Before you buy
This 2018 Audi Sq5 has 22 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview Β· Full report from $12.95.
2018 Audi Sq5 Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2018 Audi Sq5.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2018 Audi Sq5 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated16.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
16.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
AUDI SQ5 2018 has 22 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Electrical faults (7) and engine problems (4) are top issues. Forward collision avoidance also has 4 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- Sq5
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Audi Sq5 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Audi Sq5?
The 2018 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering with caution due to low data confidence. The complaint count is modest, but electrical and engine issues appear. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended.
Electrical faults and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Forward collision avoidance complaints may affect driver-assist reliability.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize performance and are willing to accept some risk with electrical and engine systems.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal electronic complexity should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Audi Sq5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for faults
- Check engine for reported issues
- Test forward collision avoidance system
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical system for faults
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for engine and electrical components
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Audi Sq5, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Audi SQ5 has 22 complaints and 5 recalls. Electrical faults (7 complaints) and engine problems (4 complaints) are the most reported issues. Forward collision avoidance (AEB) also has 4 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2018) is analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 7 of 22 total complaints.
- Engine problems account for 4 complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) accounts for 4 complaints.
- Electrical faults (7 complaints)
- Engine problems (4 complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) (4 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2018 Audi Sq5 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi Sq5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Audi Sq5. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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 itβs been outside more often, especiallβ¦
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.
During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle compuβ¦
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.
After a hard rainstorm the Comfort System Control Module (CCM) errored apparently from getting wet from a clogged sun roof drainage line, causing water to enter the rear left side compartment in which the CCM is housed (behind the insulation). The entire area is still damp 3 daysβ¦
Engine Thermostat broke
The contact owns a 2018 Audi SQ 5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rainy weather, several unknown warning lights started blinking and the rear windshield wiper independently activated, and contact was unable to turn off the rear windshield wiper. The contact pulled oveβ¦
Iβm 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 oftenβ¦
The Forward Collision Warning system in my 2018 Audi SQ5 is meant to autonomously apply the vehicle's brakes in the event the car senses an oncoming forward collision. At least five different times over the past five months, my vehicle's Forward Collision Warning system activateβ¦
While driving the rear half of the sunroof exploded. With no warning there was a sudden, very load "pop". The sunroof pane had completely shattered and was only held in place by the aftermarket tint layer that had been applied. The mesh shade that sits below the sunroof kept aβ¦
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.
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 teβ¦
Twice in the past 5 months my stop/start system has malfunctioned. While rolling to a stop my car had died, reports a malfunction and will only start again after 5-7 attempts. The first time this happened I was at a stop light and could have been hit from the rear. The second timβ¦
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.
MY CAR KEEPS SAYING PLEASE REDUCE OIL LEVEL
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 INβ¦
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 WITHβ¦
I PURCHASED MY 2018 AUDI SQ5 BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2018. I BELIEVE THE PIRELLI TIRES THAT WERE PUT ON THE CAR DURING PRODUCATION ARE DEFECTIVE. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES CAME APART; THE NOISE CANCELLATION PADS CAME APART IN THE TIRE AND HAVE ROLLED UP. THEY WERE Cβ¦
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 β¦
BACKUP CAMERA DEFAULTS TO A BLACK GRAPHIC VIEW IN STEAD OF CAMERA. ALMOST IN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS AS I HAD TO SWITCH TO CAMERA AFTER EVERY START WHILE BACKING UP IN PARKING LOTS.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Audi Sq5.
Safety recalls
2018 Audi Sq5 recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi Sq5. With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
WHEELS:HUB
STRUCTURE:BODY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Audi Sq5 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Audi Sq5 reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 22 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering with caution due to low data confidence. The complaint count is modest, but electrical and engine issues appear. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi Sq5?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (7 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Audi Sq5?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Audi Sq5?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Audi Sq5, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 22 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Audi Sq5 have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Audi Sq5. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Audi Sq5?βΎ
The 2018 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering with caution due to low data confidence. The complaint count is modest, but electrical and engine issues appear. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended. Electrical faults and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Forward collision avoidance complaints may affect driver-assist reliability. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi Sq5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Audi Sq5 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.