Just a friendly reminder for all 8R SQ5 and Q5 owners...

[Ur20v]

REMOVE THE GRAVEL GUARDS FROM YOUR SUBFRAME!!!

A 2014 Q5 TDI with just 70k came to the shop today for an oil change and a thorough once-over, and this is what we found... I hope Audi fired whichever engineer they mistakenly hired from Nissan that designed and selected the materials for the rear subframe.

[A4Qwattro]

Unfortunately Audi doesn't galvanize the rear subframes. Just your bang average mild steel. It's cost cutting. That's why they rot to hell and back with those plastic guards holding the water and salt up against the subframe.


The good news is Audi has been repairing these under warranty within the 12 year corrosion perforation guarantee. Tell the owner to take it to Audi. If the first dealer doesn't budge, go to another. Q5 owners have gotten this covered under warranty by Audi.

[Ur20v]

It doesn't seem as if the dealers around here are willing to go to bat for any Audi owners, which is truly disappointing as we're home to Audi of America HQ... The owner of the Q5 shown in the photos approached the dealer in Tysons who claimed to have never seen it before, and then told them the rust perforation warranty doesn't apply to the subframe because it is "replaceable" - what a giant crock of horseshit. If that's the case the warranty wouldn't apply to doors, fenders, hoods, trunks, hatches, etc. Luckily there are two more immediately local dealers they will try, and a few more up in Maryland if need be.

But it's truly shameful that Audi hasn't decided to deal with this problem head-on and take a proactive approach. Seems like only lthe only thing that ever gets their attention is a lawsuit, and there appear to be enough wronged Audi owners with this issue to make that happen.

[mk2_madness]

I’ve seen a bunch of subframes come into my shop that look like almost as bad. You’d be surprised at how many cars pass PA safety inspection because generic mechanic’s shops don’t look…. I always rip that junk off the second I see it.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[CTquattro21]

Definitely a good reminder. I posted about having to replace my rear subframe back in 2022.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-subframe-rust