In the European service world, Audi suspension failures land on our lifts with regularity. 121 complaints across 14 year-model entries (2006–2019) 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. Most reports are nuisance-grade rather than safety-critical — but the volume itself is the signal. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $900; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. A quick test drive over rough pavement reveals more than the carfax. Listen for clunks on bumps and watch the steering wheel for tramlining.
ProblemsByVin AUDI / SUSPENSION
14 model-year entries · 2006–2019
Audi suspension problems
121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Audi vehicles for suspension issues. 1 active recall campaign. See suspension across all makes →
Complaints
121
Recalls
1
Year-models
14
Avg fix
$900
Worst-affected Audi model-years for suspension Top 14 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
2017 Audi Q7
30 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2018 Audi Q5
24 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2018 Audi Q7
16 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2019 Audi Q7
10 complaints · 1 recall · ~$900 moderate
2015 Audi Q5
8 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2014 Audi Q5
6 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2009 Audi A4
4 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2008 Audi R8
4 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2006 Audi A3
4 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2015 Audi Q3
3 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2014 Audi Q7
3 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2013 Audi A4
3 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2013 Audi A8
3 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2011 Audi A8
3 complaints · ~$900 moderate
Active recalls — Audi suspension 6 on file
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
An air suspension strut failure may cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air suspension struts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40LF.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles
A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40O2.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
An air suspension strut failure may cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the suspension strut and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42M4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
A loose retaining ring may allow air to escape, compromising vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air suspension struts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L2.
Common questions
How many Audi suspension complaints are on file with NHTSA?
121 complaints across 14 model-year entries from 2006 to 2019. 1 active recall campaigns cover suspension issues across the Audi lineup.
Which Audi model has the most suspension complaints?
The 2017 Audi Q7 leads with 30 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 Q5 (24) and 2018 Q7 (16).
What does it cost to fix Audi suspension problems?
Independent shops average $900 for suspension 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 suspension recalls?
Yes — 6 active recall campaigns cover suspension 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.