Use cautionVehicle recall · NHTSA · Published August 26, 2020
Audi Q5 2020 Seats Recall: Risk of Injury in Rear-End Crashes
Audi is recalling 2020 Q5 vehicles with potentially unsafe seat frames that could reduce occupant restraint during rear-end crashes. Owners must have seats inspected by dealers for free replacement.
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
“Audi Q5 2020 Seats Recall: Risk of Injury in Rear-End Crashes.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79217-audi-q5-2020-seats-recall-risk-of-injury-in-rear. Based on NHTSA recall #20V505000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V505000).
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles due to improperly welded front seat frames that may break in a rear-end crash, increasing injury risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall on August 26, 2020.
How to tell if you have it
Audi Q5, 2020
Audi SQ5, 2020
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 2020
Volkswagen Jetta, 2020
Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2020
Volkswagen Tiguan, 2020
Volkswagen Atlas, 2021
What to do
Dealers will inspect the front seats and replace seatback frames as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact customer service at 1-888-241-2289; Audi owners may contact customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
The hazard
According to NHTSA, parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly. In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing occupant restraint and increasing the risk of injury.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has 276 other recalls on file since October 20, 2014. Other recent recalls of similar products include Toyota 2025 RAV4 Seats Recall: Improper Welding Risk in Crashes (April 22, 2026), Kia 2025 Telluride Seats Recall: Crash Injury Risk (February 23, 2026), and Volvo 2025 XC60 Seats Recall: Loose Bolts Risk Injury in Crashes (November 25, 2025).
How to tell if you have this one
Check your 2020 Audi Q5 for the recall. The recall started September 11, 2020, and affects vehicles with specific VINs (72L1, 72K8, 72K9).
Brand
Audi
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Contact Dealership
Reach out to your Audi or Volkswagen dealer to have the front seats inspected for free replacement if needed.
Check Recall Status
Verify your vehicle is affected by checking the recall numbers (72L1, 72K8, 72K9) or contacting customer service.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 16 days.
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Subject: Recall 20V505000 — Audi Q5 2020 Seats Recall: Risk of Injury in Rear-End Crashes
Hello,
I own a Audi Q5 2020 Seats Recall: Risk of Injury in Rear-End Crashes that is covered by recall 20V505000 from Audi.
The official recall notice states: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?
Thank you.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.