Recall 21V947 covers 288,991 2018-2022 Audi Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles for gateway module water intrusion. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 288,991 2018-2022 Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles because a rear-seat spill or water entering underneath the vehicle can reach the gateway control module and shut it down. That shutdown can suddenly reduce engine power and increase crash risk; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The gateway control module in the 2018-2022 Audi Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback is an electronic hub that lets vehicle systems communicate with each other. When it is working normally, messages move between control units so warnings, body functions, and other systems respond as designed.
On affected vehicles, liquid can reach that module. Audi traced known cases mainly to spills on the rear seat, with a smaller set tied to water entering from underneath during heavy rain or deep puddles through an insufficient underbody joint. Once liquid reaches the gateway control module, the module shuts down and communication between several systems is interrupted.
If that shutdown happens, several warning messages will appear. Those messages come from the loss of communication between systems, so the vehicle can display multiple malfunctions even when not every listed system is actually affected.
Who's affected?
Spans Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback SUVs across 2018-2022, all tied to the gateway control module protective cover.
| 2018 Audi Q5 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q5 | electrical system |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | body structure |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2020 Audi SQ5 | electrical system |
| 2018 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2018 Audi SQ5 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback | body structure |
| 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | body structure |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | electrical system |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | body structure |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2022 Audi SQ5 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi SQ5 | body structure |
| 2021 Audi SQ5 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 288,991 |
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?
A shutdown of the gateway control module will suddenly reduce engine power and increase the risk of a crash. If several warning messages appear at once, reduce speed when safe and arrange service soon. Not every listed system is failing, but the communication fault needs dealer repair. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2022 Audi Q5, SQ5, or Q5 Sportback is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free protective-cover and underbody-sealing repair that keeps liquid from reaching the gateway control module.
- Bring the recall notice Audi mailed, or reference recall number 21V947 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Keep liquids away from the rear seat area and avoid driving through standing water.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician installs a protective cover on the gateway control module and checks the underbody body seam tied to water entry. If the seam needs sealing, the technician seals it as part of the recall work. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Audi is not offering reimbursement for prior out-of-pocket repairs under this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 8, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 24, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 24, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 24, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 24, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V947?
Recall 21V947 covers 288,991 2018-2022 Audi Q5, SQ5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles with a gateway control module that can shut down after liquid reaches it. Audi dealers will install a protective cover and seal the underbody seam as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2022 Audi Q5, SQ5, or Q5 Sportback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 21V947. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the gateway control module protection work and underbody seam sealing as needed. Reference recall number 21V947 and Audi recall number 90S9 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers will install the protective cover on the gateway control module and seal the underbody seam as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in Audi recall 21V947?
The safety risk is sudden loss of engine power. Liquid from a rear-seat spill or water entering through the underbody seam can reach the gateway control module and shut it down, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses that water path and protects the module.
What if I bought my Audi Q5, SQ5, or Q5 Sportback used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 21V947 or Audi recall number 90S9.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V947000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V947 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V947000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →