2015 Audi SQ5 Problems

Component failed: The vehicle's structural front subframe assembly has suffered severe, catastrophic rust perforation and deterioration. Safety risk: The subframe holds the engine and front suspension. It is structurally compromised and at imminent risk of snapping or collapsing at highway speeds, which would cause a total loss of steering and vehicle control, risking a fatal high-speed crash. Dealer confirmation: An authorized Audi dealership inspected the vehicle on [Insert Date from 2 weeks ago] and explicitly determined that the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive. Availability: The vehicle and the failed component are currently held at the authorized Audi dealership and are fully available for federal inspection upon request. Symptoms: There were zero dashboard warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this discovery. The failure was only found because the dealership lifted the vehicle for a separate service. This hidden danger is due to factory-installed plastic underbody covers that trap moisture and road salt directly against the steel frame, concealing the severe rust perforation until the vehicle becomes an active hazard.

Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss of control of the vehicle without warning. This is apparently a known issue with this model vehicle and the manufacturer has not issued any formal warnings or recalls……

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE BLIZZARD LIKE WEATHER IN HIS STATE, THE POWER STEERING FROZE AND A "POWER STEERING ERROR" WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INTERNATIONAL AUTOS OF MILWAUKEE (2400 S 108TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53227, (866) 455-8708) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

POWER STEERING DISABLED WHILE DRIVING. WARNING ON DASH INDICATED THAT POWER STEERING IS DEFECTIVE. LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WAS IMMEDIATE AND STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. DEALER INDICATED SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NO OTHER DETAILS PROVIDED.

Component failed: The vehicle's structural front subframe assembly has suffered severe, catastrophic rust perforation and deterioration. Safety risk: The subframe holds the engine and front suspension. It is structurally compromised and at imminent risk of snapping or collapsing at highway speeds, which would cause a total loss of steering and vehicle control, risking a fatal high-speed crash. Dealer confirmation: An authorized Audi dealership inspected the vehicle on [Insert Date from 2 weeks ago] and explicitly determined that the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive. Availability: The vehicle and the failed component are currently held at the authorized Audi dealership and are fully available for federal inspection upon request. Symptoms: There were zero dashboard warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this discovery. The failure was only found because the dealership lifted the vehicle for a separate service. This hidden danger is due to factory-installed plastic underbody covers that trap moisture and road salt directly against the steel frame, concealing the severe rust perforation until the vehicle becomes an active hazard.

Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss of control of the vehicle without warning. This is apparently a known issue with this model vehicle and the manufacturer has not issued any formal warnings or recalls……

The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to initiate the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,084.