2025-2026 Audi Q5/SQ5 Rear Lid Does Not Close TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2025-2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 models may encounter a frustrating issue where the rear lid, also known as the tailgate, fails to close properly. The primary symptom reported by customers is that "The rear lid does not close and opens again." This often manifests as the closing process being cancelled before the lid reaches the first closure plate, causing it to immediately reopen.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the root cause of the rear lid not closing and reopening is the control unit detecting excessive force at the buffers. This detection triggers the system to stop the closing operation, leading to the lid reopening. To address this, Audi implemented a production solution involving part optimization and a process change in week 40/2025.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2077738/6 includes several critical warnings to ensure safety and proper repair:

• Do Not Hinder Movement: "It is essential not to hinder or stop the movement of the rear lid under any circumstances. This interrupts the initialization process." Interfering with the lid's movement during initialization can prevent the repair from completing correctly.
• Anti-Trapping Function Inactive: During the initialization process, the "Anti-trapping function is not active during the initialization process. Make sure that there is no risk of entrapment for you or other people at any time." This is a crucial safety notice, as the lid will not automatically stop if an obstruction is detected during this specific procedure.
• Mandatory Initialization Reset: "It is imperative to reset initialization (basic settings) of the rear lid and then adapt it again. If this is not performed, the parameters logged in the control unit no longer match the preload of the rear lid and a repeat repair may be required." Failing to complete this step will likely result in the problem recurring.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the "Audi Q5 rear lid does not close" concern involves a comprehensive four-step service procedure outlined in TSB 2077738/6. This ensures the issue is resolved thoroughly.

1. Software Update Check: The first step is to verify if a software update is available for the vehicle. Technicians must perform the software update described in TSB 2079690, specifically the "00 Combined software update 03.10.00/C (28.13.01) KD2". Vehicles with diagnostic address 0046 already having software version 0231 or higher are considered to have the optimized software. This update primarily enhances the robustness of the system.

2. Bump Stop Inspection and Replacement: Next, the part number of the side bump stop must be checked. The new, optimized side bump stop has part number 85J.827.249.A and features reduced spring preload. If the older part number, 85J.827.249, is found, it must be replaced with the new adjustment buffer with index A. However, optimized buffers installed in vehicles from autumn 2025 that do not carry an index A (identifiable by a white dot on the back) can remain in place.

3. Mechanical Rear Lid Adjustment: This step involves mechanically adjusting the rear lid. Technicians must remove the side bump stops and use specialized tools, specifically the spring force gauge VAS 895 035 and measurement film VAS 895 037. The rear lid buffer force needs to be adjusted to a range between 40 N and 60 N. After adjustment, the pre-tensioned spring buffers are reinstalled. As an alternative, the side bump stops can remain installed, and the buffer forces set to the lower limit of 40 N. Correct positioning of the striker is also crucial, ensuring it enters the lock centrally.

4. Rear Lid Initialization: The final step is to initialize the rear lid. This involves resetting the basic settings and then adapting the flap opening angle. To do this, both the outer and inner electric rear lid actuation buttons must be pressed and held simultaneously for at least 5 seconds until an audible signal is heard. Following this, the rear lid must be opened and closed three times using the two buttons, ensuring it reaches its end positions each time. The vehicle will confirm the end position with an acoustic signal.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the repair outlined in TSB 2077738/6, specific parts and special tools are necessary:

• Part Number: 85J.827.249A (Adjusting buffers, Quantity: 2)
• Tool Number: VAS 895 035 (Spring force gauge)
• Tool Number: VAS 895 037 (Measurement film)

Warranty Information

For warranty claims related to this issue, Audi specifies the following details. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. The Service Number associated with this repair is 5559, and the Damage Code is KD02. The labor operations covered include the software update and replacement of the rear bump stop.

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin, transaction number 2077738, has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and completeness. The latest version, Revision 6, updated the header, condition, and service instructions. Previous revisions, including Revision 5 (dated December 11, 2025) and Revision 4 (dated November 10, 2025), also included updates to the header, service procedures, and warranty information, such as adding steps for KD2 updates and bumper part replacement.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11027403