HI all, just joined today out of frustration of my dealer. New model A5 Quattro Avant 2025 bought in April and car has developed a software fault that leaves it dangerous and undriveable.

Car has been with Audi Belfast for 4 weeks waiting on a 'software update' but I keep getting told its coming next week...

Dash lights up and says 'steering failure' whilst the steering wheel vibrates quite hard.

Anyone else has this issue in the new models ? video here https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dermot-cunnie-1063b115_cars-used-to-have-to-go-back-to-the-dealer-activity-7343265598153383936-bbEe?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAAMVdlYBcHZwBJdsFO8DtowtS-dswxNylzk

 

Don't forget your consumer law. If the item (car, TV etc) goes faulty in the first 6 months of purchase it is assumed the fault was there when you purchased it, therefore you're entitled to a refund. 

If you've bought it on finance (even partially) then you could ring your finance company, explain the situation and tell them "the vehicle isn't fit for purpose" and as such you want to end the finance agreement. 

This should get the finance company to get involved and hopefully sort it quicker. As let's be honest, a finance company has a bigger legal team than you or I. 

Welcome Dermot, thanks for joining, and sorry to hear of your issue. 
Please allow me to be direct:- it doesn’t matter if anyone else has had this issue - you have, and it’s unacceptable! 
To me, the all important thing is that you have everything written down as a record, including phone calls and responses. 
Not meaning to be personal, but is there any degree of finance involved with this car? If so, you would be wise to notify them in writing of this issue, and state that you will be rejecting the vehicle if not correctly fixed by  ‘x’ date. Obviously copy the dealer and Audi Customer Services. 
Please keep us updated Dermot, and let us know if we can help further. 
Regards,

Gareth. 

Any progress Dermot? 

10 hours ago, Magnet said:

Any progress Dermot? 

HI Gareth, no mate - car now into its 8th week at Audi Belfast. I've started the process this week of 'rejecting' the car with Audi Belfast and VWFS / Audi Financial services for a full refund.

 

Really disappointed as I really liked the car too but it has left a bad taste now and I know I won't ever be happy with it. The dealers hands are tied with the lack of solution and they have been very helpful and in full communication but they cant get a software fix or patch from the factory. Seems to be affecting quite a few cars on this new A5 platform. There are several others there too but he wouldn't tell me how many.

 

Interestingly, I was looking at an X3 in a completely separate BMW dealership down the road from them and the salesman said that 'he has heard that Audi are having lots of issues with their new models and the quality just isn't there...' I just said sure you all have problems at some stage and he said not like this - I hadn't even mentioned Audi or that I have one.

 

 

Edited July 25, 2025Jul 25 by DC1973
Adding text.

Here is the video - happened 3 times. Dash will say steering failure - pull over at times.

Thanks for updating us, let's hope Audi Belfast get this sorted asap.