Audi Q5 Suspension Failure Causes Harsh Bumpy Ride

Had a similar suspension issue with my 2014 Audi Q3 that affected ride comfort. Having some experience with suspension tuning problems, I can share what worked in my case. The symptoms matched yours exactly, harsh ride, poor damping control, and warning lights. After careful inspection, my workshop found that the cable connection to the electronic damping control unit was damaged, causing the vehicle suspension system to default to its firmest setting. The fix was straightforward, they replaced the faulty wiring harness and connector. Total cost was 95 Euro for parts and labor. The ride quality returned to normal immediately after the repair. Before suggesting this is definitely your issue, could you share: Have you noticed if the suspension feels consistently firm or does it vary? Are there any clicking or knocking sounds when going over bumps? Can you still adjust suspension settings through the drive select system? Did you scan for specific fault codes? This information would help determine if your Q5 has the same underlying issue or if something else might be affecting the suspension system.

Thanks for sharing your experience. After running another diagnostic scan at 122821KM, my issue appears more severe than a wiring problem. The car handling feels consistently harsh regardless of the drive select setting. The suspension system warning persists even after clearing codes. When hitting bumps, there is a noticeable metallic knock from the front right wheel area that was not present before. I am wondering if this points more toward a failed shock absorber rather than just an electrical fault. Does anyone have experience with complete shock replacement costs on these adaptive suspension systems?

Thanks for the additional details. Unlike my Q3 case where the wiring fix solved everything, those symptoms, especially the metallic knock and constant harsh ride, strongly suggest a failed shock absorber unit. The adaptive suspension systems use complex shock absorbers with integrated electronic damping control. When these fail, they often default to maximum firmness and can produce knocking sounds exactly as you describe. In my case, a year after fixing the wiring, I actually had to replace both front shock absorbers due to similar symptoms. The complete replacement including parts and labor came to 980 Euro for both sides. Important to note that these electronic shock absorbers cost significantly more than standard ones due to their sophisticated damping control mechanisms. My workshop recommended replacing them in pairs for balanced car handling, even though only one was faulty. The repair restored proper suspension system function and eliminated all warning lights. Based on your mileage and symptoms, I would prepare for shock absorber replacement rather than hoping for a simpler fix. Make sure the shop uses OEM or equivalent quality parts to ensure proper integration with the electronic damping control system.

Thanks for all the input. Based on the symptoms and your experiences, I will prepare for a complete shock absorber replacement. Just booked an appointment with a certified workshop that specializes in adaptive suspension systems. The consistent harshness, metallic knocking, and unresponsive drive select settings align perfectly with a failed shock absorber diagnosis rather than just an electrical issue. The 980 Euro cost reference helps set realistic expectations for the repair. Will have them inspect both front units since the suspension failure seems to be affecting overall ride comfort. Makes sense to replace them as a pair to maintain proper suspension damping balance. Will ensure they use compatible parts that work with the electronic control system. Will update once the repair is completed in case others face similar suspension system problems with their Q5s in the future.