Designing and building vehicles is no easy feat, but automakers like Audi work tirelessly to produce products that meet high standards. Sadly, issues can go unnoticed until after they’re already in customer hands. In this case, a recall gets issued.
How many recalls were issued involving the Audi water pump?
So far, only one specifically involves the water pump. However, the manufacturer also issued two recalls for the electric coolant pump found in certain Audi vehicles powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine.
Read on to learn more about the Audi water pump recall and how it affects your vehicle. If you have a vehicle that’s subject to the recall, you’ll also find crucial steps you can take to have your Audi repaired as soon as possible.
Water Pump May Cause Failure of Timing Belt
NHTSA Recall ID: 14E007000
The Gates Corporation recalled certain aftermarket water pumps made for the 1999-2005 Audi A4 and 2000-2006 Audi TT. These water pumps, marketed under the “Tru-Flow Water Pumps” name, can be identified by their black pulley/sprocket or lack the “US9377” lettering stamped on the water pump housing.
On these water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures throughout its lifespan, eventually leading to timing belt failure. A broken timing belt can severely damage the valves and cylinders in the engine, resulting in a sudden breakdown and expensive repairs.
To remedy this problem, your Audi dealer will perform a free-of-charge replacement of the water pump.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V002000
The electric coolant pump aids the flow of coolant through the heater core and other cooling system components. Debris in the cooling system can clog the pump and cause it to overheat.
This recall affects the following vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine:
- 2013-2016 A4
- 2013-2017 A5
- 2012-2015 A6
- 2013-2017 Q5
If the coolant pump overheats and fails, it could cause the engine to overheat due to a lack of proper coolant flow. To resolve this issue, Audi will apply a software update that shuts off the pump if there’s a debris blockage.
Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short Circuit
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V229000
On Audi vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, debris inside the cooling system can clog the electric coolant pump. If a clog forms, the pump can overheat and subsequently fail. The pump may also short-circuit if moisture leaks into the coolant pump’s electronic components.
In either case, a coolant pump failure can stop your vehicle’s heater from working properly. A lack of proper coolant circulation can also cause your engine to overheat, resulting in serious and potentially expensive damage.
Your Audi dealer will replace the electronic coolant pump and apply a software update that stops the pump from working if a clog forms.
How Do You Resolve an Audi Water Pump Recall?
Browsing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website can help you find more information about vehicle recalls. Simply enter your VIN or your vehicle year, make, and model into the search field and click “Go” to access the database. A quick search will show if your vehicle is under recall.
If your Audi is under an open recall, the next step is to contact Audi’s customer service line at 1-800-253-2834. A representative will tell you what to do next, including where to take your vehicle and what to expect throughout the rest of the recall process.
