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

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

Below Average reliability signalOur verdict from 86 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.

86
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

Free VIN check

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 86 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
86
Safety recall campaigns
22
Crash-related complaints
4
Fire-related complaints
0
Worst model year (by complaints)
2018 (24 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2022 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Below Average
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Oct 5, 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
201824 complaints201919 complaints202113 complaints

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

Best years to buy
20220 complaints20175 complaints20246 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

Below 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 86 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
  • 86 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
24
2019
19
2020
8
2021
13
2022
0
2024
6
2025
7

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 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

TIRES

#22V034000TIRES
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

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

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

#26V266000SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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 86 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19 complaints
02
ENGINE18 complaints
03
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15 complaints
04
POWER TRAIN11 complaints
05
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10 complaints
06
SERVICE BRAKES8 complaints
07
EXTERIOR LIGHTING8 complaints
08
STEERING7 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

86 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.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSep 2026

I noticed my car started to lose coolant, I checked my water pump and I saw there was a leak on of the hoses. Once I discovered that I also heard a tapping noise coming from the engine. I took it to my local Audi shop, and they discovered that my pistons were going bad. They told me I qualified for the extended piston skirt warranty for my car. While my car was in the shop they replaced all 6 of my pistons. When they told me my car was ready for pick up I picked up my call, drove it for 20 miles and my car started to make a louder tapping noise from the engine bay. I took it back to the dealership the following day they told me they were going to look into it to figure out the problem. Couple weeks go by and I finally get a phone call saying that they can’t do nothing that my car is making that noise due to “outside influence “ I am frustrated because I just had got the car barley drove it around and they are pointing the finger to as if I had to do something with the noise. They said everything now has to be be paid out of pocket. It has been a frustrating experience. Also when they did the whole brake down one of the techs noticed that the front calibers did not match the OEM calibers. It was smaller than OEM, we called the Audi dealership where I bought it from and they said it was sold as it is. We explained to them how that was a major hazard, but they told us it’s nothing they could do. Whoever did the safety inspection did not do there following job, I am just glad nothing has happened but it is a major concern. I have videos of the tapping noise after picking up my car, but it won’t let me upload to the files.

ENGINESep 2026

The engine water pump on this vehicle is leaking both internally and externally. This vehicle uses the 3.0T (EA839) engine, which uses a vacuum-actuated water pump with a shroud sleeve mechanism. A licensed repair facility diagnosed the failure and estimated repair cost at approximately 5,500. The internal leak path allows coolant to migrate into the vacuum system rather than escape as a visible external leak. This means the failure can progress without producing the puddle or drip that owners are trained to look for during routine visual checks, delaying detection until damage has advanced further and the repair has grown more extensive. At the time of failure I observed low coolant warning, which is documented as a symptom of this failure mode. This failure is reported by independent repair shops and owner communities as occurring predominantly in the 40,000-70,000 mile range, which falls just beyond Audi's 4-year/50,000-mile factory warranty. The design is used across multiple Audi models and model years sharing the EA839 2.9T/3.0T engine, including the SQ5, S4, S5, A6, A7, and Q7. This defect is the subject of pending litigation, [XXX] v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Case No. XXX ([XXX], filed XXX, which alleges Audi was aware of the defect since at least 2018. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Read 14 more owner reports
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.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONDec 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. As a result, the contact stated that he bumped into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Back Over Prevention system failed, and the infotainment unit software needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that he then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was previously repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,715.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSAug 2021

I’ve had a Safety System Malfunction light on for sometime now. Dealership replaced a seat belt part, air bag control module, and still the light won’t go away. The car is currently with the dealership.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAug 2021

The Lighting system is SUB-PAR because You NHTSA has been dragging your feet on approving the ADB Matrix Headlights and allowing AUDI to update the software and enable the system. This is a Safety issue as we cannot realize the full capability of visibility when driving on the highway! NHTSA, please get your ACT together and approve the ADB Headlights!

1 InjuryFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJun 2021

The pre-sense and/or automatic emergency braking function comes on unnecessarily at least once a week. It will occur when I am driving on the highway and the car thinks there is something in front of me and then the seatbelt will tighten out of nowhere. This is a significant safety risk as it is terrifying and is not being triggered for any legitimate reason. It is so abrupt when it happens that it makes me jump while driving. The worst thing that has happened is yesterday I was going down a ramp toward a parking garage. Out of no where for no legitimate reason while on the beginning of the decline of the ramp, the car automatically applied the e-brake very violently. I was whiplashed forward, felt my neck crack, and then hit my head on the visor quite hard. Today, I have a bruise on my forehead and am not sure whether I had a mild concussion from the incident. It was more violent than when I have been rear-ended in the past. There were no walls, cars, people, ceiling, or objects anywhere near the car to cause this to happen. The pre-sense is a defect and a significant safety risk that can and has caused injury to me.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApr 2021

WHILE DRIVING KID SPILLED WATER ON REAR SEAT, WITHIN 5 MIN ALL SENSORS STARTED BEEPING, DISPLAY STARTED TURNING OFF AND ON, STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO MANEUVER, WINDOWS OPENING AND CLOSING SPONTANEOUSLY, CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK MODE, ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OFF (FINALLY DID AFTER PRESSING AND HOLDING IGNITION MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS). AUDI DEALER STATES MODULE UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT IS CORRODED. IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR (LEASED < 3 MONTHS AGO). TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AGAIN AS IT APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS HAZARDOUS FOR MY FAMILY.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINJul 2026

While making a U-turn on a high-speed arterial roadway (Philips Highway) with a child passenger, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete failure of the driver-side rear CV axle/driveshaft assembly. A loud pop occurred followed immediately by total loss of vehicle propulsion, leaving the vehicle stranded across active lanes of traffic and creating an extreme hazard for severe rear-end impact. There were no advance warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure occurred. ​The vehicle was towed directly to an authorized dealership. Under Repair Order #198055, technicians inspected the vehicle, verified the failure, and formally documented "CAUSE: DEFECTIVE LEFT REAR AXLE. (mfg defect)". The dealer replaced the failed rear driveshaft assembly under warranty (80A-501-203-L). The failed component/vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer's authorized dealership service department.

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.

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

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.

Showing 20 of 86 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 86 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 86 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 (Below 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?

Below Average. The AUDI SQ5 has 86 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 (24 complaints), 2019 (19 complaints), 2021 (13 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 (19 complaints); ENGINE (18 complaints); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (15 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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