Recall 19V416 covers 126,161 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles for detachable wheel arch trim. Repair will be free at franchised Audi dealers once available.
Audi is recalling 126,161 2018-2019 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles because the wheel arch cover trim is at risk of loosening and detaching. Detached trim can become a road hazard and increase crash risk, and the Audi dealer repair will be free once it is available.
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What's wrong?
The wheel arch cover trim on the 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 is the plastic trim around the edge of the wheel opening. It helps cover and protect the body edge near the wheel, and it stays in place through fastening hooks behind the trim. Those hooks have to latch tightly so the trim does not move while air and road vibration pass over it.
On affected SUVs, dimensional tolerances left some fastening hooks without a firm latch. Some hooks were also deformed during assembly, which reduced the tension holding the trim to the body. Once that connection loosens, the trim can pull away from the wheel arch and detach from the vehicle.
The warning sign is visible or audible. An owner can notice the edge of the wheel arch trim sticking out, or hear wind noise while driving.
Who's affected?
Covers both Q5 and SQ5 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with wheel hardware listed as the shared component.
| 2019 Audi Q5 | wheel hardware |
|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q5 | wheel hardware |
| 2018 Audi SQ5 | wheel hardware |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | wheel hardware |
| Units affected | 126,161 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Detached wheel arch trim can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. If the trim edge sticks out or wind noise starts while driving, inspect the area and call an Audi dealer for guidance before longer trips. Repair will be free at any franchised Audi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Audi Q5 or SQ5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to ask when the free wheel arch trim fastener repair opens.
- Reference recall number 19V416 when you call so the dealer can find the wheel arch trim campaign.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the notice or repair timing.
- Drive with extra space around other traffic until the repair, since loose wheel arch trim can detach and become a road hazard.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut so the cover stays attached to the vehicle. The recall repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by Audi. Until Audi opens the final dealer repair, the known remedy is the added hardware described in the recall. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| June 5, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 2, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V416?
Recall 19V416 covers 126,161 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles with wheel arch cover trim that can loosen and detach. NHTSA lists detached trim as a road hazard that increases crash risk. Audi dealers secure the trim with an added screw and nut for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Audi Q5 or SQ5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 19V416. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask for recall repair 66K6. The dealer secures the wheel arch trim with an added screw and nut for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V416, a franchised Audi dealer secures the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, and parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk for this Audi recall?
The safety risk is road debris from detached wheel arch trim. If the trim loosens and separates from the vehicle, it can create a road hazard for nearby drivers and increase crash risk. Recall 19V416 does not include a do-not-drive instruction.
When were owners notified about recall 19V416?
Audi began the recall on July 26, 2019. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies. Reference recall number 19V416 or Audi recall number 66K6 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V416000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V416 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V416000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →