In the European service world, Audi brake failures land on our lifts with regularity. 71 complaints across 15 year-model entries (2006–2024) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 4 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $450; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin AUDI / BRAKES
15 model-year entries · 2006–2024
Audi brakes problems
71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Audi vehicles for brakes issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
71
Recalls
2
Year-models
15
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
Worst-affected Audi model-years for brakes Top 15 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
2018 Audi Q5
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2024 Audi Q8
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2018 Audi Q7
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2013 Audi Q5
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2024 Audi Q5
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2020 Audi Q3
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2017 Audi Q7
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2019 Audi e-tron
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2016 Audi A6
4 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2015 Audi Q7
4 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 Audi A6
4 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2009 Audi A3
4 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 Audi A6
4 complaints · ~$450 severe
2012 Audi A6
3 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2007 Audi Q7
3 complaints · ~$450 severe
Active recalls — Audi brakes 8 on file
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Incorrect brake fluid can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A failed brake circuit can cause longer brake pedal travel and reduced braking performance, extending the distance required to stop and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front axle brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47UP.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 1, 2024, and November 22, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46P6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate and, as necessary, replace the entire brake pedal, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46i7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46P7. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V621. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Common questions
How many Audi brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
71 complaints across 15 model-year entries from 2006 to 2024. 2 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Audi lineup.
Which Audi model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2018 Audi Q5 leads with 8 complaints in this category. Next: 2024 Q8 (6) and 2018 Q7 (6).
What does it cost to fix Audi brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Audi lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Audi brakes recalls?
Yes — 8 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Audi vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Audi.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.