Audi A4, A5, A6 and Q5 Recall Issued Due to Electric Coolant Pump Fire Risk

Nearly 350,000 Audi A4, A5, A6 and Q5 vehicles have been recalled, due to a risk that debris may enter the electronic coolant pump, potentially causing a short circuit and fire. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Audi recall on April 23, after it was recognized that the electronic coolant pump may overheat and catch fire, posing an increased crash and injury risk to owners and occupants.

The recalled Audi vehicles are equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, which that have an electronic coolant pump. Audi and the NHTSA warn that debris could enter the cooling system, causing the coolant pump to become blocked or short-circuit from moisture, which could result in a fire.

The recall includes some 2013 through 2016 Audi A4 models, 2013 through 2017 Audi A5 models, 2013 through 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet models, 2012 through 2015 Audi A6 models and 2013 through 2017 Audi Q5 SUVs.

The subject vehicles were previously recalled in December 2016, when Audi’s Product Safety Committee identified a software error in the engine control unit that switched off the coolant pump if it became blocked.

Since the remedy of the 2016 Audi coolant pump recall, Audi began receiving additional field reports of coolant pumps overheating and identified that moisture, in addition to debris, could enter the pump and cause blockages and short circuiting. Audi’s Product Safety Committee analyzed defective field parts and determined that a supplemental recall to replace the electronic coolant pump was necessary.

According to the NHTSA, an estimated 342,867 Audi vehicles, distributed for sale throughout the United States to licensed Audi dealers, are impacted by the recall.

The manufacturer announced it will begin notifying owners and dealers of the recall on June 11. Audi announced that parts are currently not available at this time, and that at second notice will be mailed to customers once remedy parts become available.

The second notice will provide instructions on how to schedule a repair appointment at a local dealer, who will be instructed to replace the electronic coolant pump free of charge. Customers with additional questions may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 and reference the recall number 19N3/19N4.