Service-Bulletin

2025 Audi Q5 HomeLink Programming Software Update

Audi has issued Service Action 96RG for certain 2025 Audi Q5, A4, S4, A4 allroad, and SQ5 vehicles to address an issue where the HomeLink system cannot be programmed or its rearview mirror buttons do not respond. A software update is required to resolve this problem, with no parts needed for the…

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2025 Audi Q5
2025 Audi Q5 — Audi Q5 HomeLink programming
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
96RGHomeLink cannot be programmedno reaction when the HomeLink buttons in the rearview mirror are pressedAudi Q5 HomeLink programmingAudi A4 allroad HomeLink programmingAudi SQ5 HomeLink programmingAudi S4 HomeLink programmingAudi A4 HomeLink programming2025 Audi HomeLink software updateHomeLink rearview mirror buttons
Audi A4
2025
Audi A4 allroad
2025
Audi S4
2025
Audi SQ5
2025

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2025 Audi vehicles, including the Q5, A4, S4, A4 allroad, and SQ5, may notice that the HomeLink system exhibits specific malfunctions. The primary symptom is that "The HomeLink cannot be programmed". Additionally, when the HomeLink buttons located in the rearview mirror are pressed, there is "no reaction", indicating a lack of functionality. This directly impacts the ability to use HomeLink for garage door openers or other compatible devices.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The issue with the Audi Q5 HomeLink programming becomes apparent when an owner attempts to program the HomeLink system or when they press the HomeLink buttons in the rearview mirror and receive no response. This indicates that the vehicle's Central Electrical System requires an update. Technicians can confirm the issue by observing the described symptoms, which are consistently reproducible under these conditions, confirming the need for the prescribed software remedy.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi Q5 HomeLink programming issue, Audi has released Service Action 96RG, which involves a software update to the Vehicle Central Electrical System. This update, specifically titled "Service Action 96RG / Vehicle Central Electrical System Software Update (HomeLink)", became available on December 10, 2024. The repair is solely a software-based solution, and "No parts needed" are required for its completion. Dealership technicians are instructed to consult ELSA and Service References in Elsa2Go for comprehensive repair and claiming instructions. Furthermore, dealers must "Check daily campaign open inventory report or OMD for affected vehicles in inventory" and are required to "Repair every affected inventory vehicle before delivery to consumers."

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued several critical instructions and warnings related to Service Action 96RG. Dealers are explicitly mandated to "Repair every affected inventory vehicle before delivery to consumers" to ensure all new vehicles are corrected before sale. For owners of already delivered vehicles, it is advised to "Schedule owner repairs immediately" upon receiving notification. An "Owner mailing - December 2024" is planned to inform affected customers. Information regarding "Loaner/rental coverage" can be found in the campaign circular. It is crucial to note that "Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source" for determining if a specific VIN qualifies for repair under this action. Owners should not rely on other sources for verification.

Owner Action

If you own a 2025 Audi Q5, A4, S4, A4 allroad, or SQ5 and are experiencing problems with your HomeLink system, such as an inability to program it or unresponsive buttons, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer. Reference Service Action 96RG when discussing the Audi Q5 HomeLink programming issue. Since no parts are required, the repair will involve a software update to your vehicle's Central Electrical System, which will be performed free of charge under this service action. An owner mailing is scheduled for December 2024, but you can proactively contact your dealer if you suspect your vehicle is affected.


Source: NHTSA ID: 11012554

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Service Action 96RG for Audi vehicles?
Service Action 96RG is an Audi dealer communication addressing an issue where the HomeLink system in certain 2025 Audi models cannot be programmed or its buttons in the rearview mirror do not respond. It involves a software update to the Vehicle Central Electrical System.
What are the symptoms of the HomeLink issue in 2025 Audi models?
Owners may experience that "The HomeLink cannot be programmed" and there is "no reaction when the HomeLink buttons in the rearview mirror are pressed." This prevents the use of HomeLink for garage door openers and other compatible devices.
Will I be notified about Service Action 96RG?
Yes, an owner mailing is planned for December 2024 to notify affected customers. However, you can proactively contact your authorized Audi dealer and reference Service Action 96RG if you are experiencing the described HomeLink issues.

What Audi Q5 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 18 model years.

1,386
Owner complaints
35
Recalls
4,663
Service bulletins
68
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
63
Injuries reported

The 2025 model year

46 complaints, the 12th most of 18 model years on file. Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries for this year, which also has 1 recall on file.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Audi Q5
2010100
2011143
2012168
201392
2014106
2015100
201678
2018209
202174
202546

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 338
  2. Air Bags — 259
  3. Electrical System — 230
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 140
  5. Steering — 99

Latest recalls for the 2025 model year

  • 26V266000 — Seat Belts (Apr 2026)
All 2025 recalls →

Recent owner reports

The NEW vehicle keeps showing a warning light on the dash saying that the rear wheel bolts are loose two accidents have occurred in a 60 day period, the vehicle has been in for service multiple times and Audi has not found a fix for the safety light warning…

2025 Audi Q5 owner, Oct 2026

May 30, 2026 - Latching part of rear door lock broken. Had 3 grandchildren in the car at the time. Door would not latch. October 15, 2026 - Park gear would not work properly. Put in park and car would still roll. Hill-hold function also not working.

2025 Audi Q5 owner, Oct 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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