2021 Audi Q5/SQ5 Rear Bumper Paint Peeling TSB

Owners of 2021 Audi Q5 and SQ5 models may notice an issue where the paint on the rear bumper cover is peeling. This condition is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2064279/2, which supersedes TSB Group 63 number 21-07 dated August 25, 2021. The bulletin provides guidance for dealerships on diagnosing and repairing this specific paint defect.

This TSB, identified as 63 21 74 2064279/2, was revised on November 22, 2021, to include updated warranty authorization requirements. The original publication date was August 26, 2021. The issue affects all VIN ranges for the 2021 Audi Q5 and SQ5, with no specific vehicle equipment noted.

Symptoms

Owners may observe that "The paint on the rear bumper cover is peeling." Dealership technicians have found that the rear bumper paint appears to have lost its adhesion. This paint peel is typically located on the right, left, or both sides of the bumper cover, specifically where it meets the rear side panel. This is the primary indicator of the Audi Q5 paint peeling issue.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the Audi Q5 paint peeling problem stems from an inconsistency in the production process of the rear bumper cover. This inconsistency specifically affects the edges where the bumper cover meets the rear side panel. This weakness makes the painted surfaces in these areas prone to paint peeling over time. The defect can affect either the right side, left side, or both sides of the bumper cover.

Production Solution

Audi has corrected the production process for the rear bumper cover to prevent this issue in newly manufactured vehicles. This means that vehicles produced after the correction should not experience the same Audi Q5 paint peeling defect.

Important Warnings

There are critical instructions for both technicians and owners regarding this issue:

• Do not attempt to refinish the original bumper cover. The TSB explicitly states that due to the technical nature of the root cause, refinishing the original bumper cover will only reintroduce a subsequent paint peel in these areas over time. The only effective repair is replacement.
• This TSB applies only if the paint defect occurs specifically without evidence of any outside impact, such as stone chips or scuffs. Cases with evidence of external damage or those deviating from the described condition or location should be addressed according to standard warranty policies.
• Any paint defect, including the condition described in TSB 2064279/2, requires AASM (Audi After Sales Market) authorization. Per Audi Policy Section 4.2, AASM authorization, along with requisite photo, video, and/or print documentation, is required prior to any repair. All documentation must clearly describe the nature and location of the defect.

Repair Procedure Summary

Should the condition described in TSB 2064279/2 occur, the rear bumper cover must be replaced. The repair involves removing the affected bumper cover and installing a new one. The new bumper cover will then need to be painted to match the vehicle's color. This procedure ensures a lasting repair, unlike attempting to refinish the original part.

Warranty claims for this repair use service number 6369 and damage code 0067. Labor operations include L0011600 for solid paint, L0021600 for metallic paint, and L0031600 for pearl paint, each with a maximum of 360 Technical Units (TU) for replacement and painting. Diagnostic time is capped at 30 TU, and a post-service road test is allotted 10 TU.

Required Parts and Tools

For the repair, technicians will need to consult ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) to determine the correct rear bumper cover and rear wheel arch covers specific to the vehicle's VIN. Additionally, fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws as needed per the Repair Manual will be required. Paint is listed as a material cost, with a maximum allowance of $200.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10203688