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Vehicle Stats/AUDI/SQ5 Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Jul 2026Methodology

AUDI SQ5 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Average reliability signalOur verdict from 73 complaints and 22 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used AUDI SQ5 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

73
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
22
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
4
Crash-Related
crash complaints
0
Fire-Related
fire complaints
7
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2017–2026

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Found a AUDI SQ5? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the AUDI SQ5 has 73 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.

AUDI SQ5 — key reliability facts
Make
AUDI
Model
SQ5
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
73
Safety recall campaigns
22
Crash-related complaints
4
Fire-related complaints
0
Worst model year (by complaints)
2018 (23 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2022 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Average
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Jul 16, 2026
This SQ5 has 22 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

AUDI SQ5: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
201823 complaints201918 complaints202111 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20220 complaints20254 complaints20245 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2018 AUDI SQ5? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Average
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The AUDI SQ5 has 73 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 73 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 22 federal recall campaigns
  • 4 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2017
5
2018
23
2019
18
2020
7
2021
11
2022
0
2024
5
2025
4

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

22 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

#22V742000BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTIONMay 10, 2022
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

#21V947000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCMAugust 12, 2021
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

#21V947000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCMAugust 12, 2021
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

#21V947000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCMAugust 12, 2021
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

#21V947000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCMAugust 12, 2021
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

#21V606000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTORMay 8, 2021
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#19V277000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERAugust 4, 2019
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#19V277000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERAugust 4, 2019
Safety recall

WHEELS:HUB

#19V416000WHEELS:HUBMay 6, 2019
Safety recall

WHEELS:HUB

#19V416000WHEELS:HUBMay 6, 2019
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

#18V369000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPERJanuary 6, 2018
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

#26V266000SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Safety recall

TIRES

#22V034000TIRES
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

#21V295000SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY

#19V737000STRUCTURE:BODY
Safety recall

TIRES

#22V034000TIRES
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

#21V295000SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Safety recall

SEATS

#20V505000SEATS
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V473000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY

#19V737000STRUCTURE:BODY

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 73 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15 complaints
02
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE12 complaints
03
ENGINE12 complaints
04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9 complaints
05
POWER TRAIN8 complaints
06
STEERING7 complaints
07
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7 complaints
08
SERVICE BRAKES7 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

73 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSep 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Audi SQ5. The contact stated there was excessive heat coming from the engine. Additionally, there was moisture on the water pump. A message stating “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

STEERINGApr 2021

THE STEERING SYSTEM FROZE DURING OPERATION. SENSORS INDICATED CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN STORM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WHICH ALLOWED WATER INTO STEERING RACK MODULE. THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH AUDI SQ5 BASED ON MY RESEARCH AFTER INCIDENT. MY CONCERN THIS SYSTEM FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF FAILURE OCCURRED DURING HIGH SPEEDS AND HIGH TRAFFIC. ALSO, THE CAR HAD ITS REGULAR MAINTENANCE A FEW WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT.

CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNov 2019

TL THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2017 AUDI SQ5. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONCRETE HOLDING THE STREET LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 (NA) AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO HIS RESIDENCE BY THE DEALER (BEVERLY HILLS AUDI IN BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA) AND WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. ON AUGUST 2, 2017, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PROGRAM THE CELLULAR PHONE AND THE OTHER FEATURES THAT THE NEW VEHICLE OFFERED. THE CONTACT PRESSED A BUTTON THAT CHANGED THE DRIVING MODE AND A PARKING BRAKE ERROR MESSAGE ILLUMINATED, ASKING THE DRIVER TO CONTACT AUDI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT AUDI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (BEVERLY HILLS AUDI) AND WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AROUND THE BLOCK TO SEE IF THE MESSAGE ERASED ITSELF AND, IF SO, NOT TO CALL BACK AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER (SANTA MONICA AUDI IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 171182952. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37.

CrashVISIBILITY/WIPERNov 2016

DRIVERS VIEW IS LARGELY OBSTRUCTED (YOU COULD LOSE SIGHT OF A CROWD OF PEOPLE) BY THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DANGER TO ALL PEDESATRIANS CROSSING IN FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE THAT IS TURNING LEFT. AND ALSO AFFECTS THE VIEW ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I UNFORTUNATELY EXPERIENCED A LOW SPEED CRASH DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.

LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEOct 2025

The following problem happened 3 times. I was making a right hand turn with plenty of clearance when the car seized. Engine shut down, lights on dash said MALFUNCTION and many other lights lit. Oncoming traffic approached and nearly smashed into my car. This also happened making a left turn at a traffic light after a stop at a red light. The other incident was in bumper to bumper traffic in a rain storm.

Read 14 more owner reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

I have. two 2024 Audi SQ6 Prestige vehicles. This has now happened on both of these vehicles while driving them. The axle will snap while driving causing the vehicle to stop and no longer move forward or back. This is extremely dangerous because it occurs when driving and can lead to an accident because the car just stops. Luckily in both instances I was not on the highway and was on side roads so there was no accident. After this occurred the second time, I discovered this is being reported by Audi owners of Q5 and SQ5 models however Audi claims there is no issue. This occurred on both of my SQ5s, once in April and Once in September. Both vehicles had low mileage, 15,000 and 22,000 respectively.

2 InjuriesUNKNOWN OR OTHERFeb 2025

While driving on a freeway, away from any other cars or flying objects, with a large bang, the sunroof exploded. The shade was closed so thankfully no glass entered the car. After getting to the side of the freeway, it was discovered that 1/2 of the sunroof glass was completely shattered and the rest was spiderwebbed. No other object was found in the shade, only small and large pieces of glass.

2 InjuriesSTRUCTUREDec 2024

The rear hatch lid has a mechanism that closes the hatch when foot movement is sensed near the rear bumper. Unfortunately, it sometimes detects foot movement when a person is working on baggage in the luggage area. It then sets off an alarm and attempts to close the hatch on the unsuspecting person. The owner’s manual asserts that there is built-in pinch-protection to stop the hatch and avoid injury if an obstruction is detected. It does not work; the hatch closure can’t be stopped with reasonable force. Two injuries have already occurred. The dealer has said that the pinch-protection cannot be improved, nor can the foot-sensor be desensitized.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAug 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AUDI PRESENSE SENSOR IS GOING OFF RANDOMLY WHEN THERE IS NO RISK FOR COLLISION. BRAKES ABRUPTLY, SEATBELT TIGHTENS, CAR TURNS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. FROM LEASE START WEEK 1TO FEB 2024 How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IN SEVERAL CIRCUMSTANCES WE HAVE COME WITHIN INCHES OF GETTING REAR ENDED BY PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND US AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, AS WELL AS GETTING PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC RISKING BEING HIT HEAD ON (WHILE WAITING TO TURN LEFT FOR INSTANCE) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DID NOT REPRODUCE OR CONFIRM AN ISSUE. WE HAVE HAD OUR YOUNG CHILD IN THE CAR WITH US WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASSIONS AND HE WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH US TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENS. THIS IS 100% MALFUNCTIONING/ DEFECT/ LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. WE DON'T KNOW WHY THE COMPUTER CAN'T PICK IT UP (IT DOESNT ALWAYS HAPPEN DURING THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AND CAN BE RANDOM) BUT WE CANT DRIVE CAR AS WE BELIEVE WE WILL EITHER BE KILLED DRIVING IT AND COULD CAUSE FATAL HARM TO OTHERS- CAR AT DEALERSHIP Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO DATE Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY (WITH NO DANGER PRESENT) A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD, ALONG WITH AN ALARM. THE SEATBELT TIGHTENS IN A TERRIBLY AWEFUL WAY, THE CAR BRAKES TO A SCREECHING STOP AND TURNS OFF ALL OF THIS HAPPENS ON ITS OWN AND IT HAS HAPPENED EVEN WHEN WE WERE AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH NO CARS/ NO MOVEMENT AROUND US. WE NEED HELP! THIS PART HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED BY AUDI TO-DATE AND WE KNOW 100% THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE

POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJun 2026

1–2 second delay in throttle response from pedal input, followed by sudden uncommanded surge/jerk forward. Occurs when vehicle is on hold mode in a slope or in plain flat conditions at a light or a stop sign. It happens when the car is cold or warm. I consider the vehicle unsafe to drive. The cruise control also has a major problem. When activated the lane departure feature also gets activated automatically but instead of making the car more stable it moves the card left and right all the time without any major interaction from the driver. I have to deactivate the lane departure function all the time in order to feel safe.

VISIBILITYJun 2026

The contact leases a 2025 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that the driver's side exterior rear-view mirror position was blocking the driver's view while making a left turn. The manufacturer was contact and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for it to be test-driven. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 800.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 2026

I was driving out of a parking lot into the feeder road of a highway with the intent of immediately getting on the highway. When I attempted to accelerate the car would not go any faster. I was traveling perhaps 5-10 miles per hour as cars on the feeder road were approaching at 45-50 miles per hour. The lag time before the car would accelerate was about 20 seconds. Luckily, I had not entered the feeder road right as the feeder road traffic was near me, otherwise I would definitely have been hit. This lack of acceleration happened two other times but the lag time was shorter. I took the car to the dealer but they could not find the problem.

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINENov 2025

We bought the car today at Audi South Atlanta brand new and were driving back home. The car suddenly showed the engine light, showed drive system malfunction please safely stop, and then the car slowed down and stopped on the highway. The steering stiffened up and almost caused a car crash. It was very dangerous. The Audi dealership said that software issues were all resolved before allowing the purchase of the vehicle today, but this dangerous malfunction still happened.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJun 2026

While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the occupants to a high risk of a side-impact or rear-end collision due to the inability to clear the intersection under the vehicle's own power. The vehicle had to be flatbedded to an authorized dealer (Audi - Glenwood Springs). The professional diagnostic evaluation confirmed an internal failure of the transmission assembly and Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Mechatronic unit, requiring a total replacement of the powertrain assembly. The failure occurred at 59,000 miles.

POWER TRAINMay 2026

My car has a known issue with a piston skirt defect that can cause engine failure. Audi of America acknowledged this issue with the EA839 and only warranted an 80k mile warranty. I am outside of that warranty and in risk of catastrophic engine failure that could lead to safety issues on the road. I am worried about my safety in driving this vehicle. Audi of America refuse to cover my car as it is outside of the extended warranty. There are numerous people that have the same issue as several models with the same EA839 engine and are prone to this failure.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine service at the dealer, and the contact was informed that the coolant pump was starting to fail. The contact was advised that the mechanic found coolant running through the vac lines. The contact was informed that continuing to drive the vehicle with a failing coolant pump could cause engine damage. The contact had the coolant pump replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEAug 2025

Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair costs for a clearly known design flaw. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Audi’s CWGD engines should also fall under the scope of the extended warranty or safety defect coverage already applied to DEWA/DEWC engine variants. Audi’s selective VIN or engine code exclusions appear arbitrary and may allow known safety-related failures to go unaddressed. Documentation available: dealer inspection report confirming internal water pump leak, warranty denial letter, and TSB copy.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2025

MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApr 2025

Comfort Module J393 failed that is tied to all electronics warnings in car. brake warnings, light warning, security warnings, etc. Car was unable to be started as a result. If these electronics failed during driving, its very dangerous and could force crashing of vehicle. According to Dealership, failed module was submerged (ie water flooeded). This is a self contained electronics module that is not exposed to elements. The car was parked in driveway. it rained lightly over the weekend. Then this occurred. the damage and replacement cost was over $10K in damage. Audi dealership stated replacing rear water drain may be kinked or damaged causing water to leak where module located. Its not normal for self contained electronics modules to have this problem.

Showing 20 of 73 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact AUDI SQ5

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used AUDI SQ5, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI SQ5 has 73 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI SQ5 has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the AUDI SQ5's 73 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI SQ5 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two AUDI SQ5 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI SQ5 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a AUDI SQ5 by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used AUDI SQ5.

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Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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AUDI SQ5 reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the AUDI SQ5 reliable?

Average. The AUDI SQ5 has 73 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which AUDI SQ5 years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (23 complaints), 2019 (18 complaints), 2021 (11 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common AUDI SQ5 problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12 complaints); ENGINE (12 complaints).

Does the AUDI SQ5 have recalls?

Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the AUDI SQ5. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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