Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Audi recalls 27,768 vehicles over child seat security failure
Recall announced
Audi is recalling approximately 27,768 vehicles because the seat belt retractor may not properly secure a child seat. Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the seat belt assemblies free of charge. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on Feb. 17.
Audi is recalling around 27,768 vehicles because the seat belt retractor may not properly secure a child seat. Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the seat belt assemblies free of charge, with notification letters expected to be mailed on Feb. 17.
Company response
Recall — Audi
Around 27,768 of Audi’s vehicles are being pulled because the seat belt retractor may not properly secure a child seat.
Source excerpt
Around 27,768 of Audi’s vehicles are being pulled because the seat belt retractor may not properly secure a child seat.
Over 100,000 of Audi's older vehicles are being recalled over faulty Takata airbags.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns moisture could leak into airbags through a defective seal, causing the airbag to either deploy too slowly or with too much force, which could lead to injury or death.
2026
Couple sues Audi over fire allegedly caused by defective vehicle
Lawsuit filed
Matthew and Ilana Robinson filed a lawsuit against Audi of America and Audi Mohegan Lake, alleging product liability, negligence and breach of warranty after their Audi Q5 allegedly ignited and a fire destroyed their home. The filing asserts claims on the couple's behalf; the allegations are claims in the lawsuit and not a court determination. The event is recorded as a controversy note concerning Audi.
Matthew and Ilana Robinson sued Audi of America and Audi Mohegan Lake, alleging product liability, negligence and breach of warranty after their Audi Q5 allegedly ignited and a fire destroyed their home. The allegations are claims in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
On May 7, 2025, the car was parked in their garage and turned off. Minutes later, the complaint states, the car ignited.
Matthew and Ilana Robinson accused Audi of America and Audi Mohegan Lake of product liability and wanton disregard of safety, in a lawsuit filed on Oct 7 in Westchester Supreme Court.
The Robinson's are charging Audi of America and Audi Mohegan Lake with product liability, negligence, and breach of warranty.
2026
IG Metall criticizes Audi CEO’s rally appearance
Public backlash
IG Metall chief Christiane Benner criticized Audi CEO Gernot Döllner for appearing onstage with Donald Trump at a campaign rally, calling the appearance deeply embarrassing and politically unacceptable. She also accused Döllner of breaching Audi’s political neutrality rules.
Source excerpt
Germany's IG Metall union chief Christiane Benner has sharply criticized Audi CEO Gernot Döllner for appearing onstage at a campaign rally with US President Donald Trump.
Trump announced plans for an Audi factory in Georgia at Saturday's rally, with Döllner alongside him.
Benner called the appearance "deeply embarrassing, politically unacceptable" and unworthy of Audi and its employees. She also accused Döllner of breaching the company's political neutrality rules.
2026
Audi fined for two Mexico practice breaches
Fine or penalty
During Friday practice in Mexico, Audi was fined approximately $14,000 for two separate breaches. The team released Freddie Slater with a cooling fan still attached to the car, and covered components on Gabriel Bortoleto's car. The stewards imposed penalties for both incidents.
Audi received approximately $14,000 in fines during Friday practice in Mexico after releasing Freddie Slater with a cooling fan still attached and covering components on Gabriel Bortoleto's car. The stewards imposed penalties for both incidents.
Source excerpt
The stewards accepted the explanation but ruled that the layout did not provide an exemption from the regulations.
Audi collected approximately $14,000 in fines during Friday practice in Mexico after releasing Freddie Slater with a cooling fan still attached and later covering components on Gabriel Bortoleto's car.
2026
Volkswagen and Audi vehicle recall plan filed in China
Recall announced
Volkswagen China Sales Co., SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen filed a recall plan with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation covering specified locally produced Volkswagen Touareg, Touareg X and Viloran vehicles, as well as Audi Q6 vehicles. The recall is scheduled to begin on 15 January 2027.
Company response
Recall — 大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司
大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、上汽大众汽车有限公司、一汽-大众汽车有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求,向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
Source excerpt
本次召回范围内的车辆,长期受到水分及道路融雪剂影响后,副车架与转向机右侧固定螺栓可能锈蚀。随着锈蚀的加剧,固定螺栓可能断裂,转向机右侧连接失效,造成转向功能受限,存在安全隐患。
日前,大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、上汽大众汽车有限公司、一汽-大众汽车有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求,向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、上汽大众汽车有限公司、一汽-大众汽车有限公司将委托授权经销商,免费为召回范围内的车辆更换改进后的转向机右侧固定螺栓,以消除安全隐患。
2022
Audi vehicle recall announced
Recall announced
Audi announced a recall covering 454,159 locally produced Q5L and imported SQ5 vehicles, scheduled to begin on February 28, 2022. According to the announcement, liquid entering the gateway control module could cause short circuits and, in extreme cases, potentially interrupt power transmission while driving. The recall notice was reported on January 30, 2022.
Audi announced a recall of 454,159 locally produced Q5L and imported SQ5 vehicles, scheduled to begin on February 28, 2022, because liquid entering the gateway control module could cause short circuits and potentially interrupt power transmission while driving.
Source excerpt
奥迪则将自2022年2月28日起召回453791辆国产奥迪Q5L和368辆进口奥迪SQ5,共计454159辆
2022
FAW-Volkswagen announced a recall of Audi vehicles
Recall announced
A recall notice published by China's State Administration for Market Regulation stated that FAW-Volkswagen would recall certain imported and domestically produced Audi vehicles starting February 28, 2022. The recall included 453,791 domestically produced Audi Q5L vehicles. According to the notice, the stated defect could allow liquid to short the gateway control module and cause a loss of driving power.
A recall notice published by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said FAW-Volkswagen would recall certain imported and domestically produced Audi vehicles starting February 28, 2022. The recall included 453,791 domestically produced Audi Q5L vehicles; the stated defect could allow liquid to short the gateway control module and cause loss of driving power.
Company response
Recall — 一汽-大众
Source excerpt
就在1月27日,国家市场监督管理总局发布召回公告显示,一汽-大众将自2022年2月28日起召回部分进口和国产奥迪汽车。其中,涉及生产日期在2018年3月1日至2021年12月4日期间的国产奥迪Q5L就多达453791辆。
据公告显示,此次召回原因均与车辆设计缺陷有关。涉及召回的车辆由于网关控制模块位于后排座椅下方的较低位置,如果大量液体意外洒到后排座椅上,可能会导致网关控制模块内部出现短路,从而导致变速箱离合器会断开,造成车辆行驶中动力中断,增加发生事故的可能性,存在安全隐患。
2022
Audi recalls 45,789 vehicles over inaccurate fuel-gauge readings
Recall announced
Audi's Product Safety Committee decided to recall 45,789 vehicles from the 2019 through 2021 model years because a fuel level sender could get stuck and cause the gauge to indicate more fuel than was available. Dealers were instructed to install a new sensor.
Company response
Remediation — Dealers
Dealers, meanwhile, have been instructed to install a new sensor in the fuel tank.
Source excerpt
the fuel level sender “may get stuck due to borderline tolerances. In combination with a different installation position of the fuel delivery module which was introduced in production in April 2018, this may cause the distance between the sender and the internal ventilation pipe to be too small.”
Dealers, meanwhile, have been instructed to install a new sensor in the fuel tank.
Come March 2022, the Product Safety Committee decided to recall a grand total of 45,789 vehicles produced from 2019 through the 2021 model years.
2022
Audi recalls 920 e-tron GT vehicles to correct tire-pressure information in owner’s manuals
Recall announced
Audi called back 920 vehicles produced between March 18 and October 18, 2021, to have their owner’s manuals corrected because the kPa and PSI units were assigned to the wrong columns in the tire-pressure table. Audi said it was not aware of related complaints, warranty records, crashes, or injuries.
Company response
Recall — Audi
A grand total of 920 vehicles produced from March 18th, 2021 through October 18th, 2021 are called back to have their owner’s manual rectified with the corrected table for tire pressure values.
Source excerpt
The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer isn’t aware of complaints, warranty records, crashes, or injuries related to this mistake.
As it happens, the kPa and PSI units were assigned to the wrong columns in the tire pressure table.
A grand total of 920 vehicles produced from March 18th, 2021 through October 18th, 2021 are called back to have their owner’s manual rectified with the corrected table for tire pressure values.
2021
Audi recalls 5,396 vehicles in Canada over rear suspension issue
Recall announced
Audi recalled 5,396 vehicles in Canada because defective rear trailing arm bolt lock nuts could break and cause sudden changes in rear wheel alignment, increasing crash risk. Audi said it would contact affected owners to have the lock nuts inspected and replaced.
Audi is recalling 5,396 vehicles in Canada because defective rear trailing arm bolt lock nuts could break and cause sudden changes in rear wheel alignment, increasing crash risk. Audi said it would contact affected owners to have the lock nuts inspected and replaced.
Company response
Remediation — Audi
The automaker will reach out to affected owners by mail, and alert them to get the lock nuts inspected and replaced.
Source excerpt
Audi is recalling 5,396 new models from across its line in Canada over a possible issue with the rear suspension that could theoretically lead to a crash.
The automaker will reach out to affected owners by mail, and alert them to get the lock nuts inspected and replaced.
On affected vehicles, “the lock nuts for the rear trailing arm bolts may be defective,” reports Transport Canada. “If a nut breaks, there could be sudden changes in rear wheel alignment.”
2021
Audi S8 recall in China
Recall announced
FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. recalled one specified imported 2021 Audi S8 vehicle, effective June 15, 2021. According to the recall notice, a possible crack in the engine block could cause engine failure and loss of drive, and leaking oil could pose a fire risk. The company stated that it would replace the engine assembly free of charge.
Company response
Recall — 一汽-大众汽车有限公司
大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司及一汽-大众汽车有限公司将通过授权经销商,免费为召回范围内的车辆更换发动机总成,以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
本次召回范围内的车辆使用了供应商在特定时间段内生产的V8发动机,由于缸体铸造阶段的模压偏差,第6缸缸壁处可能存在裂隙,造成发动机运转时第6缸缸体破损。发动机损坏后,可能导致发动机熄火并失去驱动力;同时泄漏的机油如果接触到下方的排气管,不排除起火的可能性,存在安全隐患。
一汽-大众汽车有限公司 召回2020年10月8日生产的部分进口2021年款奥迪S8系列汽车,共计1台。
2021
Volkswagen and Audi disclose vendor data breach affecting customers and prospective buyers
Issue disclosure
Volkswagen Group of America disclosed that an unauthorized third party obtained limited personal information from a vendor, affecting more than 3.3 million customers and prospective buyers in North America, nearly all of whom were current or potential Audi customers. Volkswagen stated it would offer free credit protection services to 90,000 Audi customers and prospective buyers whose sensitive data was affected.
Volkswagen Group of America said an unauthorized third party obtained limited personal information from a vendor, affecting more than 3.3 million customers and prospective buyers in North America, nearly all of whom were current or potential Audi customers. Volkswagen said it would offer free credit protection services to 90,000 Audi customers and prospective buyers whose sensitive data was affected.
Company response
Remediation — Volkswagen Group of America
VW said 90,000 Audi customers and prospective buyers had sensitive data impacted relating to purchase or lease eligibility. VW said it will offer free credit protection services to those individuals.
Source excerpt
Volkswagen Group of America said on Friday an unauthorized third party obtained limited personal information about customers and interested buyers from a vendor that its Audi Volkswagen brands and some U.S. and Canadian dealers used for digital sales and marketing.
Nearly all those impacted were current or potential customers of Audi, one of the German automaker’s luxury brands.
VW said 90,000 Audi customers and prospective buyers had sensitive data impacted relating to purchase or lease eligibility. VW said it will offer free credit protection services to those individuals.
2021
Audi recalls nearly 290,000 vehicles over liquid ingress risk
Recall announced
Audi decided to recall 288,991 Q5, SQ5 and Sportback vehicles in the United States after testing identified liquid ingress issues affecting the gateway control module. Dealers will install a protective cover at no cost; vehicles produced through August 2021 will also receive underbody sealant.
Source excerpt
After a few more testing regarding the impacts of liquid ingress on the gateway control module, the automaker has finally decided to call back almost 290,000 vehicles in the United States of America. More specifically, 288,991 units of the Audi Q5, SQ5, and their Sportback coupe variants.
At no cost to the customers, Audi’s dealers will install a protective cover for the gateway control module that protects from liquid ingress.
2021
Audi recalls e-tron SUVs over brake-assistance defect
Recall announced
Audi was reported to be recalling 2,303 e-tron electric SUVs globally because a manufacturing defect could cause corrosion and failure in brake-booster components, potentially resulting in loss of brake assistance. Audi said it would notify affected owners and dealers and inspect and replace the relevant parts free of charge.
Company response
Recall — Audi
奥迪表示,将及时通知相关车辆车主以及经销商,并免费为相关车辆进行检查和更换相关部件。
Source excerpt
若因腐蚀导致短路则会引起刹车助力器内部出现故障,从而失去刹车辅助,存在严重的安全隐患。
奥迪表示,将及时通知相关车辆车主以及,并免费为相关车辆进行检查和更换相关部件。
因制动助力器内部的零部件存在制造缺陷,奥迪将在全球范围内召回 2,303辆e-tron纯电
2021
South Korea vehicle recall for defective parts
Recall announced
A South Korean transport ministry announcement covered a voluntary recall by six automakers affecting almost 49,000 vehicles because of faulty parts. The article identifies BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai Motor and Suzuki MAN Truck & Bus Korea among the brands involved; repairs or replacements were offered free of charge.
Source excerpt
All the services, including replacements, are for free as per the transport ministry.
The agency cited faulty vehicle parts as the main reason for the recalls.
Aside from the mentioned car brands, it was reported that the local automaker Hyundai Motor Co. and Suzuki MAN Truck & Bus Korea Ltd. are also included in the list with vehicle models that must be fixed for defects.
2021
Audi recalls 527 vehicles in Russia over possible airbag impairment
Recall announced
Volkswagen Group Rus, Audi's official representative in Russia, announced a recall of 527 Audi A4, A6, A8 and TT vehicles sold in 1996–2000. The reason cited was possible impairment of airbag function; the driver's airbag module will be checked and its gas generator replaced if necessary, with repairs free to owners.
Company response
Recall — Volkswagen Group Rus
Volkswagen Group Rus, the official representative of Audi in Russia, will recall 527 cars of A4, A6, A8, TT, the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) reported on its website on Monday.
Source excerpt
Volkswagen Group Rus, the official representative of Audi in Russia, will recall 527 cars of A4, A6, A8, TT, the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) reported on its website on Monday.
The reason for the recall of vehicles is possible impairment of the airbag function.
All repair work will be carried out free of charge for vehicle owners.
2021
Volkswagen discloses customer data exposure
Issue disclosure
Volkswagen disclosed that an unauthorized third party obtained customer and prospective-buyer personal information from a vendor used by Audi, Volkswagen, and some authorized dealers in the United States and Canada. The article reports that more than 3.3 million customers were affected.
Company response
Ongoing disclosure — Volkswagen
On Friday, Volkswagen notified Maine’s attorney general of the security lapse
Remediation — Volkswagen
Volkswagen has now notified all affected individuals and also reached out to almost 90,00,000 people who had particularly "sensitive information” leaked offering them free credit protection services.
Source excerpt
“We recently discovered that an unauthorized third party obtained limited personal information received from or about customers and interested buyers from a vendor that Audi, Volkswagen and some authorized dealers in the United States and Canada use for digital sales and marketing activities," a spokesperson said in a statement.
On Friday, Volkswagen notified Maine’s attorney general of the security lapse stating that all the aggrieved customers were either those who engaged in businesses with the company and its subsidiary between 2014 and 2019 or between 2019 and 2021.
More than 3.3 million customers of German automobile maker Volkswagen and its luxury car subsidiary Audi suffered from a data breach for more than two years, the company said.
2021
Recall announced for Bentley Bentayga V8 and Audi S8 vehicles
Recall announced
Volkswagen (China) Sales Co. and FAW-Volkswagen announced a recall of seven imported Bentley Bentayga V8 vehicles and one imported Audi S8 vehicle. The affected engines may have cracks in the sixth-cylinder wall, potentially causing engine damage, loss of drive power, and a fire risk if leaking oil contacts the exhaust pipe. The companies said authorized dealers would replace the engine assemblies free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — 大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司及一汽-大众汽车有限公司
大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司及一汽-大众汽车有限公司将通过授权经销商,免费为召回范围内的车辆更换发动机总成,以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
本次召回范围内的车辆使用了供应商在特定时间段内生产的V8发动机,由于缸体铸造阶段的模压偏差,第6缸缸壁处可能存在裂隙,造成发动机运转时第6缸缸体破损。发动机损坏后,可能导致发动机熄火并失去驱动力;同时泄漏的机油如果接触到下方的排气管,不排除起火的可能性,存在安全隐患。
日前,大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、一汽-大众汽车有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求,向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划,决定自2021年6月15日起召回以下车辆。
召回2020年10月25日至2020年11月30日期间生产的部分进口2021年款宾利添越V8汽车,共计7台。
2021
Volkswagen Group brands announce vehicle recalls in China
Recall announced
The relevant sales companies filed recall plans covering specified imported Audi, Volkswagen, and Bentley vehicles in China. The recalls are scheduled to begin on June 15, 2021, because locking nuts on the rear suspension may crack and affect vehicle handling. The companies said they would replace the affected locking nuts free of charge.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Remediation — 一汽-大众汽车有限公司、大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、保时捷(中国)汽车销售有限公司
一汽-大众汽车有限公司、大众汽车(中国)销售有限公司、保时捷(中国)汽车销售有限公司将为召回范围内的车辆免费更换后桥拖臂上所涉及的锁紧螺母,以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
决定从2021年6月15日起召回以下车辆。
召回2019年11月26日至2020年12月21日期间生产的部分进口奥迪A4Avant、A4Allroad、A5、A6Avant、A6Allroad、A7、A8L、Q7、Q8、S4、S5、S6、S7、S8、RS4、RS5、RS6、RS7、RSQ8汽车,共计10105辆;
本次召回范围内的部分车辆由于供应商制造原因,车辆的后桥拖臂上可能安装了未按规定参数制造的锁紧螺母。该锁紧螺母在使用中可能因应力腐蚀而开裂,导致拖臂和车轮轴承壳体之间的间隙增大,极端情况下车辆的操控性能可能会受到影响从而增加碰撞的风险,存在安全隐患。
2021
Recall of certain imported Audi Q7 vehicles
Recall announced
FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. announced a recall in China of three imported 2021-model-year Audi Q7 vehicles produced from July 31 to August 6, 2020. A casting defect could leave the front side airbag collision sensor housing without its locking mechanism, potentially affecting airbag and seat-belt pretensioner protection. The company said authorized Audi dealers would inspect the sensors and replace any with missing clips free of charge.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Remediation — 一汽-大众汽车有限公司
一汽-大众汽车有限公司将委托奥迪授权经销商,为召回范围内的车辆免费检查前排侧面安全气囊碰撞传感器,传感器外壳上的卡扣如有缺失则更换碰撞传感器,以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
决定自2021年1月22日起,召回2020年7月31日至2020年8月6日生产的部分进口2021款Q7汽车,共计3台。
本次召回范围内车辆由于供应商在压铸过程中出现临时故障,导致前排侧面安全气囊碰撞传感器外壳的铸件可能未完全成型,造成传感器外壳上的锁止机构缺失。
本次召回活动是2021年5月28日发布的《一汽-大众汽车有限公司、保时捷(中国)汽车销售有限公司召回部分进口汽车》的再次召回,召回原因为:本次召回范围内的车辆在执行更换后桥拖臂锁紧螺母的召回维修后,未对后轴悬架定位进行重新检查调整,不排除后轴悬架定位出现偏差的可能,会导致轮胎过早或不均匀磨损、胎面与地面附着力降低。