2013 AUDI RS 5 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which identify this same defect as an internal circuit board failure and delamination in the DL501 mechatronic unit. Manufacturer response: Audi of America declined goodwill assistance despite acknowledging a previous case and documentation of this known failure mode. Warning or prior symptoms: A “Gearbox Malfunction – You may continue driving” warning briefly appeared moments before the car lost all power. After stopping, the vehicle could not be restarted or driven, leaving it immobilized in the intersection. Availability for inspection: The failed components and diagnostic report remain available through the Audi dealership that inspected the vehicle.

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which identify this same defect as an internal circuit board failure and delamination in the DL501 mechatronic unit. Manufacturer response: Audi of America declined goodwill assistance despite acknowledging a previous case and documentation of this known failure mode. Warning or prior symptoms: A “Gearbox Malfunction – You may continue driving” warning briefly appeared moments before the car lost all power. After stopping, the vehicle could not be restarted or driven, leaving it immobilized in the intersection. Availability for inspection: The failed components and diagnostic report remain available through the Audi dealership that inspected the vehicle.

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which identify this same defect as an internal circuit board failure and delamination in the DL501 mechatronic unit. Manufacturer response: Audi of America declined goodwill assistance despite acknowledging a previous case and documentation of this known failure mode. Warning or prior symptoms: A “Gearbox Malfunction – You may continue driving” warning briefly appeared moments before the car lost all power. After stopping, the vehicle could not be restarted or driven, leaving it immobilized in the intersection. Availability for inspection: The failed components and diagnostic report remain available through the Audi dealership that inspected the vehicle.

Vehicle: 2013 Audi RS5 Recall Reference: 37P1 / 37K8 (Transmission Control Module Software Update) After Audi performed the TCM software update for recall 37P1/37K8, my vehicle began displaying “Transmission Overheating – Please Drive Conservatively” warnings during normal driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This problem never occurred before the recall update. The warning now happens intermittently, raising concerns about: •Loss of drivability and safety risk if the transmission overheats while driving. •Premature failure of the transmission or mechatronic unit due to repeated overheating. •A direct link to the recall software update, since the issue began only after it was installed. I am concerned that the recall fix created new drivability and safety problems. Audi has not provided a remedy.

THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING". I WAS QUOTED $5000 FOR THE . THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY MODEL, BUT ACROSS ALL AUDI MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. AUDI CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO PAY FOR AUDI PUTTING FAULTY EQUIPMENT IN THEIR VEHICLES.