Audi Q5 Gateway Module failure.

[RGiles]

Would like to know if any one has had this problem with the Q5. Appears it is a well known issue with AUDI   Q5. The module is located under the rear seat and any spill can cause the module to fail resulting in total immobilsation. We have the above vehicle and on Friday 29^th Dec whilst pulling off our drive all the warning lights came on and the car stopped dead. We couldn’t move it. Audi assist sent recovery and the car was sent to Swansea Audi.  Swansea Audi phoned us yesterday to inform us that the gateway module was wet due to water ingress and that it was deemed our fault and not covered by warranty. We are at a loss how water got into the module as no one has been in the back seat as only my wife and I ever drive it. On the day, the weather was heavy rain and storms. The car is on the drive and exposed.. I know in America a lawsuit was issued against Audi/Volkswagen and found in favour of the customers.  We are very disappointed in the service by Audi. We have 5 Audi vehicles over the last 10 yrs.

 

This is a known problem by Audi and as such should have been fixed, I believe under the warranty.  Suffice to say we have lost all confidence in the car if water can cause a total failure of the car. This could cause us to have an accident whilst driving, especially as do long motorway journeys as part of my job

[Magnet]

Hello Richard,

Welcome and thanks for joining, and sorry to hear of your issue.

Pending responses from other Q5 owners, I would would want proof positive whether this water was due to ingress from an external source, or spillage? 
If the former, then that automatically becomes Audi’s responsibility. 
Unfortunately, the Audi USA situation, although of interest, is of no ‘value’ or influence for claims in the U.K., unless you want to take them to court. 
If this were mine, I would be composing a carefully worded e-mail to the dealer principal at the dealership, outlining your case that you maintain the spillage route could not have been the explanation in your case, and you wish this to be resolved via. the warranty.

Let’s trust Q5 members will be able to share their experiences.

Another point of interest would be speed at which this was diagnosed - suggesting previous experiences of such issues -? 

Perhaps you would let us know how you get on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Steve Q]

Get this into Audi asap as it should be covered under the warranty which will be expiring this year as your car is a 2021 model. 

Unfortunately Audi never learn and water ingress damaging sensitive computers etc has been common issues on Audi's over the last 20 years. I know as my old A6 C5 has suffered from it. 

[RGiles]

Audi have responded in that the fault was caused by outside influences and therefore not covered by warranty. Also have admitted they know about the fault having had several other such instances in the Swansea Audi garage alone. The manager told me they have fitted a plastic covering to "prevent" it happening again!! Didn't show me any proof of the water ingress though. The manager suggested writing to Audi head office to complain and hopefully be reimbursed. He seemed a bit embarrassed and admitted it was not a good place to put the gateway module under the rear seat where the cup holders are located.

 

Now looking to get rid of the Audi as I have no confidence in it as this could happen again with the slightest spill of drink/water. I have sent e-mail to Audi HO and waiting for a response, but it does seem its a known issue with the Q5

[Magnet]

Hello Richard,

I don’t want to blow my trumpet, but I was obviously correct in believing that the dealership’s rapid diagnosis was built on experience ‘…….several …..in the area..’. 
Again, I differentiated between ‘water..ingress’ and ‘water spillage’ on the basis of, to me, ingress defines water coming in from an external source, and spillage an internal source. 
Interesting that the dealer confirms that your issue was due to water ingress. 
You tell us only you and your wife occupy the car, and the logic follows that you don’t have anyone sitting in the back seat - where the spillage (my term) has occurred. 
The dealer states the damage is due to ..water….rather than drinks, such as coffee, so the logic only holds if you have a mystery water drinking rear seat passenger that neither of you know about! 
‘Now looking to get rid of it….’, obviously your choice Richard, but a bit reactionary in my book, since the dealer can put a cover over it, Incase your mystery water drinking passenger decides to hitch a lift again! 
I think it’s highly unlikely that any motor manufacturer doesn’t currently have any model that is free from some ‘common’ issue.  I would look at it from the standpoint that you’ve found the problem with this one - it should be rectifiable, and off you go. 
Anyway, just an opinion. 
Good luck with the Audi, and my gut feeling is that you will get some sort of goodwill contribution ‘without prejudice’.

Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth.