Audi Lawsuit Says Q5 Subframe Rust Can Stay Hidden Until It's Too Late
Protective Shields May Be To Blame
Audi is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that a design flaw causes severe premature corrosion of the subframes of Q5 and SQ5 SUVs. The lawsuit claims that plastic covers fitted to the vehicles' subframes end up trapping water, road salt, and other debris, leading to accelerated rusting of the metal subframe. Additionally, the complaint also alleges that the presence of these plastic covers conceals the damage caused by corrosion until it becomes a serious safety concern. The lawsuit covers 2009 through 2017 model-year Audi Q5 and SQ5 SUVs.
Undetected Corrosion
This issue came to light in 2023 when Maryland resident Mitchell Behm discovered extensive corrosion on the subframe of his 2015 Q5 when the plastic shielding was removed during some routine maintenance. The corrosion had structurally weakened the subframe to a point where it would be unsafe to drive the vehicle until the entire subframe was replaced, however Audi refused to cover the repairs as the SUV was no longer under warranty. Ultimately Behm was forced to spend thousands of dollars to replace the rusted subframe and get his Q5 back on the road.
Defective Design?
At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that the plastic cover intended to protect the subframe actually creates the conditions that accelerate corrosion by trapping moisture against the steel structure. The complaint goes on to state that since the corrosion develops and spreads beneath the plastic shield, the issue may not be spotted during routine inspections; in the plaintiff's case, the rusting was only discovered when it was already too late. The lawsuit further argues that simply replacing the corroded subframe isn't a permanent solution, as the design potentially allows rust to develop again.
Audi Accused of Being Aware of the Problem
The lawsuit also alleges that Audi knew about the corrosion risk as early as 2009, but chose to remain silent rather than disclose the issue to customers, implement an effective fix, or issue a recall. Instead, the plaintiff claims, the automaker continued selling the affected SUVs over the years. Audi has yet to respond to these allegations.
Case Heads to Federal Court
The proposed class action, Mitchell Behm v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al., has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The plaintiff, Mitchell Behm, is represented by Berger Montague PC and Haas Law, LLC. The court will determine whether the lawsuit can proceed as a class action and, ultimately, whether the allegations against Audi have merit.
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This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM.