Is There a Recall on the Audi Q5 Coolant Pump?

Yes. Audi Q5 models in certain years were subject to safety recalls and service actions related to the coolant pump (specifically the electric auxiliary coolant pump), due to risks of overheating and potential fire. Whether your individual Q5 is affected depends on its model year, engine, and VIN, so owners should verify directly with official recall tools or an Audi dealer.

Background: Why the Audi Q5 Coolant Pump Has Been Under Scrutiny

The question of a coolant pump recall on the Audi Q5 centers mostly on the auxiliary electric coolant pump used in some turbocharged engines. Over several years, Volkswagen Group (Audi’s parent company) and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented failures that could cause overheating, short-circuits, and in rare cases, engine-compartment fires. These issues led to formal recalls and technical campaigns.

Key Recalls Involving Audi Q5 Coolant Pumps

2013–2017 Audi Q5: Auxiliary Electric Coolant Pump Fire Risk

One of the most significant actions involved the auxiliary electric coolant pump used in certain 2.0‑liter turbocharged engines found in the Audi Q5. The risk was that the pump could overheat, potentially leading to a fire near the engine.

The following list outlines the core elements of the main coolant-pump-related recall campaigns affecting the Q5 in North America, as documented by NHTSA and Audi service communications.

• Models involved: Primarily 2013–2017 Audi Q5 and other Audi/VW models equipped with specific 2.0 TFSI engines using an electric auxiliary coolant pump.
• Main U.S. NHTSA recall campaigns:
  

  • Recall 17V-509 (Audi reference 19N4 / 19N5 and related campaigns): Initially addressed coolant pump issues that could cause overheating and short circuits from moisture ingress or debris.
  • Follow-up recall 18V-229 and related actions: Implemented after Audi determined the original software remedy did not fully resolve the risk in all cases; some vehicles received pump replacement rather than software-only fixes.

• Primary defect: The auxiliary electric coolant pump could become blocked by debris in the cooling system or corroded by moisture intrusion. This could lead to overheating of the pump’s electronics and a possible short circuit.
• Potential consequences: Electrical short, engine-compartment smoke, and in rare instances, risk of engine-bay fire while driving or shortly after the vehicle is turned off.
• Symptoms for drivers: Illumination of the check engine light (CEL), cooling-system warning messages, or in some cases, a noticeable smell or smoke from the engine bay.
• Dealer remedy: Depending on the specific recall phase and vehicle status, Audi dealers either:
  

  • Updated the engine-control-module software to shut off the pump if overheating was detected and/or
  • Replaced the auxiliary electric coolant pump with an improved design less prone to failure.

• Owner notification: Audi notified registered owners by mail, instructing them to schedule a free recall repair with authorized dealers.

Together, these campaigns were intended to remove the fire risk by either disabling a failing pump in time or installing a more robust replacement part, at no cost to the owner.

How to Check If Your Specific Audi Q5 Has an Open Coolant Pump Recall

Even within the affected model years, not every Audi Q5 is subject to the same recalls. The definitive way to know if your vehicle is involved is to check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against official recall databases.

The list below describes the most reliable ways to verify whether your Q5 has an open coolant-pump-related recall or service campaign.

1. Use the official NHTSA recall lookup (U.S.):
   

   • Go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
   • Enter your 17‑character VIN (visible on the driver’s side dashboard or registration documents).
   • Review any “UNPERFORMED” safety recalls, including those related to the engine or cooling system.

2. Check Audi’s official recall portal:
   

   • Visit your region’s official Audi website (for example, Audi USA recalls page).
   • Enter your VIN into the recall lookup tool.
   • Confirm whether any open campaigns mention the coolant pump or auxiliary cooling system.

3. Contact an Audi dealer directly:
   

   • Call or email your local authorized Audi dealership’s service department.
   • Provide your VIN and ask specifically if there are any open recalls or service campaigns related to the coolant pump or cooling system.
   • Request printed or emailed documentation of any active or completed recall work.

4. Review your service history:
   

   • Check invoices or service records for past work labeled as “recall,” “campaign,” or “auxiliary coolant pump replacement.”
   • Look for Audi campaign codes (for example: 19N4, 19N5, or similar), which may indicate your pump was already updated.

5. For owners outside the U.S.:
   

   • Use your country’s transport-safety authority website (e.g., Transport Canada, DVSA in the UK, European Commission Safety Gate, etc.).
   • Check the national Audi site or contact a local Audi dealer with your VIN for region-specific recall information.

By following these steps, you can confirm whether your specific Q5 still needs recall work, or whether prior repairs already resolved any coolant-pump risk.

If You Suspect a Coolant Pump Issue on Your Q5 Now

Even if your VIN shows no open recalls, a coolant pump can still fail as a normal wear or component issue. Recognizing symptoms early can prevent overheating or secondary damage.

The following list highlights warning signs that should prompt immediate attention from a qualified technician.

• Warning lights or messages: Engine temperature warnings, “Check engine” light, or cooling-system alerts appearing in the instrument cluster.
• Overheating: Temperature gauge climbing above normal, especially in slow traffic or high ambient heat.
• Unusual smells or smoke: A sharp, electrical or burning-plastic odor, or visible smoke from the engine bay.
• Coolant leaks: Puddles of coolant under the front of the vehicle, or a sweet smell indicating coolant evaporating on hot surfaces.
• Unusual fan operation: Cooling fans running excessively long or very loudly, suggesting the system is struggling to manage heat.

Any of these signs—especially if your Q5 falls within the recall-affected years—warrants a prompt inspection, both to rule out safety issues and to prevent expensive engine damage.

What Owners Should Do Next

If your Audi Q5 may be affected—or you simply want to be sure—there are clear steps you can take to protect your safety and your vehicle’s reliability.

The following list summarizes practical actions for Q5 owners concerned about the coolant pump recall and related issues.

1. Check your VIN today: Use NHTSA and Audi’s official recall tools to confirm whether your vehicle is subject to any open campaigns.
2. Schedule recall repairs promptly: If a recall is open, book a service visit with an authorized Audi dealer. Recall work is typically performed free of charge.
3. Ask what remedy was applied: If your recall was previously completed, ask whether your Q5 received a software update, a pump replacement, or both.
4. Monitor for cooling-system symptoms: Stay alert for overheating, warning lights, or unusual smells, and seek professional diagnosis immediately if they occur.
5. Keep documentation: Retain all service and recall paperwork, which is useful for future warranty claims and potential resale value.

Taking these steps ensures that any coolant pump risk is identified and resolved, and it documents that your Q5 is in compliance with manufacturer safety campaigns.

Summary

There has indeed been a recall on the Audi Q5’s auxiliary electric coolant pump for certain model years—most notably 2013–2017 Q5s equipped with specific 2.0‑liter turbo engines—due to the risk of pump overheating and possible fire. However, not every Q5 is affected, and many vehicles have already been repaired under these campaigns. The only definitive way to know your status is to run your VIN through official recall tools or consult an authorized Audi dealer. If you own an Audi Q5 in the recall window, or notice any cooling-system symptoms, verification and prompt service are strongly recommended.

What are the recalls on the Audi Q5?

Audi Recalls Q5, Q5 Sportback Over Oil Leak. Audi has recalled 89,417 Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs from model years 2022-2024 because of an oil leak that could lead to a vehicle fire. The company tells federal safety officials that cylinder head cover screws in their engines can loosen over time, letting oil seep out.

What is the Audi after run coolant pump recall?

In certain vehicles with a 2.0L TFSI gasoline engine, the electric (after-run) coolant pump may short circuit and/or overheat, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. to address this safety defect. Your vehicle will receive one of these recall repairs, depending on the parts your authorized Audi dealer has on hand.
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What is the Audi water pump recall warranty?

The extended warranty covers one repair or replacement of a failed engine water pump within eight years or 80,000 miles of service.

Is there a recall on Audi Q5 coolant leaks?

Yes, there are recalls for Audi Q5 models regarding a coolant leak and potential fire risk, specifically affecting certain 2013-2017 vehicles with a 2.0L Turbo FSI engine. The issue involves an electric coolant pump that can be blocked by debris or moisture, causing it to overheat or short-circuit and potentially leading to a fire. Audi has issued recalls and offers either a software update or a replacement electric pump to fix the problem. 
About the recall

• Affected vehicles: 2013–2017 Audi Q5 (as well as certain A4, A5, and A6 models) with a 2.0L TFSI engine. 
• Cause of the problem: The electric (after-run) coolant pump can become blocked with debris from the cooling system or corroded by moisture, leading to overheating or short-circuiting. 
• Safety risk: An overheating pump can increase the risk of a fire under the hood of the vehicle. 
• Recall solution: The fix involves either a software update or a replacement of the electric coolant pump with an upgraded version. 
• How to check: You can check if your vehicle is affected by entering its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 

This video explains the Audi after-run coolant pump recall: 48sNaptownTunerYouTube · Apr 22, 2021
What to do if you are affected

• Contact a dealer: Schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealer to have the recall work performed. 
• Discuss the repair options: The dealer can either disconnect the pump (interim fix) or replace it (final fix). 
• Confirm the repair was completed: After the repair is done, ask for confirmation and a record of the work performed.