2021 Audi SQ5

I noticed my car started to lose coolant, I checked my water pump and I saw there was a leak on of the hoses. Once I discovered that I also heard a tapping noise coming from the engine. I took it to my local Audi shop, and they discovered that my pistons were going bad. They told me I qualified for the extended piston skirt warranty for my car. While my car was in the shop they replaced all 6 of my pistons. When they told me my car was ready for pick up I picked up my call, drove it for 20 miles and my car started to make a louder tapping noise from the engine bay. I took it back to the dealership the following day they told me they were going to look into it to figure out the problem. Couple weeks go by and I finally get a phone call saying that they can’t do nothing that my car is making that noise due to “outside influence “ I am frustrated because I just had got the car barley drove it around and they are pointing the finger to as if I had to do something with the noise. They said everything now has to be be paid out of pocket. It has been a frustrating experience. Also when they did the whole brake down one of the techs noticed that the front calibers did not match the OEM calibers. It was smaller than OEM, we called the Audi dealership where I bought it from and they said it was sold as it is. We explained to them how that was a major hazard, but they told us it’s nothing they could do. Whoever did the safety inspection did not do there following job, I am just glad nothing has happened but it is a major concern. I have videos of the tapping noise after picking up my car, but it won’t let me upload to the files.

NHTSA ID

11766280

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The engine water pump on this vehicle is leaking both internally and externally. This vehicle uses the 3.0T (EA839) engine, which uses a vacuum-actuated water pump with a shroud sleeve mechanism. A licensed repair facility diagnosed the failure and estimated repair cost at approximately $5,500. The internal leak path allows coolant to migrate into the vacuum system rather than escape as a visible external leak. This means the failure can progress without producing the puddle or drip that owners are trained to look for during routine visual checks, delaying detection until damage has advanced further and the repair has grown more extensive. At the time of failure I observed low coolant warning, which is documented as a symptom of this failure mode. This failure is reported by independent repair shops and owner communities as occurring predominantly in the 40,000-70,000 mile range, which falls just beyond Audi's 4-year/50,000-mile factory warranty. The design is used across multiple Audi models and model years sharing the EA839 2.9T/3.0T engine, including the SQ5, S4, S5, A6, A7, and Q7. This defect is the subject of pending litigation, [XXX] v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Case No. XXX ([XXX], filed XXX, which alleges Audi was aware of the defect since at least 2018. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763880

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the occupants to a high risk of a side-impact or rear-end collision due to the inability to clear the intersection under the vehicle's own power. The vehicle had to be flatbedded to an authorized dealer (Audi - Glenwood Springs). The professional diagnostic evaluation confirmed an internal failure of the transmission assembly and Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Mechatronic unit, requiring a total replacement of the powertrain assembly. The failure occurred at 59,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11745096

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

My car has a known issue with a piston skirt defect that can cause engine failure. Audi of America acknowledged this issue with the EA839 and only warranted an 80k mile warranty. I am outside of that warranty and in risk of catastrophic engine failure that could lead to safety issues on the road. I am worried about my safety in driving this vehicle. Audi of America refuse to cover my car as it is outside of the extended warranty. There are numerous people that have the same issue as several models with the same EA839 engine and are prone to this failure.

NHTSA ID

11735402

Incident

May 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine service at the dealer, and the contact was informed that the coolant pump was starting to fail. The contact was advised that the mechanic found coolant running through the vac lines. The contact was informed that continuing to drive the vehicle with a failing coolant pump could cause engine damage. The contact had the coolant pump replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID

11687517

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

Mileage

39,000 mi

Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair costs for a clearly known design flaw. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Audi’s CWGD engines should also fall under the scope of the extended warranty or safety defect coverage already applied to DEWA/DEWC engine variants. Audi’s selective VIN or engine code exclusions appear arbitrary and may allow known safety-related failures to go unaddressed. Documentation available: dealer inspection report confirming internal water pump leak, warranty denial letter, and TSB copy.

NHTSA ID

11678890

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module

NHTSA ID

11677713

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Comfort Module J393 failed that is tied to all electronics warnings in car. brake warnings, light warning, security warnings, etc. Car was unable to be started as a result. If these electronics failed during driving, its very dangerous and could force crashing of vehicle. According to Dealership, failed module was submerged (ie water flooeded). This is a self contained electronics module that is not exposed to elements. The car was parked in driveway. it rained lightly over the weekend. Then this occurred. the damage and replacement cost was over $10K in damage. Audi dealership stated replacing rear water drain may be kinked or damaged causing water to leak where module located. Its not normal for self contained electronics modules to have this problem.

NHTSA ID

11657723

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

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