Panoramic Roof Creaking and Crackling Sound on my 2021 RS5 Sportback

[Ed99]

Hi Members,

Just want to see if anyone here has the same issue and how did you rectify the problem.

So I have a 2021 RS5 Sportback and noticed recently my sunroof makes a creaking/crackling noise when I go over big bumps or turning up in a hill when the car flexes.

I brought it in to Audi and they looked at it and they lubbed it and said there are no issues because there is no leaking or malfunctioning of the sunroof.

But still that is not good enough as the noise appears to be getting worse during the cold season.

I definitely need to bring it back to Audi but I want to see if there is any fix for this so I can tell the Audi service in what they can do to solve this annoying noise.

[Burrcold]

It's par for the course with the Sportback. I installed an 034 Motorsport strut brace and it definitely helped. The B9/B9.5 just had too much flex in the chassis that components like the sunroof are susceptible to creaks and cracks...weather definitely makes it worse. Mine is very quiet now.

[Mav281]

Had this very same thing recently with the cold bout of weather in the south of the UK. Took me ages to figure out what it was and it was quite unnerving at the time. As noted though pretty common from what I’ve read.

[HyperM3]

Have this on my coupe too. Just nature of the beast with a big piece of glass above your head. Not worried about the creaks, just that it might shatter if I hit a hard enough pot hole.

[Ed99]

Ok so this seems quite normal hearing squeaky creaks and crackling coming from our sunroof and all of you guys are not annoyed of the noise? Just the other day, my buddy sat in my car and jokingly he said is your car falling apart lol!!!

It's quite embarrassing when you have a new car and makes that noise like the car is getting old or falling apart lol!!!

[HyperM3]

Ok so this seems quite normal hearing squeaky creaks and crackling coming from our sunroof and all of you guys are not annoyed of the noise? Just the other day, my buddy sat in my car and jokingly he said is your car falling apart lol!!!

It's quite embarrassing when you have a new car and makes that noise like the car is getting old or falling apart lol!!!

Happens to all cars with pano roofs in the cold. When it's warm out my car is as solid as a vault.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Ed99]

Happens to all cars with pano roofs in the cold. When it's warm out my car is as solid as a vault.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

I don't think the noise is normal. I had previous cars with Pano roof and never had that noise and even during the cold winters.

[HyperM3]

I don't think the noise is normal. I had previous cars with Pano roof and never had that noise and even during the cold winters.

Was there any water that got frozen around the edges? That's what's making mine creak.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Burrcold]

I don't think the noise is normal. I had previous cars with Pano roof and never had that noise and even during the cold winters.

If yours is so noisy that other people are taking notice, I would say that's not normal. When I'm driving 99% of the time it's dead quiet.

[Ed99]

If yours is so noisy that other people are taking notice, I would say that's not normal. When I'm driving 99% of the time it's dead quiet.

Yeah it's quiet driving but only creaks when I go over a huge bump or when the car flexes.

I have another appointment next month so will see what Audi says this time.

[kmarei]

i have a 2018 coupe and have the same thing
its the glass rubbing on the rubber gasket i think
try lifting the back (like when you do tilt) just a quick press of the button
noise should diminsh
still haven't figured out a fix, damn annoying

[IamRacer X]

No noise here. I would say thats not acceptable in a car at this price point.

[Ed99]

Was there any water that got frozen around the edges? That's what's making mine creak.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Nope. It started making the noise near end of summer and its a lot worse now because if the colder climate.

[HyperM3]

Nope. It started making the noise near end of summer and its a lot worse now because if the colder climate.

Gotcha. How often do you pop it or slide it open?

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Ed99]

Gotcha. How often do you pop it or slide it open?

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

I don't open it too much now that it is winter. It sounds like maybe the screws that hold the pano roof track together is loose in 3 different areas.

[HyperM3]

I don't open it too much now that it is winter. It sounds like maybe the screws that hold the pano roof track together is loose in 3 different areas.

That could definitely be a cause. If the car is still under warranty just bring it in to the dealer and let them sort it out.

[Kyokio]

I have this same exact issue in the SQ7. Dropping it off at the dealership next week. Hopefully they can get this sorted out.

[Ed99]

I have this same exact issue in the SQ7. Dropping it off at the dealership next week. Hopefully they can get this sorted out.

Let us know how it goes. Just make sure it's not just a lube and no leak and is nothing wrong with it from Audi. It is a lot more serious issue than that I believe.

That is what Audi did to my car last time they checked it.

[ShiftyWolf]

My 2018 coupe was creaking more than seemed normal. The dealer started by adding insulation but eventually had to replace the sunroof frame. That solved the problem for me.

Sent using Audizine Forum mobile app

[dal59]

I have the same issue but to a much lesser degree. It never does it while driving. It only happens from time to time as I am exiting my driveway where the ground is a bit uneven. Perhaps the body is torquing a bit and causes the creak. Mine sounds like the glass itself is cracking, although it is not.

I did two things that seemed to correct the problem, at least for the time being.
1- I fully opened the roof and cleaned the entire perimeter of the glass to get off all dirt. The rails were very clean already as I NEVER open my roof. I then applied a light layer of dielectric grease to the perimeter of the glass and the rubber underneath it.
2- I reset the roof function and let it cycle through its entire range of motion.

[Ed99]

My 2018 coupe was creaking more than seemed normal. The dealer started by adding insulation but eventually had to replace the sunroof frame. That solved the problem for me.

Sent using Audizine Forum mobile app

Oh wow how much did that cost to replace the entire Pano roof frame?

[ShiftyWolf]

Just under $200 but obly because the dealer negotiated to have Audi cover the vast majority of the work.

Sent using Audizine Forum mobile app

[Ed99]

Just under $200 but obly because the dealer negotiated to have Audi cover the vast majority of the work.

Sent using Audizine Forum mobile app

I think mine needs to be replaced too so hope my warranty covers it.

[ShiftyWolf]

I think mine needs to be replaced too so hope my warranty covers it.

Mine is in CPO and led to the discussion with AoA. I would think the new car warranty would cover the job.

Sent using Audizine Forum mobile app

[Kyokio]

Just got the sq7 from the dealership. They took apart the roof components and re-installed/re-aligned it. That seemed to have fixed my issue. No noise whatsoever.

[Ed99]

Just got the sq7 from the dealership. They took apart the roof components and re-installed/re-aligned it. That seemed to have fixed my issue. No noise whatsoever.

Nice and did they have to keep your car overnight to get it done and did the dealer charge you for it? And if so, how much?

[Kyokio]

Nice and did they have to keep your car overnight to get it done and did the dealer charge you for it? And if so, how much?

They did keep it overnight but I also had it in for the 20k service and rear camera update. The update alone takes several hours apparently. It was covered by warranty so no charge.

[kmarei]

I have the same issue but to a much lesser degree. It never does it while driving. It only happens from time to time as I am exiting my driveway where the ground is a bit uneven. Perhaps the body is torquing a bit and causes the creak. Mine sounds like the glass itself is cracking, although it is not.

I did two things that seemed to correct the problem, at least for the time being.
1- I fully opened the roof and cleaned the entire perimeter of the glass to get off all dirt. The rails were very clean already as I NEVER open my roof. I then applied a light layer of dielectric grease to the perimeter of the glass and the rubber underneath it.
2- I reset the roof function and let it cycle through its entire range of motion.

how do you reset the roof function?

[dal59]

how do you reset the roof function?

Just to be clear, this is not going to fix a sunroof that is "broken" or that needs to be repaired or replaced by the dealer. However, my problem was that the roof was creaking and that the tilt function would not close. It would close partially, act as though it was hitting something and then re-open. Now, having said all that, here is how you re-set it. The button that opens the roof can be pushed back or pulled down. Pull the button down and hold it down until the roof completely cycles. Once you pull the button down it will take 10-15 seconds before it does anything. Then you will hear a mechanical like click. This means it is about to start the process. The roof will then pop up, slide back, slide forward and finally lower and fully close. Only then can you stop holding the button down.

[KLX]

It's par for the course with the Sportback. I installed an 034 Motorsport strut brace and it definitely helped. The B9/B9.5 just had too much flex in the chassis that components like the sunroof are susceptible to creaks and cracks...weather definitely makes it worse. Mine is very quiet now.

Mine only creaks when left out in the Southern sun, so what percentage of the creaking did the brace cure??

[Ed99]

I have the same issue but to a much lesser degree. It never does it while driving. It only happens from time to time as I am exiting my driveway where the ground is a bit uneven. Perhaps the body is torquing a bit and causes the creak. Mine sounds like the glass itself is cracking, although it is not.

I did two things that seemed to correct the problem, at least for the time being.
1- I fully opened the roof and cleaned the entire perimeter of the glass to get off all dirt. The rails were very clean already as I NEVER open my roof. I then applied a light layer of dielectric grease to the perimeter of the glass and the rubber underneath it.
2- I reset the roof function and let it cycle through its entire range of motion.

This is what Audi did for me last time when I told them about the issue but the noise came back after a while lol. Good that yours is still holding up.

[Burrcold]

Mine only creaks when left out in the Southern sun, so what percentage of the creaking did the brace cure??

For me it removed about 95% of any sunroof, and upper map light console creaking. And yes, mine was worse in the summer when sitting in the heat as well.

[ShiftyWolf]

GT cars and sunroofs just don't mix. I'd like to have an option for a fixed panoramic like in the e-tron GT.

[Burrcold]

GT cars and sunroofs just don't mix. I'd like to have an option for a fixed panoramic like in the e-tron GT.

Same, or even better (in my opinion) have an option for a solid carbon roof - at least on the RS models.

[KLX]

For me it removed about 95% of any sunroof, and upper map light console creaking. And yes, mine was worse in the summer when sitting in the heat as well.

So I actually installed the CTS Turbo strut brace version, and the solid trans mount, and it actually did quiet down the creaks, I am happy sofar..

[Pootz]

Been reading as many threads on this issue as I can find and have to say that this does not sound encouraging. We picked up a 2018 S5 Coupe for my wife about a year ago; located in Canada. It was a CPO car with extended warranty and purchased out of province. I noticed the noise on the test drive but hadn't done any reading about this problem before going to purchase the car. I got there and of course, the salesperson said that could be fixed later under warranty and there was nothing that could be done right away (understandable) with me planning to drive the car home. Anyway, got it home and of course (again), the local dealer said this would not be eligible for repairs under extended warranty. They did try a quick fix (lubing and maybe tightening screws?), which reduced the severity of the issue but it is still there.

Like the OP, the noise occurs when driving over rough roads or getting a twist in the frame (hitting a speed bump at an angle). Opening the roof with tilt or slide does not seem to have any effect in our car. It's driving my wife nuts, but she otherwise loves the car so much.

Thought I'd post to add another experience with this issue and see if there were some other solutions or experiences with getting a permanent fix. The carbon fiber idea above sounds intriguing; remove the sunroof and have a custom carbon fiber panel inserted. Hmmmm....