The recalls are not really optionals and both have been applied to my Q5. I asked them if they could be removed and it is not an option.

I found on another forum that the power steering failure could be caused by low temperature/snow/Wind getting causing a bad contact...?

Hope this thread could document the problem and we will see if others Q5 owners have the same trouble.

For the Audi techs, I think they were doing there best but this problem was in a grey zone... I think they tried their best "bet" on my Q5 and we will see if it works...

 

I had the same issue as Dextor1110. It was -15F driving home from work. I turned right, and the red steering wheel fault light came on with 3 warning beeps. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and could not barely turn into my neighborhood and into my garage. I immediately looked on internet to see if this might be a common problem.

I found Dextor's similar failure. I was able to secure a good towing service that trailered my SQ5 to the Audi dealor. The SErvice consultant said at -20F that day anything can fail. I took exception to that comment. The ordered the rack and pinion which comes as one assy with the control module. It took 8 days to get from Germany and then installed. The Service Consultant said it was the control unit failure. I was concerned that changes might occur in the steering or performance but the SQ5 is back to itself, which before this incident was best car I have ever driven.

It is now a warm 30F and no issues. I am wondering when we get another Artic Vortex -20 to -30F will the new R&P plus control unit hold up.

Thanks to all for all the great information shared, it helped me be prepared and communicate to the Service rep what has occured with other folks SQ5 and the anticipated repair/corrective action.

 

-22 today and my steering went on me. I live 500 from dealership. A tow truck is coming to take it to Edmonton. Will update once I hear from them.

 

Well I know this is an old thread but wanted to say I have had the exact same issue on my almost brand new 2014 SQ5. It was cold today, -20 plus windchill at -32. But it has been colder and my other vehicles never have had an issue with our winters. Steering malfunction light came on and you can barely turn the vehicle. Very disappointed. My first German car and most likely my last.

 

Brenda and Nicholas, would you mind detailing what was done to correct the problem? Is it still in the shop? Please elaborate.

 

Same fix as others. Steering assembly on order. Not acceptable on a new vehicle IMO.

 

That's quite unfortunate, Nick.

 

Confirmed 2014 steering wheel assembly and 2015 are different. I assume 2015 was changed because they know of the issues with the 2014 rack. I am sure there will be other 2014 SQ5 owners with this failure in the future.
Reply

 

So I was wondering if the steering assembly in the 2014 SQ5 is mirrored in any other model. I guess the A4 might be the same from this poster:

=======================>
I experienced a similar situation a few months back in my 2012 A4.

In the middle of driving 40 mph the vehicles steering will begin to lock up, all sorts of warnings and beeping and lights came on. Steering becomes extremely tough, brake pedal stiffens and the vehicle comes to a stop and turns off. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

This happened 3 times on my way home from work, lucky only started when i exited the highway and was only 3 miles away from home. The vehicle would also not start after the incident, each time it took about 5 minutes to start.

After taking it to the dealer they replaced the steering control module, sent me on my way and everything seems fined. 1 Day and 100 miles later (was all over New York today) the car seizes and does the same thing, this time 50 miles away from my dealership... got it towed back the next morning.
============================>

 

Well just found out that the part number was updated mid production year and some 2015 SQ5’s had the older part number and some had the new one. Now it makes sense why 14 AND 15s were affected.