHER VEHICLES OPPOSITE OF MY LANE OF TRAVEL SO THERE WERE NO VEHICLES ANYWHERE NEAR MY VICINITY THAT SHOULD HAVE TRIGGERED THE AUDI SENSE. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES BEHIND ME ALSO TURNING OR I'M SURE THEY WOULD HAVE REAR-ENDED MY VEHICLE GIVEN THE SEVERE BRAKING ACTION. THE SYSTEM INITIATED A SEVERE BRAKING ACTION AS IF I WAS ABOUT TO REAR-END ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED ON JUNE 14, 2018 AT AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 AM. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE WARM, DRY AND CLEAR WITH NO PRECIPITATION. I BELIEVE THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION IN THE AUDI SENSE CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO INITIATE.

NHTSA ID

11102227

Incident

Jun 14, 2018

Mileage

800 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS A SAFETY FEATURE CALLED AUDI PRESENCE. MY NEW VEHICLE Q5 PRESTIGE (LESS THAN 150 MILES, JUST 6 DAYS OLD) HAD MALFUNCTIONED WITH AN UNEXPECTED AUTOMATIC BREAK ON JAN 17TH 2018 AT AROUND 7:29PM CENTRAL TIME WHILE ON SERVICE ROAD OF HIGHWAY 114 GOING TOWARDS WEST (STRAIGHT ROAD IN MOTION) BEFORE REACHING THE INTERSECTION OF FREEPORT IN IRVING, TX. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE STREET THAT COULD BE IDENTIFIED AS AN OBJECT THAT WOULD CAUSE A COLLISION OR ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. THE SUDDEN BREAK REALLY CAUSED A MENTAL SHOCK TO ME. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE NO VEHICLE JUST BEHIND ME. I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE USED COLLISION AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE LAST 3.5 YEARS (MERCEDES BENZ, SUBARU FORESTER AND THE LATEST BEING TOYOTA COROLLA) AND I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AND NEVER RAN INTO SUCH ISSUES. I CONTACTED AUDI SUPPORT AND THEY MENTIONED IT IS NOT UNUSUAL AND YOU SHOULD TAKE IT TO DEALER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY INFORMED IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND AUDI IS VERY SENSITIVE TO THIS COMPARED TO OTHER BRANDS TO BE MORE SAFE. THEY WERE NOT EVEN WILLING TO CHECK THE VEHICLE AND WANTED ME TO COME BACK IF IT HAPPEN AGAIN. THEY ALSO TOLD THEY HAVE NO WAY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED. ON MY ESCALATION ONE OF THE SENIOR MANAGER IN SALES TOLD ME HE OWNS AUDI AND PRE SENSE RUN INTO THIS ISSUES BUT NEED NOT BE WORRIED.FINALLY THEY RAN AN AUTOMATED TEST AND CONFIRMED THEIR REPORT DOES NOT SHOW ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE NOW BUT HAS THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS:1) AUDI CUSTOMER SUPPORT NOT DEALER IS APPEARS TO BE NOT TRAINED HOW TO HANDLE SAFETY ISSUES WHEN REPORTED. 2) DEALER DID NOT REGISTER MY REPORTED ISSUE. THEIR REPORT PROVIDED DID NOT CAPTURE WHAT ISSUE WAS REPORTED. TO ME THIS IS A BAD PRACTICE. IT IS UNCLEAR IF THIS WAS DELIBERATE.I APPRECIATE WHAT NHTSA DO.

NHTSA ID

11064060

Incident

Jan 19, 2018

Mileage

140 mi