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Audi Structure Recalls Cover Loose Trim and Occupant Protection
Audi's structure notices repeatedly involve trim or interior components that can detach, expose edges, or interfere with occupant protection. Certain 2018-2020 Q5 and 2018-2019 SQ5 vehicles have rear wheel-arch trim that may loosen and become a road hazard. Certain 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 allroad and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles have door-speaker aluminum trim that can loosen and expose sharp edges. The other notices concern crash protection on certain 2018-2020 Q7 vehicles with insufficient C-pillar impact absorption and certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles whose glove-box lid trim may interfere with knee-airbag deployment.
Warning signs to watch for
- The Q5/SQ5 rear wheel-arch trim recall, 66K8, describes trim potentially loosening and detaching.
- The A4/A5 door-speaker trim recall, 70G6, describes aluminum trim potentially coming loose and leaving sharp edges exposed.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The listed Audi structure notices do not tell owners to stop driving, and none includes a park-outside instruction. This applies to the E-Tron glove-box hinge-pin recall, 68H6, the Q5/SQ5 wheel-arch trim recall, 66K8, the Q7 C-pillar recall, 70H8, and the A4/A5 speaker-trim recall, 70G6. The notices describe injury risks from impaired airbag deployment, insufficient impact absorption or exposed sharp edges, and crash risk from detached exterior trim becoming a road hazard.
What the free repair involves
Dealers inspect the glove box and secure its hinge pin as necessary under 68H6. Under 66K8, they replace four clips securing the forward rear wheel-arch trim. Under 70H8, they replace the C-pillar deformation elements. Under 70G6, they replace the speaker-cover aluminum trim. Each listed remedy is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 2 |
| low | 1 |
Models affected most
Where owners report structure problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under structure for the Audi models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Structure complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 21 |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | 2 |
| 2021 Audi E-TRON | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 Allroad | 1 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2, 2021 | Audi E-Tron glove box may block knee airbag | high |
| Oct 27, 2020 | Audi Q7 C-Pillar Padding Doesn't Absorb Impact | medium |
| Oct 16, 2019 | Audi Q5 and SQ5 rear wheel arch trim can detach | medium |
| Oct 25, 2017 | Audi A4 and A5 door trim can expose sharp edges | low |
Common questions
How can the E-Tron glove box affect an airbag?
The 2021 E-Tron notice, 68H6, says the right glove-box cover hinge pin may be unsecured, allowing lid trim to interfere with knee-airbag deployment. Dealers inspect the glove box and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge.
What gets replaced for the Q5 and SQ5 wheel-arch recall?
The 66K8 notice specifies replacement of the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel-arch trim, free of charge. It covers certain 2018-2020 Q5 and 2018-2019 SQ5 vehicles whose trim may loosen and detach.
What is the problem with the Q7 C-pillar padding?
The 70H8 notice concerns certain 2018-2020 Q7 vehicles whose C-pillar padding may absorb insufficient impact. It describes injury risk when an unbelted occupant's head strikes that area in a crash. Dealers replace the C-pillar deformation elements free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.