Audi Q5 Hybrid Steering Failure Symptoms and Fixes

I encountered a very similar power steering issue with my 2019 Audi Q3 Hybrid last year. Having some experience working on cars, I initially thought it might be a major steering pump failure, but it turned out to be much simpler. The symptoms were nearly identical, heavy steering wheel vibration, stiff steering response, and warning messages from the steering system. After taking it to a workshop, they diagnosed a faulty cable connection in the power steering control module. The repair was relatively straightforward. The technician found a loose connection in the steering column wiring harness that was causing intermittent power steering failures. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, mostly labor for diagnostic time and reconnecting the wiring properly. Before suggesting specific fixes for your Q5, could you share: Current mileage, When did the steering issues first appear, Are the problems constant or do they come and go, Have you noticed any unusual noises from the steering rack, Does the power steering warning light stay on permanently These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with the wiring harness or if it might be related to other steering system components.

Last service was done at 48000 KM, currently at 51376 KM. The steering issues only started 2 weeks ago and seem to be getting worse. The electric steering warning appears out of nowhere and the problem is definitely intermittent. Sometimes the steering wheel feels completely normal, then suddenly becomes very heavy during parking. No unusual noises from the steering rack yet, but the vibration through the steering wheel is quite concerning. The warning light usually disappears after restarting the car, but returns within 10-20 minutes of driving. Hoping its just a wiring issue like yours and not a complete steering rack replacement. The wheel alignment was actually checked during the last service and was fine, so that shouldnt be the cause.

Based on your description, this sounds exactly like the issue I faced. The intermittent nature of the problem and the temporary fix after restarting strongly points to an electrical connection problem rather than a mechanical failure in the steering rack or pump. In my case, the warning light behavior was identical, disappearing after restarts only to return shortly after. The fact that your symptoms started suddenly without any gradual deterioration also matches my experience with the faulty wiring harness. The technicians first checked the hydraulic fluid levels and pressure hose connections, but everything was fine there. They eventually traced it to corroded pins in the steering column connector that were causing poor contact under certain steering angles. This explained why the electric steering would fail intermittently, especially during full lock turns while parking. The repair took about 2 hours including diagnostics. They cleaned the connector pins and applied dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. If your issue is similar, the fix should cost between 90-150 Euro depending on labor rates. Would strongly recommend getting it checked soon though. While these electrical issues often start as annoyances, they can potentially lead to complete steering assist failure if left unaddressed.

Thank you for suggesting it might be a wiring issue, that really helps narrow things down. I will definitely get it checked out this week. You mentioning the intermittent electric steering failures during parking maneuvers matches my experience exactly. I just noticed another odd behavior, the steering gets extra heavy right after hitting small bumps in the road, which could support your theory about loose connections in the steering column getting disturbed by movement. The vibration through the steering wheel also seems worse when turning left compared to right. Since the symptoms match your case so closely, I will specifically ask them to inspect the wiring harness and connectors in the steering system first. The estimated repair cost and time you mentioned helps set realistic expectations. At least its not looking like a full steering rack replacement, which would have been much more expensive. Will update once I get it diagnosed and repaired. Fingers crossed its just corroded connector pins like in your case.