Recall 21V295 affects 40,993 2019-2021 Audi vehicles for rear-axle lock nuts that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 40,993 2019-2021 vehicles such as the Q5, A4, S5 Cabriolet, and RS Q8 because the rear axle trailing arm lock nut can break from stress corrosion. A broken lock nut can misalign the rear axle, cause loss of control, and increase crash risk; Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the lock nut on the eccentric bolt for the rear axle trailing arm in certain 2019-2021 Audi vehicles. The trailing arm helps hold the rear wheel in the correct position, and the eccentric bolt is used to set rear wheel alignment. The lock nut keeps that adjustment from moving after the alignment is set.
On affected vehicles, some lock nuts from specific production batches were not made to factory specification. Stress corrosion can weaken the nut until it breaks. Once that happens, the rear axle alignment can change, which changes how the rear wheels track behind the vehicle. Audi's safety review for NHTSA campaign 21V295 said sudden, uncontrolled rear axle movement at higher speeds was not fully ruled out.
The warning sign is a steering wheel that sits off-center while driving straight. The vehicle can also pull to one side when braking or accelerating.
Who's affected?
Spans Audi A, S, RS, and Q models from 2019-2021, all tied to the same rear suspension lock nut.
| 2021 Audi S5 Cabriolet | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2020 Audi S5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi S5 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi S4 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi S8 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi S4 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi S5 Cabriolet | rear suspension |
| 2019 Audi S5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi S7 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi SQ5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi RS 5 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi RS 5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi A8 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi A7 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi S6 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi S6 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi A4 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi A5 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi A6 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi A7 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi A6 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi Q8 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi A4 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi A5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | rear suspension |
| 2019 Audi A5 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi S7 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi SQ5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | rear suspension |
| 2019 Audi RS 5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi RS Q8 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi A8 | rear suspension |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Audi S8 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 40,993 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken lock nut can shift rear axle alignment, causing loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. If the steering wheel sits off center while driving straight, or the vehicle pulls to one side while braking or accelerating, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your listed 2019-2021 Audi model is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free rear-axle lock-nut and bolt replacement that keeps the rear axle aligned.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V295 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and limit trips before the dealer fixes the vehicle.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about parts, timing, or your dealer appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the rear axle trailing arm lock nuts and replaces the associated bolts when inspection shows they need replacement. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 25, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 25, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 25, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 25, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V295?
Recall 21V295 covers 40,993 2019-2021 Audi vehicles with rear axle trailing arm lock nuts that can break from stress corrosion. A broken lock nut can misalign the rear axle, cause loss of control, and increase crash risk. Audi dealers will replace the lock nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS 5, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, RS Q8, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S6, S7, S8, or SQ5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 21V295. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the rear axle lock nut repair. Reference Audi recall number 42L1 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Audi's remedy says dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts, if needed, free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. If a rear axle trailing arm lock nut breaks, the rear axle can become misaligned and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before continuing normal use.
When were owners notified about Audi recall 21V295?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on June 4, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, your VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call an Audi dealer with recall number 42L1.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V295000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V295 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V295000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →