Luxury vehicles are expected to deliver peace of mind, not smoke and flames—but for tens of thousands of Audi drivers, that peace just went up in smoke. Audi has issued an urgent recall affecting nearly 90,000 SUVs due to a potentially catastrophic engine fire risk that has already triggered multiple incidents across the country.
The recall primarily targets the 2022–2024 Audi Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro models—two of the most popular crossovers in the Audi lineup. California drivers who own or lease one of these vehicles should act quickly, as the issue not only threatens safety but could also qualify you for relief under California’s Lemon Law.
At The Barry Law Firm, we’re seeing an increase in high-end vehicles suffering from dangerous factory defects. This time, it’s not just a software bug or a cosmetic flaw—it’s an issue that could put your life at risk. If you smell burning oil, see smoke from your engine bay, or have been turned away by a dealership, you could be driving a ticking time bomb.
This post breaks down the details of the Audi Q5 recall, what’s causing the problem, and what California consumers need to do next. If you’ve experienced repeat issues or haven’t been offered a solution, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under the law.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with Audi’s latest fire-related recall and what it means for drivers in the Golden State.
What’s Going On with the Audi SUV Recall?
In May 2025, Audi and parent company Volkswagen Group issued a formal recall of 89,417 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs, covering model years 2022 through 2024. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue is rooted in the cylinder head covers, where factory-assembled screws may have been improperly tightened. Over time, these screws can loosen, causing engine oil to leak—and when that oil comes into contact with hot surfaces like the exhaust system, it can ignite.
Audi acknowledges that this defect is hard to detect early. Drivers typically won’t see any warning signs until the problem escalates into something more dangerous. By the time symptoms appear—such as burning smells, smoke, or engine compartment residue—the fire risk may already be elevated.
To make matters worse, Audi has admitted that a repair is not yet available. That means affected drivers are left in limbo while their cars pose a serious threat. Even worse, Audi has explicitly stated that repairs related to this defect “cannot be billed or claimed” under the recall until an official solution is approved.
According to Audi, the manufacturing process was “optimized” in May 2024 to prevent future occurrences. But for vehicles built before then, the damage may already be done. The company has received 2,539 warranty claims and 11 “thermal event” reports, a term that often refers to smoke, flames, or both. While no injuries or deaths have been reported, the risk remains—and consumers need to be aware of the implications.
This is not just a recall; it’s a major safety failure. Affected vehicles include the Audi Q5 Quattro, Audi Q5 Sportback, and other variants caught up in the broader Audi SUV recall 2024. Whether you drive an Audi Q5 for daily commutes or rely on a Q5 Quattro for family trips, the potential for engine fires poses a real danger that cannot be ignored.
Why This Recall Matters for California Drivers
The 2022 Audi Q5 fire risk is not an isolated issue—it’s part of a broader pattern of mechanical defects that impact driver safety and vehicle reliability. For owners of the Audi Q5, Q5 Sportback, or other Audi SUVs recalled in 2024, the danger of a fire under the hood isn’t just theoretical—it’s real, and it’s happening.
This issue has been especially frustrating because:
- The defect is difficult to detect early.
- It can develop over time due to factory assembly errors.
- No immediate repair is available, leaving drivers stuck with a known safety hazard.
If you smell burning oil, see smoke, or have been turned away by the dealership, you’re not alone. And under California’s Lemon Law, you have options.
What Should Audi Q5 Owners Do?
Audi drivers are encouraged to act quickly. Even if you haven’t yet received a formal recall notice, you can check your vehicle’s recall status at NHTSA.gov using your VIN.
In the meantime:
- Be aware of warning signs like burning smells, oil leaks, or smoke.
- Avoid driving long distances if you suspect a fire risk.
- Document all service visits and interactions with your dealership.
If your vehicle has already been in for service multiple times—or if you’ve been told there’s no fix yet—it may be time to consider your legal options under the Lemon Law.
Why This Is Both a Safety and Financial Issue
A fire hazard in the engine compartment is a serious safety concern. It can cause damage to your vehicle, lead to dangerous situations while driving, and affect the resale value of your car.
Even beyond the fire risk, there are financial implications:
- Lost time dealing with failed repairs
- Out-of-pocket costs for rentals or towing
- A reduced vehicle value due to unresolved recalls
When your vehicle becomes unreliable—or even dangerous—it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a legal issue. And The Barry Law Firm is here to help.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
This recall impacts 2022, 2023, and 2024 Audi Q5 and Audi Q5 Sportback SUVs, including those equipped with the Quattro all-wheel drive system. If you drive an Audi Q5 Quattro or any model included in this Audi SUV recall 2024, it’s crucial to check your VIN and take immediate action.
You may also be eligible for legal relief if:
- Your Audi has been in for repeat repairs
- You’re experiencing issues related to the recall
- The dealership has failed to provide a resolution
Whether you bought your vehicle new, used, or are leasing—it doesn’t matter. California’s Lemon Law protects all types of consumers.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Audi Q5 has been in the shop repeatedly for engine defects, oil leaks, or fire-related concerns, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Work with The Barry Law Firm?
- Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
- No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
- Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
- Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress
If Audi’s recall repair or dealership service hasn’t resolved your Audi Q5 fire risk, you may have a case. Contact us to explore your options.
Closing
The Audi Q5 recall is a glaring example of what can go wrong when factory errors go unnoticed—until it’s too late. With more than 89,000 SUVs recalled, drivers across California are left waiting for a solution while navigating serious fire hazards every time they get behind the wheel. Whether you own an Audi Q5 Sportback, Quattro model, or any vehicle listed in the Audi SUV recall 2024, you shouldn’t have to accept risk as part of the ride.
Engine fire risks aren’t just mechanical issues—they’re legal and financial liabilities. If you’ve been affected by the Audi engine fire recall, don’t wait for the worst to happen. Under California’s Lemon Law, you have powerful rights that can protect your safety, your finances, and your peace of mind.
At The Barry Law Firm, we fight for drivers. We’ve built our reputation by standing up to automakers who cut corners and by helping our clients secure refunds, replacements, and the justice they deserve. Your case matters—and we’re here to prove it.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let’s get you back in the driver’s seat—safely, confidently, and without compromise.
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