The new Q5 has an outer rubber window seal.

[jane_doe2023]

Three of my four windows clear the glass when opened and closed, but the rubber on the Drivers Door does not make contact with the glass (except when fully closed), and when I open and close the window - any surface water remains and must be removed by getting out of the car and wiping it off.

I took it to my local Audi dealership, and they told me, "This is normal and within parameters - there is no requirement for the window seals to clear any water from the glass when opened and closed."

Given that three of my four windows clear the glass, that my previous two old type Q5s cleaned the glass, and that EVERY other vehicle I've ever bought in the last 30 years has all cleared the glass, I'm not persuaded by Audi's statement that this is a problem.

[sarah_bentley77]

Hi rifleman, Are you talking about the rubber seal that sits next to the glass below the level of the rubber strip that sits above the smooth metal finishing strip along the lower edge of the window? When my window is closed, I can see a 3mm gap between the rubber strip on the outside and the glass. (I can push it out with my finger.) But in that space, below the top rubber, there is another seal that is touching the glass in my case. When I open the window all the way, lift it up a few inches, and then stop it, I can see how the lower rubber bends around the glass to make a seal. When the window is fogged up or wet and I open and close it, it helps, but not as much as the windscreen washers. I'm left with streaks that look like I used a wet sponge to clean the glass. We hope this helps. Cheers.

[godisgreat]

Hi Rifleman,

Although the rear window seals only partly obstruct visibility, none of my front window seals will allow the windows to be opened or closed.

Like you, my Mk I cleaned the windows on every device...

Just one more thing to add to the growing list of annoyances...

[john_smith]

Just verified mine—all rubbers are against the windows and all windows are water-free when opened/closed.

[godisgreat]

Mexican-built Q5 against German-built Q5. All of the problems with the Mk2 turned me off.

To far, my two-month-old German-made A6 has been flawless.

[godisgreat]

Riffleman, Audi should replace the seal at no cost to the customer.

[jane_doe2023]

I asked if they would replace it, and they said they would if I wanted - at my expense because there is nothing wrong with the seal and clearing moisture is not a listed feature or requirement - despite the fact that all three other windows clear the glass of excess water / moisture but the drivers window does not.

According on the responses above, it looks to be hit-or-miss, and this appears to be a flaw rather than a missing feature.

I think I can solve this by placing a wire sleeve into the seal to produce a filler in the sandwich, pushing the rubber against the glass.

I'll keep you updated on my progress.

[godisgreat]

Given that everyone else does it, I would say it's a flaw that should be corrected immediately.

I would merely mention the safety danger posed by your dirty windscreen. Also, request it in writing. I am certain they will do it immediately!

[Jul4ster]

It makes you question whether shifting manufacturing away from Germany was a wise decision. Is the Mk2's build quality equivalent to that of the Mk1? Having driven a Mk1 for a brief time before receiving my Mk2, I believe the Mk1 is or was a far better made vehicle. Okay, I'm all for losing weight, improving fuel efficiency, and so forth. However, when it impairs the overall quality feel of a vehicle that is sold for far more than the prior generation and no longer feels prestige. Audi will therefore struggle to persuade buyers that this is a desirable vehicle. The Mk2 is a nice vehicle to drive with a terrific petrol engine, but the faults that have developed since its launch call into question the contribution of the R&D team as well as the quality control systems at the Mexico facility.

[GoodBoyCar]

I asked if they would replace it, and they said they would if I wanted - at my expense because there is nothing wrong with the seal and clearing moisture is not a listed feature or requirement - despite the fact that all three other windows clear the glass of excess water / moisture but the drivers window does not.

According on the responses above, it looks to be hit-or-miss, and this appears to be a flaw rather than a missing feature.

I think I can solve this by placing a wire sleeve into the seal to produce a filler in the sandwich, pushing the rubber against the glass.

I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Hi Jane, how did you get on with this issue? I noticed when my Q5 was new in 2017 that after rain a lot of water drained from the bottom of both front doors when opened. I reported this to Audi at a service and they said there was no problem. I lived with it. However, lately I've noticed that it is worse and the rubber seals are crumbling so I now assume they never sealed properly. Like yours, they've never cleared the moisture/mist from the glass. I'm concerned that water may freeze inside the door in winter.