Just to warn anyone thinking of buying a newish Audi or vw think twice if you want a Towbar! They haven’t come up with one yet that you can fit retrospectively and no Towbar companies can wire them in correctly because vw have put a lock in the coding system. Don’t end up like me with a car you have spent a fortune on and can’t tow with a. This was never mentioned when I bought it at the dealership even though I told them I was going to use it for the caravan!
If you stated a specific requirement and the dealer was aware and the sold you a vehicle which did not meet those specific requirments you may have a valid reason to return.
The motor ombudsman website is your first port of call.
I was aware of some issues with VW group vehicles and towbar fitting, which I believed centred on no one but VWG factories on new car option fit towbars being able to integrate the towing electrics fully into the vehicles management systems to adapt to having a trailer connected.
As far as I recall, you can fit and tow with an aftermarket tow bar OK, and the basic electric system (trailer lights etc.) will work, BUT anything revolving around sensing a trailer attached and modifying solo car management functions (electric tailgate, reversing sensor alarms, stability controls, lane assist etc. etc.) will not work.
To be blunt, never a fan of VW group products, known people with far too many issues with their (expensive!) cars, which even the dealers/factory can't rectify! - so you have to live with it! Not really paid a lot of attention beyond 'something else they can't get right!' lodging in my head, so no fount of knowledge on the subject, as never likely to own one!
If you don't want to return vehicle as 'not fit for purpose' (you probably have a just case), maybe get the electrics checked for basic functionality (most towbar fitters can do that) and live without the car integration aspect. That said, some aspects of the integration ARE safety related IMHO, my towbar was a factory option from new and fully integrated, attaching a trailer has a number of effects, including disabling the lane sensing/correcting 'Lane Assist' feature, now that can be quite violent on the solo car, I REALLY wouldn't want that working with a heavy caravan attached, truly a manouvre that could instigate a snake!
Thank you, much appreciated. You’re right in what you say, it can be done by a non Audi garage but all the safety features you mentioned will not function. Also l’m not sure how the insurance would view it, probably as a modification to the vehicle. Once again, thank you for your help.
Quote: Originally posted by Pedro123 on 06/3/2026
Thank you, much appreciated. You’re right in what you say, it can be done by a non Audi garage but all the safety features you mentioned will not function. Also l’m not sure how the insurance would view it, probably as a modification to the vehicle. Once again, thank you for your help.
Tow bars AFAIK are always notifiable to insurers as a modification. Don't think it adds any cost to your premium, but recorded in vehicle details.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Never told an insurer yet about a factory fitted towbar on any of my great trouble free VW's
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
It’s probably worth doing. I told them and they just noted it down as a change / modification. No charge but necessary in case of an accident when they could come back at you and play silly devils! It’s only a phone call.
Quote: Originally posted by Pedro123 on 06/3/2026
It’s probably worth doing. I told them and they just noted it down as a change / modification. No charge but necessary in case of an accident when they could come back at you and play silly devils! It’s only a phone call.
Always notified my insurers over many decades, all my insurers so far have said it's a notifiable modification and made a note on my record, no cost. If they are not aware, you're unlikely to be getting a replacement fitted in the case of accident repair - they'll only cover back to factory spec! I suppose they could even decline to cover a repair as accident damage to car body could be more extensive due to loads transmitted through the tow bar!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Topic: New Q5 towbars
via mobile 06/3/2026 at 9:05am
