Audi Says Some Cars at Risk of Losing Power

Audi is recalling some 50,000 cars that the auto manufacturer says could lose power unexpectedly and without warning.

Strangely, the problem is triggered if drivers or passengers spill liquid on the vehicles’ rear seats. Spilled liquids can reach the cars’ gateway module, damaging electronics and throwing vehicles into emergency mode and limiting power.

“The vehicle remains steerable and the brake system is fully operable,” Audi said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

“The engine goes into emergency mode and remains in operation with reduced power,” the automaker added. “Unexpected reduced engine power may create an increased risk of a crash in certain driving situations.”

The recall covers certain 2018-2022 Audi A6, A7, S6, RS6, and RS7 models.

Audi told NHTSA it has received nearly 50 complaints about the issue, but it is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.

“The issue first came to the attention of Audi after the Q5 and SQ5 models were recalled for similar problems last year,” Lewin Day writes for The Drive. “In those vehicles, liquid could reach the gateway module through a seam in the underbody, as well as via a spill in the rear seats. For this recall, however, Audi has identified that spills from above are the sole cause of the problem.”

The company plans to notify owners of recalled cars by January 20. Audi will ask owners to take their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and repair, installing a protective cover on the gateway module.

Defects Pose Risks for Audi Drivers

This is not the only recall for Audi and people who drive its cars. Audi and other major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles around the world every year, citing serious issues that put everyone’s safety at risk.

Parent company Volkswagen in November announced it is recalling some 75,000 VW and Audi sport utility vehicles over similar engine failure risks. The company also recently called back some 225,000 vehicles over defective tire pressure monitoring systems. 

The good news for Audi and other car owners in California is that you have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get a defective or malfunctioning vehicle fixed.

The lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or are unwilling to fix. A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.