Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear driver's side suspension coil spring had fractured also causing damage to the rear axle and rear differential. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure previously. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the suspension coil spring was cracked at the bottom. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2015 Audi Q5 TDI (VIN # [redacted] ), which has developed severe corrosion on the rear subframe. I am the original owner of this vehicle, which has 92,700 miles and has been garage-kept and exclusively serviced by authorized Audi dealerships since purchase. On [redacted], following a failed Virginia State safety inspection, the vehicle was inspected by Audi of Chantilly, VA. Their service department confirmed that the rear subframe is cracked due to extensive rust and recommended immediate repair. I have attached both the inspection report and supporting photographs. This is not an isolated case. Numerous Audi Q5 owners have documented similar corrosion on the rear subframe, often attributed to a plastic cover that traps moisture and accelerates rusting. …
2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged and no other corrosion was found during inspection of the entire vehicle. The finding is a manufacturing defect that is only isolated to the rear subframe assembly of the vehicle. Due to the extreme nature of corrosion and cracking found on the subframe assembly this should be considered a high priority warning for Audi Q5 owners. A total failure of all rear suspension and drivetrain components may result.
The front subframe has experienced catastrophic failure due to severe and premature rust-through corrosion. Multiple holes have perforated the component, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. The part is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family and others was put at significant risk, as the subframe is the primary component that mounts the engine, suspension, and steering rack to the vehicle. A failure of the subframe while driving could cause a complete loss of steering control and the collapse of the front suspension, leading to a serious or fatal crash. The problem was independently reproduced and confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Audi dealership. Both establishments have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to this specific issue. …
Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of Greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as VERY DANGEROUS on the service invoice and quoted $4,711.52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's Automotive in Westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural metal on both sides of the subframe. The vehicle has plastic stone guard covers bolted over the subframe from the factory. These covers trapped road salt and moisture against unpainted mild steel, accelerating concealed corrosion that was invisible until the covers were removed during inspection. …
Im loosing a liter of oil every 200-500 miles and tyranny feels like it slips a little but the oil consumption is why im writing this I bought my 2012 Audi Q5 premium sport edition with a 2.0 turbo with 80,000 miles and was not told about the oil consumption!!
The lower control arms wear out very quickly. The latest ones I added on 11/7/2017. And were replaced on 9/1/2018. This is the 3rd set, since the OEM factory control arms were installed in April 2012 in Germany.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Q5 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (25), 2015 (8) and 2014 (7) model years. Suspension complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Audi Q5 suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 21V-295 (non-powered axle assembly, Apr 26, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi Q5 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › wheel bearing (2 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.