Audi recalls around 90,000 Q5 crossovers due to risk of oil leaks

Audi has announced a recall of approximately 90,000 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles from the 2022-2024 model years in the United States. The cause is a possible loosening of the cylinder head cover mounting screws. This fault could lead to engine oil leaks and increase the likelihood of fire.

Here's What We Know

As the manufacturer explains, different tightening forces were used during the engine assembly process and "in some cases, a reliable and long-lasting connection cannot be guaranteed". In May 2023, the company received the first complaints of oil leaks, after which it launched a technical investigation.

Engineers found that the screws may have had burrs that occurred during manufacturing. These defects damaged the seating surface of the cylinder head cover, resulting in a loss of tightening torque and consequent leaks.

In January 2024, Audi sent a technical bulletin to dealers advising them to check the cover screws and replace them if necessary. However, in May 2024, the company began receiving complaints about "thermal incidents" - overheating or fire caused by oil leaks.

To date, Audi has logged 2,539 warranty claims for leaks and 11 reports of thermal incidents. However, the manufacturer believes the problem affects no more than 5 per cent of the cars in the recalled batch.

Recall notification letters will begin to be sent out on 8 July 2025. Dealers will check and, if necessary, replace the cylinder-head cover mounting screws. Audi's internal recall number is 15ZK.

Previously, the German automaker with four rings on its emblem was forced to recall 44,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a fault that causes the digital instrument cluster to disconnect.

Source: Carcomplaints