NHTSA Complaint #11638003 — 2024 AUDI Q5

Component/System Malfunction: The Audi Pre-Sense system has malfunctioned on multiple occasions. The system is available for inspection upon request. What Happened: On two separate occasions, the Pre-Sense system erroneously activated while making an unprotected left turn at a signal-controlled intersection. In both instances, the left turn signal was activated. After waiting for an oncoming vehicle to pass, I began the left turn. Despite the vehicle having passed, the Pre-Sense system activated, incorrectly perceiving the passing car as a threat. The system abruptly engaged emergency braking, locking the car in place and stalling it in the middle of the intersection. This left my two minor children and me stranded in oncoming traffic, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. On a separate occasion, while driving straight in a lane with no intention of turning, the Pre-Sense system activated again. This time, the vehicle next to me slowed to make a left turn in its lane, which triggered my car's system to abruptly stop and stall in traffic. Risk to Safety: These malfunctions placed my family and other road users in immediate danger of a collision. In the left-turn incidents, the car stalled in the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic approaching. In the straight-driving incident, the sudden stop created a risk of being rear-ended in traffic. Attempts to Resolve: After the first two incidents, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. A full diagnostic test was conducted, and I was told the Pre-Sense system was functioning "properly" with no repairs needed. Dealership staff admitted they had experienced similar Pre-Sense malfunctions in their own vehicles but dismissed the issue. I was advised to ensure my left turn signal was activated, despite already confirming the signal was on during both incidents. Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failures occurred.