The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
The risk
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-229 (18V229000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 19N3/19N4 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system |
| Report date | April 11, 2018 |
| Owners notified | September 14, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 342,867 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2013 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2014 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2015 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2016 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2013 Audi A5
- 2014 Audi A5
- 2015 Audi A5
- 2016 Audi A5
- 2017 Audi A5
- 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet
- 2012 Audi A6
- 2013 Audi A6
- 2014 Audi A6
- 2015 Audi A6
- 2013 Audi Q5
- 2014 Audi Q5
- 2015 Audi Q5
- 2016 Audi Q5
- 2017 Audi Q5
Plus 4 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
- 2013 Audi A4 Allroad engine problems 15
- 2014 Audi A4 Allroad engine problems 15
- 2015 Audi A4 Allroad engine problems 9
- 2016 Audi A4 Allroad engine problems 3
- 2013 Audi A5 engine problems 15
- 2014 Audi A5 engine problems 10
- 2015 Audi A5 engine problems 1
- 2016 Audi A5 engine problems 3
- 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet engine problems 2
- 2012 Audi A6 engine problems 15
- 2013 Audi A6 engine problems 16
- 2014 Audi A6 engine problems 6
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-229 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 342,867 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.