Q5 Seat Heater Failure: Common Causes & Cost Guide

Last month I had a similar seat heater failure in my 2017 Audi Q7 e-tron. The thermal sensor showed malfunction codes during diagnostics. The automotive repair revealed two main issues: a damaged heating mat under the seat cushion and a faulty wiring connection near the seat base. The seat heater failure turned out more complex than initially thought. The heating element required complete replacement since the copper wiring inside the seat heating mat had several breaks. This is actually a common wear point in these models, especially after heavy use. The repair involved removing the entire seat cover and foam to access the heating element. A new thermal sensor was also installed as preventive maintenance since the old one showed signs of deterioration. This was a serious repair requiring specialized knowledge of the seats electrical system. While basic heater failures can sometimes be just loose connections, complete heating mat failure typically needs professional intervention due to the complex disassembly required. The smart approach is getting a proper diagnosis with error code reading first. This will tell whether its a simple connection issue or a more extensive heating element problem requiring seat disassembly.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Q7 heating issue. I had almost identical problems with my Q5 last winter. The temperature control stopped working completely and the seat warmer would not respond at all. Could you share what the total repair cost was in your case? Im curious if the pricing was similar since I paid around 850 Euro for the complete fix. Also wondering if youve had any issues with the seat heating system since the repair was done?

Thanks for asking about the costs. After taking my Q7 to the mechanic last month, the seat heater defective was completely fixed for 390 Euro, which was actually less than expected for a heating element replacement. The automotive repair included installing a new seat heating mat and reconnecting all wiring properly. Since the fix, the seat heating system has worked flawlessly, no cold spots or intermittent heater failure issues that I had before. Your repair cost of 850 Euro seems quite high in comparison. The heating element replacement and labor typically shouldnt reach that price point, even with diagnostic fees included. It might be worth getting a second opinion if you need similar repairs in the future. The seat heater now warms up quickly and maintains consistent temperature, just like when the car was new. The investment was worth it considering how essential seat heating is during cold weather.

Thanks for the feedback. After dealing with my seat heater failure, I finally got it fixed last week. Here's what happened: I took my Q5 to a different mechanic who specializes in automotive repair. The diagnostic revealed a damaged heating element and frayed wiring, pretty much what others described. Instead of immediately replacing everything, they first checked the connections and found some could be repaired. The final fix included repairing the wiring and replacing only the damaged section of the seat heating mat. Total cost came to 475 Euro, much less than my previous mechanic quoted. The seat warmer now heats up perfectly within minutes. I learned my lesson about getting second opinions. The automotive repair cost was reasonable, and the heating element works like new. No more cold drives to work. If anyone else faces similar seat heater problems, definitely shop around for quotes before committing to repairs.