Audi A4, A5, Q5 Recall R/2018/051: Auxilliary Heater Element In Air Conditioning May Fail And/or Overheat, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 19 Feb 2018
- Launched
- 114,287
- vehicles in the UK
- 80C5
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Audi recalled A4, A5, Q5 vehicles built between 1 April 2011 and 31 July 2015. The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AUXILLIARY HEATER ELEMENT IN AIR CONDITIONING MAY FAIL AND/OR OVERHEAT Defect: The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
Are You Affected?
A4, A5, Q5 built between 1 April 2011 and 31 July 2015 may be included. Audi estimates 114,287 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Audi, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Audi.
- Book with any franchised Audi dealer, quoting the campaign code 80C5 or the DVSA reference R/2018/051. See how to get a Audi recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q5Replacing seat belt with tensioner | Urgent | R/2026/192 | |
| A6, A7, Q5Software update for battery control unit | Urgent | R/2025/463 | |
| A3, A4, A4 Cabrio, A5 and 3 moreStop-drive TAKATA PSAN | Stop driving | R/2025/387 | |
| Q5Cylinder head cover bolts inspection | Urgent | R/2025/184 | |
| A5Replacing rear seat backrest | Low | R/2025/110 |
This is one of 158 Audi recalls in DVSA’s data. The Audi recall launched before it was R/2018/044 on 12 Feb 2018, for passenger airbag may not deploy as intended. The one launched after it was R/2018/061 on 7 Mar 2018, for starter motor may malfunction and overheat. You can also see every Audi recall, the Audi A4 recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/051, launched 19 February 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.