2018 Audi SQ5: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Heavy rain leaked into the cabin of my SUV,and damaged the module, no controls worked through the key fob, no start . I keep my SUV under cover 90% of the time. A recent wind storm damaged my car port that I usually keep it under, so lately it's been outside more often, especially if wind is in the forecast. I still use it if no wind is forecasted, because of the damage I don't trust the carport until I can repair the damage.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2024
“Car's electrical system fried overnight during a rainstorm. All systems unresponsive to keys or key faub. Car was towed to used dealership and they told me due to drainage system blockage a pool of water collected in rear battery compartment and submerged the battery.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2024
“I'm hearing squeaking noise from the steering column when steering left or right slowly of my Audi SQ5 2018 model. I noticed the noise can be heard loud after driving the vehicle for 30 min on the road or longer time driven. The squeaking noise from steering wheel column is often heard when taking the vehicle out from parking lot or moving the vehicle from stationary while turning the steering wheel. It's kind of creaking noise rubbing off against something and heard from inside the cabin.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
“Oil leaking from the engine. Mechanic determined that it was the Filter Housing. They replaced the filter housing and since then, the problem is all good. I spent over $5000 to identify this problem and get it repaired.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
“Two issues: 1. Phantom braking, sudden deceleration, vehicle came to a rapid complete stop on road. Audi assist light came on. Road Conditions: clear, dry, very good visibility for night conditions. 2. While driving at highway speed, i.e. 65 MPH, the transmission disengaged temporarily for several seconds and causing the engine RPM to surge. Transmission re-engaged and operation became normal.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2021
“Tire sidewall is splitting. There have been no accidents or incidents that could have caused this type of sidewall damage. The tire is a Contisportcontact 5P, 255/40 zr21.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2021
“While driving, the 'steering malfunction' warning light came on. The warning said that it was ok to drive. On the same day, the steering wheel became askew and was no longer aligned. This made it very difficult to drive the car. The dealer replaced the entire steering column in july 2020. I picked up the vehicle on 7/23/20. On 9/5/20, the same 'steering malfunction' warning light lit up. It is back with the dealer as if 9/8/20.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2020
“I was stopped in a designated left turn lane waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. As the last car was passing me going the opposite direction I began to accelerate and make my left turn. The audi pre-sense slammed on the brakes. So now I'm in the lane of oncoming traffic with my car temporarily disabled. This is the fourth time this has happened. If I had had my dog in the back of the car, he would have been thrown into the windshield. I've been driving for 50 years, my wife, for 48 and have never been in an accident. It is my opinion that this system is unsafe and there should be a way to have it permanently disabled.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2018 audi sq5. While driving approximately 25 mph, the collision avoidance system erroneously activated and caused the vehicle to abruptly stop. There were no other vehicles in the vicinity at the time of the failure. The contact indicated that the failure also occurred while driving in reverse. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (bell audi, 782 us1, edison, nj) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 1,500.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Oct 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact SQ5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi SQ5 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Audi SQ5. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.