Audi and Volkswagen Recall SUVs Due to Engine Failure Risk
Safety action includes the Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback and the VW Atlas and Atlas Sport
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 74,067 SUVs from the Audi and Volkswagen brands due to concerns that an engine failure could result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Further, troublesome connecting rod bearings could lead to an oil leak and a potential fire. Volkswagen reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that there are two fires that may be attributable to this issue.
The action involves 2021-2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs.
The problem is explained as internal engine parts with manufacturing deviations that could create harmful debris. VW’s warranty claim analysis shows that “the vast majority are for engine noise, and that the incidents occurred very early in vehicle life (below 1,000 miles).”
The automaker warns that drivers may hear excessive engine noise and may see a warning light in the instrument panel if their SUV experiences this problem. Among the recalled vehicles, the company estimates that less than 2 percent have the problem.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 6, 2022.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 2021-2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.
The problem: Due to a manufacturing defect, the engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged. This could lead to stalling, engine failure, and fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners can contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 800-253-2834.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V753000. Volkswagen’s numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
2021 Audi Q5
Photo: Audi
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