Recall 19V737 affects 174,278 2018-2020 Audi Q5 and SQ5 SUVs for loose rear wheel arch trim. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 174,278 2018-2020 Q5 and SQ5 vehicles because the rear wheel arch cover trim can loosen and detach from the vehicle. Detached trim can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear wheel arch trim on the 2018-2020 Audi Q5 and SQ5 is the molded body piece around the rear wheel opening. It covers the edge of the body panel and helps the outside of the SUV keep its intended shape around the tire. The trim is held to the chassis by hooks and fastening clips.
On affected vehicles, dimensional and material tolerances leave the rear trim clips without enough secure grip on the chassis. The earlier hook issue involved front and rear arch trim, but this recall centers on a second failure mode in the rear trim clips. When the clips do not hold as designed, the rear wheel arch cover trim can loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Owners can see the edge of the wheel arch trim sticking out from the body. A wind noise while driving is another warning sign that the trim is no longer sitting tight against the vehicle.
Who's affected?
The Q5 scope extends through the 2020 model year, while the SQ5 scope stops at 2019; both list body structure as the component.
| 2018 Audi Q5 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Q5 | body structure |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | body structure |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2018 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| Units affected | 174,278 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Detached rear wheel arch trim can become a road hazard and increase crash risk for other drivers. If the trim edge is sticking out or you hear new wind noise while driving, schedule the recall repair soon and avoid highway trips until Audi checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Audi Q5 or SQ5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free rear wheel arch trim clip replacement that secures the trim so it does not detach.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi sent one, or reference recall number 19V737 and Audi recall 66K8 when you call.
- Inspect the rear wheel arch trim before driving, and avoid trips if the trim is loose or separating.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the four clips that secure the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim. The repair is meant to keep the trim attached to the vehicle, and the replacement parts and labor are covered under the recall. Audi states that no reimbursement plan is offered for this campaign. That means Audi is not providing a separate claim path for earlier out of pocket trim repairs under this recall.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 13, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 13, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 13, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V737?
Recall 19V737 covers 174,278 Audi vehicles, including 2018-2020 Q5 and 2018-2019 SQ5 models. The rear wheel arch cover trim can loosen and detach from the vehicle. Detached trim can become a road hazard and raise crash risk. Audi dealers replace the four securing clips for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Audi Q5 or SQ5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 19V737. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule replacement of the four clips securing the rear wheel arch trim. Reference recall number 19V737 and Audi recall number 66K8 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Audi dealers replace the affected rear wheel arch trim clips free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk with recall 19V737?
The safety risk is road debris from detached trim. If the rear wheel arch cover trim comes loose and separates from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard for nearby drivers and raise crash risk. The fix is replacement of the four securing clips.
When did Audi notify owners about recall 19V737?
Audi began the recall on November 1, 2019. Owners were directed to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 or a franchised Audi dealer. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a notice, the VIN check still decides whether the free repair applies.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V737000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V737 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V737000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →