Audi Recalls 36 Models for Rear Axle Corrosion, Failure

Audi is recalling 36 models* because the lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion. Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge as is required by US regulations. the German supplied recalled lock nuts do not meet factory specifications. Audi claimed it is not aware of any field cases in the United States.

In the required NHTSA filing Audi said: “ It cannot be ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning… Due to stress corrosion on the lock nuts of these particular production batches, the nut of the excentric (sic) bolt on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle. The driver may notice a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating.”

Chronology

• Mid-February 2021: 2 field incidents are reported where the lock nut of the excentric bolt of the rear axle trailing arm broke and the customer noticed a misalignment of the steering wheel or the vehicle pulling to one side while driving. Immediate information of the supplier and start of investigation.
• Mid-February to mid-April 2021: Detailed analysis of root cause, possible influences and consequences and determination of affected population.
• April 19, 2021: Although no such cases are known from the field, the Audi Product Safety Committee determines that it cannot be completely ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. The decision for a voluntary worldwide safety recall is made.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 25 June 2021. The affected lock nut will be replaced. If the screw connection is already damaged, it will be replaced completely. Because affected vehicles are still within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, Audi will not offer reimbursement under this recall.

Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi’s number for this recall is 42L1. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.

*Audi Rear Axle Recall Vehicles

• 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