Audi Q5 Air Suspension Failure: Sinking Car Alert

Having some experience with air suspension systems, I encountered a similar issue on my 2021 Audi Q7. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, particularly the uneven ride height and suspension warning light. In my case, after diagnosis, it turned out not to be a compressor failure but rather a faulty wiring connection to the level sensor. The workshop found cable damage that was causing intermittent malfunction of the air struts control system. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness and reconnecting the sensor, which cost 95 Euro including diagnostic work. This kind of issue can have multiple causes though: Damaged air struts, Air leaks in the system, Electrical connection problems, Actual compressor failure Before proceeding with repairs, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual noise from the suspension? Does the ride height change at all when starting the car? How long has the warning light been active? Are there any other warning messages on the display? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something more serious with the air suspension system.

Last service was just completed at 102100 KM. After checking the garage report, it looks like you are right, the issue was similar to yours but in my case it turned out to be an actual suspension pump failure. The repair center confirmed multiple air leaks around the compressor seals. They had to replace both the pump and surrounding seals to restore proper function to the suspension system. The total repair came to 1250 Euro, which included full system diagnosis and replacement parts. The car now maintains correct ride height and all warning lights are off. The suspension system is working flawlessly again.

Thanks for the update on your Q5 repair. Interesting how our similar symptoms led to different root causes in the air suspension system. While my wiring issue was a relatively simple fix, your case with the failed suspension pump and multiple air leaks was definitely more extensive. The repair cost of 1250 Euro for the complete pump replacement and seal work actually seems reasonable considering the complexity of these load leveling systems. It is good to know the repair center did a thorough job checking the entire system, as air leaks around the seals can sometimes be tricky to locate. For others reading who might experience air suspension issues: this shows why proper diagnosis is crucial. What appears as similar symptoms (uneven ride height, warning lights, misaligned headlights) can stem from either simple electrical issues or more complex mechanical failures in the suspension components. Glad to hear your Q5 is now maintaining proper ride height and all systems are functioning correctly. Having a properly working air suspension makes such a difference in both ride comfort and vehicle stability.

Just completed the repair work on my Q5 air suspension and wanted to close this thread by sharing the outcome. Thanks for the insightful discussion. My malfunction turned out to be more serious than just wiring, the air suspension compressor had failed completely with multiple seal leaks. The repair center did a thorough job replacing both the pump and surrounding seals. Total cost was 1250 Euro including diagnosis and parts, which restored proper function to the load leveling system. The ride height is now perfectly balanced, headlights are aligned, and all warning lights have cleared. Really happy with how the air struts are performing after the fix. For anyone facing similar issues, definitely worth getting a proper diagnosis as these symptoms can stem from various causes, from simple wiring to full component failure like in my case.