Before you buy
This 2021 Audi Sq5 has 10 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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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2021 Audi Sq5 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Audi Sq5 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 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 2021 has 10 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Top issues include engine problems (3 complaints) and electrical faults (3 complaints). Buyers should verify all recall repairs before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- Sq5
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Audi Sq5 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 2021 Audi Sq5?
The 2021 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls are addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Engine and electrical complaints can lead to costly repairs, and 5 recalls indicate potential safety or reliability issues that must be resolved before purchase.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize performance and are willing to perform due diligence on recalls and service history.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability with minimal post-purchase hassle may want to avoid this year due to the high recall count.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Audi Sq5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for any reported stalling or performance issues.
- Check electrical systems including infotainment and sensors.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and drivetrain for vibrations.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all 5 recalls have been completed using the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and transmission.
- Check for any open safety campaigns beyond recalls.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 2021 Audi SQ5 shows a low complaint volume but a high recall count relative to complaints. Engine problems and electrical faults each account for 3 complaints, while transmission/drivetrain issues total 2. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2021 has a low complaint count but a high recall ratio, making it difficult to assess long-term reliability.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchasing.
- Engine problems account for 3 of 10 total complaints.
- Electrical faults also total 3 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues represent 2 complaints.
- Engine Problems (3 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2021 Audi Sq5 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi Sq5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2021 Audi Sq5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 is…
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 c…
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…
MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module
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. Ac…
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 diagnose…
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.
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 h…
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 sa…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Audi Sq5.
Safety recalls
2021 Audi Sq5 recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Sq5. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchasing. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
TIRES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Audi Sq5 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Audi Sq5 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 10 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls are addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. 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 2021 Audi Sq5?▾
#1: Engine Problems (3 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (3 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Audi Sq5?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Audi Sq5?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Audi Sq5, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 10 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi Sq5 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Audi Sq5. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchasing. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi Sq5?▾
The 2021 Audi SQ5 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls are addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability conclusions. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Engine and electrical complaints can lead to costly repairs, and 5 recalls indicate potential safety or reliability issues that must be resolved before purchase. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems 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 2021 Audi Sq5 based on your ownership experience.
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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.