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Audi suspension recalls cover loose wheel fasteners and cracking shock forks
All three Audi suspension recalls come down to fasteners and forged parts that were not to spec, and each hits a different corner of the car. The narrowest is the 2018 A5 Sportback, where front suspension fasteners may not have been tightened enough during production and a front wheel can work loose. The 2019 Q7, Q8 and S5 Cabriolet and Sportback can develop cracks in the front shock absorber forks, allowing the shock absorbers to loosen and affecting steering. The broadest by far is the rear suspension lock nut recall, reaching 2019-2021 A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, S4, S5, RS5, Q5, Q7 and Q8 variants, where a nut can break and cause a loss of control.
Warning signs to watch for
- Clunking, knocking or new noise from the front end
- Front end feels loose or vague, or the car wanders while steering
- Wheel wobble or vibration, particularly at the front
- The A5 Sportback notice warns a wheel can come loose with little or no warning, so no symptoms does not mean no problem
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of the three tells owners to stop driving and none asks you to park outside, but Audi treats all of them as urgent. The strongest language is on the 2018 A5 Sportback: a loose front wheel can cause a crash with little or no warning, so have the fasteners inspected before driving much further. For the 2019 shock absorber forks and the 2019-2021 rear lock nuts, continuing to drive is acceptable while you book the free repair, and get the car checked sooner if the front end feels loose or noisy.
What the free repair involves
All three repairs are free at an Audi dealer. On the 2018 A5 Sportback, dealers inspect the front suspension fasteners and replace them as necessary. On the 2019 Q7, Q8 and S5, they replace the front shock absorber forks. On the wide rear suspension recall, they replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts. These are mechanical repairs, not software updates.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-04-26 | Audi Cars and SUVs: Rear Suspension Nut Can Break | high |
| 2019-02-20 | Audi Q7, Q8 and S5 front shock parts can crack | high |
| 2018-12-17 | Audi A5 Sportback front wheel may come loose | critical |
Common questions
My A6 is not in the headline. Could it still be in the rear lock nut recall?
Quite possibly. That recall spans a long list including 2020-2021 A6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, A4 Sedan and Allroad, A5, A7, A8, S6, S7, S8, Q5, Q7 and Q8 variants. Check your VIN with an Audi dealer or on NHTSA's site.
Would a cracked shock absorber fork show up at a normal service?
Under the recall, dealers replace the front shock absorber forks on affected 2019 Q7, Q8 and S5 models rather than judging them at a routine visit. If the front end already feels loose or noisy, say so when you book the appointment.
Is the A5 Sportback wheel problem something I can check myself?
No. It involves front suspension fasteners that may not have been tightened sufficiently in production, which needs a dealer inspection. Audi replaces them where necessary at no charge, and Audi customer service can confirm coverage at 1-800-253-2834.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.