Recall Wrap: Wheel-arches falling off 11,000 Audi Q5s

Audi Australia has this week recalled 11,140 examples of its popular Audi Q5 built between 2016 and 2019 (not the facelifted model that went on sale in September.

The problem relates to “incorrectly fastened wheel arch covers [that] could come loose over time and potentially detach from affected vehicles … and pose an accident risk to road users”.

Audi says it is contacting all known owners of affected vehicles and that consumers should contact their nearest Audi dealer to arrange for inspection and repair, which entails the replacement of securing clips for both rear wheel-arch covers with improved parts.

Concerned owners can check if their vehicle is affected here or contact Audi Australia’s 24-hour toll-free number, 1800 50 AUDI (2834).

Also this week, Nissan Australia recalled an additional 5828 examples of the R52-series Pathfinder V6 built between April 2016 and June 2018, in which an anti-lock braking system actuator oil seal may leak brake fluid internally.

This safety recall is an extension of a previous recall to inspect and replace ABS actuators in a limited number of vehicles. Nissan says some previously recalled vehicles will be recalled again with a new remedy.

If your vehicle is affected (you check for your VIN on the ACCC recall notice here, an ABS warning lamp will illuminate. If the vehicle continues to be driven, Nissan says the brake fluid leak may create an electrical short in the actuator circuit, which could lead to a fire.

Nissan says it will contact the owners of affected owners to arrange the replacement of the ABS actuator at no cost (parts and labour), but advises that replacement parts will not be available until mid-2020.

“Until the recall is commenced, consumers of affected vehicles are advised that if they see the ABS warning light continuously illuminated (10 seconds or longer), they should park their vehicle outside and contact Nissan Roadside Assistance for assistance,” it said on its recall notice.

Separately, Porsche Cars Australia has recalled 2348 examples of the MY17-20 Panamera and MY18-20 Cayenne (check your VIN here) because the 'brake pad worn' warning message may not be displayed after restarting the car.

Porsche says this could result in drivers not being informed that the brake pads have worn out. “If the warning message is ignored consumers could use the vehicle with worn out brake pads. This may lead to a higher risk of an accident or serious injury,” it said.

Affected owners will be contacted by mail or can contact their nearest Porsche dealer to arrange for the reprogramming of the vehicle’s instrument cluster software.

Meantime, 1765 examples of the MY15 and MY16 Volkswagen Tiguan and MY15 Passat CC have been called back due to the potential of a faulty condenser being fitted inside the airbag control unit.

Volkswagen says this could lead to either deactivation of the airbag, in which case the airbag warning lamp will illuminate, or inadvertent activation of airbags or seatbelt pretensioner, increasing the risk of an accident and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.

The German car-maker says it will contact affected consumers to organise repairs of affected vehicles free of charge, or they can contact the Volkswagen Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 504 076.

Another large German SUV, this time the latest MY19 Mercedes-Benz GLE released in February, was also recalled last week, this time because the attachment of the trim divider at the rear door windows might not meet specification.

Mercedes says the trim divider in 780 vehicles (check your VIN here) might separate from the vehicle while driving, posing a risk of injury to other road users.

Also last week, Merc recalled four examples of the MY18/19 SL-Class because the front passenger airbag may not have been sewn in accordance with the specifications.

“In the event of an accident that triggers the front passenger airbag, this may result in a crack in the circumferential seam of the airbag. This may alter the restraint effect and increase the risk of injuries for the front passenger,” said Benz.

In both cases, affected owners are asked to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz retailer for a free of charge check and repair if required.

Finally this week, 683 Toyota Coaster buses (see BIN numbers here) were recalled due to the possibility that frequent use of the hazard lamps can cause the fuse to blow and the hazard and turn signal lamps to become inoperative.

“If the hazard or turn signal lamps become inoperative, other vehicles may not be aware of the driver's intention to turn, or may not see the stopped vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident or injury to vehicle occupants and other road users,” says Toyota.

Toyota will contact affected owners in writing, requesting that owners make an appointment at their preferred Toyota dealer for repairs free of charge. Concerned owners can contact the Toyota Recall Assist helpline on 1800 987 366.