Recall 25V294 affects 89,417 2022-2024 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback vehicles for loose cylinder head cover screws. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 89,417 2022-2024 Q5 and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles because cylinder head cover screws were improperly tightened. The screws can loosen and let oil leak, raising the risk of a fire; Audi dealers will inspect and repair the cover screws free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The cylinder head cover on 2022-2024 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback vehicles seals the top of the engine. It sits over the cylinder head and helps keep engine oil contained while the engine is running. Round head screws hold that cover tight enough for the gasket to seal.
On included vehicles, those screws were not tightened evenly during production. When the tightening torque varies, the screw connection does not stay secure enough to keep the cylinder head cover fully sealed. Oil can then escape from the top of the engine instead of staying inside the lubrication system.
Early engine oil leaks are difficult to detect. In more advanced cases, with the engine hot and running, you can notice an unpleasant odor or see smoke in the engine compartment.
Who's affected?
Covers both Q5 body styles across the 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years, all tied to the same engine screw part.
| 2023 Audi Q5 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback | Engine |
| 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback | Engine |
| 2024 Audi Q5 | Engine |
| 2022 Audi Q5 | Engine |
| 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback | Engine |
| Units affected | 89,417 |
The year, model, and body style narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose screws can let engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Early leaks are hard to notice. If you smell an unpleasant odor or see smoke from the engine compartment while the engine is hot and running, stop driving and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2024 Audi Q5 or Q5 Sportback is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free inspection and screw replacement for the cylinder head cover, which addresses the oil leak and fire risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, or reference recall number 25V294 when you call.
- Avoid driving the vehicle if you see an oil leak before the dealer inspection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the cylinder head cover screws and replaces any screws that need replacement. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered at no charge. Because some affected vehicles are outside the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, Audi is offering a reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for this repair. Contact Audi customer service or ask the dealer how to submit prior repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 7, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| May 9, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 4, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 8, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 8, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V294?
Recall 25V294 covers 89,417 2022-2024 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback vehicles with cylinder head cover screws that were not tightened correctly. The screws can loosen, let oil leak, and increase fire risk. Audi dealers will inspect and replace the screws for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2024 Audi Q5 or Q5 Sportback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V294. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the cylinder head cover screw inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 25V294 and Audi recall number 15ZK when you call.
Is the Audi recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi says dealers will inspect and replace the cylinder head cover screws as needed free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V294?
The safety risk is an engine oil leak that increases fire risk. The cylinder head cover screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak from the engine area. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and screw replacement.
When were owners notified about recall 25V294?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on June 5, 2025. A letter is helpful, but the VIN is what decides whether your specific Q5 or Q5 Sportback is included. Used vehicles and recently purchased vehicles still qualify for the free recall repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V294000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V294 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V294000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →