The problem
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, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
The risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-295 (21V295000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 42L1 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly |
| Report date | April 26, 2021 |
| Owners notified | June 4, 2021 |
| Vehicles affected | 40,993 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2020 Audi A4
- 2021 Audi A4
- 2019 Audi A5
- 2020 Audi A5
- 2021 Audi A5
- 2020 Audi A6
- 2021 Audi A6
- 2020 Audi A7
- 2021 Audi A7
- 2020 Audi A8
- 2021 Audi A8
- 2020 Audi Q5
- 2021 Audi Q5
- 2021 Audi Q7
- 2021 Audi Q8
- 2019 Audi RS 5
- 2020 Audi RS 5
- 2021 Audi RS 5
- 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant
- 2021 Audi RS 7
- 2021 Audi RS Q8
- 2020 Audi S4
- 2021 Audi S4
- 2019 Audi S5
- 2020 Audi S5
- 2021 Audi S5
- 2021 Audi S5 Cabriolet
- 2020 Audi S6
- 2021 Audi S6
- 2020 Audi S7
- 2021 Audi S7
- 2020 Audi S8
- 2021 Audi S8
- 2020 Audi SQ5
- 2021 Audi SQ5
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the suspension
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-295 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 40,993 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.