Safety recall publishedPrompt inspection

2018 Audi SQ5 · Body & exterior

Loose rear wheel-arch trim

A protruding rear wheel-arch cover or fresh wind noise can signal the loose trim addressed by Audi recall 66K8.

Covered model years
2018–2019
Evidence level
Safety recall published
Source review date
August 2, 2026
Jurisdiction
United States
Record ID
audi-sq5-2019-loose-rear-wheel-arch-trim

Safety instructions

Do not keep driving when…

Follow the owner's manual and the exact recall notice for immediate instructions.

  • The trim is visibly flapping, partly detached or likely to fall into traffic
  • A panel is contacting the tire

What the source says

The documented condition

Audi recalled certain 2018 to 2019 SQ5 vehicles because the rear wheel-arch cover trim could loosen and detach while driving. The detached trim could become a road hazard. Recall status is VIN specific even when the model and year match.

Compare the pattern

Symptoms and vehicle scope

Words owners may use

  • fender flare coming loose
  • plastic trim sticking out by rear wheel
  • wheel arch cover flapping
  • new wind noise from rear wheel
  • body trim falling off Audi

Symptoms in the record

  • The edge of a rear wheel-arch cover protrudes from the body
  • Wind or fluttering noise comes from the rear wheel area
  • A wheel-arch trim panel feels visibly displaced

Vehicles and limits

  • Certain 2018 to 2019 Audi SQ5 vehicles
  • Recall 66K8 eligibility must be checked by VIN

Manufacturer position

What the official procedure directs

Audi's recall remedy is to replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel-arch trim with revised clips.

Mileage context

Safety recall eligibility is determined by VIN, not by mileage or visible wear alone.

Original evidence

Open the documents behind this record.

Repair paths and safe checks

Match the action to the evidence.

Official repair pathAuthorized recall repair · Audi estimated about one hour

Complete recall 66K8

Check the VIN for recall 66K8. An authorized Audi dealer replaces the four specified retaining clips when the vehicle is included.

Safe owner checkSimple visual check · 3 minutes

Look for a lifted edge while parked

With the vehicle parked, visually compare the rear arch covers on both sides and photograph any edge that is standing away from the body.

Boundary

Do not pull on the trim or try to secure recall parts with tape for road use.

Record reviewed in the source on August 2, 2026. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.

How we check a problem · All records for the 2018 Audi SQ5

Before authorizing work

Read the method beside the problem.

Safety6 min read

Check recalls by VIN

A VIN search checks the displayed NHTSA records for an unrepaired safety recall associated with one vehicle. A model search shows only the wider campaign population.

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Safety and triage8 min read

When a car is unsafe

A warning light does not always mean the same thing, but weak brakes or smoke leave little room for experimentation. Damaged tires and certain recall instructions can do the same.

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Diagnosis and symptoms8 min read

Why symptoms overlap

“It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.

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More for this model

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