2018 Audi Sq5 Problems

Severe Issues

The 2018 Audi SQ5 shows a low-confidence complaint pattern with electrical faults and engine issues leading the data. Based on 22 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

20178 years2019

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.

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22
Complaints
1
Crashes
β€”
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
5
Recalls

2018 Audi Sq5 Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2018 Audi Sq5.

19
MPG City
24
MPG Hwy
21
MPG Combined
434
g COβ‚‚/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $7,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

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 Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

16.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

16.3% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβœ“Forward Collision Warning: Standardβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

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.

2018 Audi Sq5 β€” key reliability facts
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.

#1
7
complaints

Electrical Faults

#2
4
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
4
complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB

Injuries:2

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.

Key Findings
  • Electrical faults account for 7 of 22 total complaints.
  • Engine problems account for 4 complaints.
  • Forward collision avoidance (AEB) accounts for 4 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Electrical faults (7 complaints)
  • Engine problems (4 complaints)
  • Forward collision avoidance (AEB) (4 complaints)
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low confidence due to small sample size (22 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.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults7β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB4β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain21β€”β€”
Brake System2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues11β€”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. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 22 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsDec 29, 2024

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, especiall…

Electrical FaultsNov 22, 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.

Electrical FaultsAug 13, 2024

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 compu…

Engine ProblemsAug 12, 2024

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.

Electrical FaultsMay 15, 2024

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 days…

Engine ProblemsMar 14, 2024

Engine Thermostat broke

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 10, 2023

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 ove…

Steering DefectsJul 7, 2023

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…

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEBJun 12, 2023

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 activate…

Visibility/WiperApr 21, 2023

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 a…

Electrical FaultsJan 24, 2023

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 17, 2022

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 te…

Uncategorized IssuesNov 8, 2021

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 tim…

Tire IssuesJul 12, 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.

Uncategorized IssuesMar 22, 2021

MY CAR KEEPS SAYING PLEASE REDUCE OIL LEVEL

Steering DefectsSep 8, 2020

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…

Brake SystemOct 18, 2019

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…

Wheel IssuesOct 4, 2019

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 C…

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEBOct 16, 2018

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 …

Electrical FaultsAug 12, 2018

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.

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Audi Sq5.

Safety recalls

2018 Audi Sq5 recalls

5 campaigns

NHTSA 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.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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

WHEELS:HUB

#19V416000WHEELS:HUBMay 6, 2019
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY

#19V737000STRUCTURE:BODY16/10/2019
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#19V277000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERAug 4, 2019

Across model years

Compare Audi Sq5 model years

Only one model year (2018) is analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2018 Audi Sq5?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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.