Home › Guides › Audi › Suspension
Audi Suspension Recalls Involve Loose Fasteners and Cracking Components
Audi's suspension notices repeatedly concern components that can loosen or break and affect wheel security, steering or rear-axle alignment. The broadest model coverage appears in the 2021 rear-axle trailing-arm lock-nut notice, which includes 2019-2021 A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 coupe and RS5 Sportback vehicles, alongside numerous specified 2020-2021 and 2021 Audi models. That notice attributes possible nut breakage to stress corrosion. Separately, certain 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles have insufficiently tightened front suspension fasteners, while certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet and S5 Sportback vehicles have front shock-absorber forks that may crack and allow the shock absorbers to loosen.
Warning signs to watch for
- The 2018 A5 Sportback suspension-fastener recall, 40O2, describes a potentially loose front wheel affecting handling.
- The 2019 shock-absorber fork recall, 40O4, describes loose shock absorbers potentially impairing steering.
- The rear-axle lock-nut recall, 42L1, describes possible rear-axle misalignment and loss of control.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The listed Audi suspension notices do not tell owners to stop driving, and none gives a park-outside instruction. This applies to the 2018 A5 Sportback front-suspension fastener recall, 40O2, the 2019 Q7/Q8/S5 shock-absorber fork recall, 40O4, and the rear-axle lock-nut recall, 42L1. The notices describe crash risks involving a loose front wheel, impaired steering from loose shock absorbers, or loss of control following rear-axle misalignment. They do not provide a separate interim driving instruction.
What the free repair involves
For 40O2, dealers inspect the front suspension fasteners and replace them as necessary, free of charge. For 40O4, dealers replace the shock-absorber forks, free of charge. For 42L1, dealers replace the rear-axle lock nuts and, if necessary, their associated bolts, free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 3 |
Models affected most
Where owners report suspension problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under suspension for the Audi models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 10 |
| 2019 Audi Q8 | 3 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 2 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 2 |
| 2021 Audi S5 | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 1 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 2021 | Audi rear axle lock nut may break | high |
| Feb 20, 2019 | Audi Q7, Q8 and S5 shock absorbers may crack | high |
| Dec 17, 2018 | Audi A5 Front Suspension Bolts May Be Loose | high |
Common questions
Which A5 versions are named in the front-suspension fastener recall?
The 2018 notice, 40O2, identifies certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. Insufficiently tightened front suspension fasteners may allow a front wheel to become loose. Dealers inspect the fasteners and replace them as necessary, free of charge.
Does the shock-absorber recall replace the entire shock absorber?
The remedy stated in 40O4 is replacement of the shock-absorber forks, free of charge. The notice covers certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet and S5 Sportback vehicles whose front forks may crack and allow the shock absorbers to loosen.
What causes the rear-axle lock nuts to break?
The 42L1 notice identifies stress corrosion as the cause of possible trailing-arm lock-nut breakage. A broken nut may misalign the rear axle and cause loss of control. Dealers replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if necessary, free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.