2015 Audi SQ5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2015 Audi SQ5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2015 Audi SQ5. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles manufactured May 22, 2013, to April 14, 2015. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down in cold temperatures due to a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M1.
Owner complaints
9 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
The rear subframe on my 2015 Audi SQ5 rusted through structurally at about 118,900 miles. In May 2026, an independent Audi specialist (Evan's Auto Care) found the rear subframe rusted through on critical parts and quoted $6,031.93 to replace it. In June 2026, an Audi dealer-level shop (The Audi…
The rear subframe on my 2015 Audi SQ5 rusted through structurally at about 118,900 miles. In May 2026, an independent Audi specialist (Evan's Auto Care) found the rear subframe rusted through on critical parts and quoted $6,031.93 to replace it. In June 2026, an Audi dealer-level shop (The Audi Connection) confirmed the rear subframe was almost rusted through, called it a safety issue, and quoted $5,258.19 plus tax for replacement and alignment. We couldn't afford that, so the subframe was welded as a temporary repair. In October 2026, a shop inspected that weld and called it marginal: the tubing had already thinned from rust and the welds are poor quality, because sound welds can't be made on corroded metal. The car has been regularly serviced its whole life. The subframe holds the rear suspension and differential, and its failure while driving could cause loss of control. Many other 2013–2017 Q5 and SQ5 owners report the same rear subframe perforation in the same location, which appears to be caused by a plastic cover that traps water against the subframe. I am asking NHTSA to investigate this as a safety defect and Audi to issue a recall that includes reimbursement for owners who have already paid for repairs.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Component failed: The vehicle's structural front subframe assembly has suffered severe, catastrophic rust perforation and deterioration. Safety risk: The subframe holds the engine and front suspension. It is structurally compromised and at imminent risk of snapping or collapsing at highway speeds…
Component failed: The vehicle's structural front subframe assembly has suffered severe, catastrophic rust perforation and deterioration. Safety risk: The subframe holds the engine and front suspension. It is structurally compromised and at imminent risk of snapping or collapsing at highway speeds, which would cause a total loss of steering and vehicle control, risking a fatal high-speed crash. Dealer confirmation: An authorized Audi dealership inspected the vehicle on [Insert Date from 2 weeks ago] and explicitly determined that the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive. Availability: The vehicle and the failed component are currently held at the authorized Audi dealership and are fully available for federal inspection upon request. Symptoms: There were zero dashboard warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this discovery. The failure was only found because the dealership lifted the vehicle for a separate service. This hidden danger is due to factory-installed plastic underbody covers that trap moisture and road salt directly against the steel frame, concealing the severe rust perforation until the vehicle becomes an active hazard.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss…
Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss of control of the vehicle without warning. This is apparently a known issue with this model vehicle and the manufacturer has not issued any formal warnings or recalls……
- Structure › Body
Rear subframe structure has rusted through in the same location on both sides of the car. Moisture is being trapped between a plastic pieces of molding and the subframe and causing it to rust out completely.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to initiate the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an…
The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to initiate the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,084.
- Structure
The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover…
The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover for the rear frame was loosened and was dragging on the roadway. The contact was able to remove the remaining piece of the plastic cover by hand. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2015 audi SQ5. The contact stated that due to the blizzard like weather in his state, the power steering froze and a "power steering error" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was unable to shift into drive and could not be driven. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 audi SQ5. The contact stated that due to the blizzard like weather in his state, the power steering froze and a "power steering error" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was unable to shift into drive and could not be driven. The vehicle was taken to international autos of milwaukee (2400 s 108th st, milwaukee, wi 53227, (866) 455-8708) where it was diagnosed that a new steering rack needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Unknown or other
On january 8, 2018; I took my vehicle (audi SQ5, 2015, 21847 miles, well within warranty) into flow audi service dept. In winston-salem, nc. For a major problem with the front passenger's wheel hitting as if metal to metal, with a loud bang an a hard jerk as if the wheel IS separating from the…
On january 8, 2018; I took my vehicle (audi SQ5, 2015, 21847 miles, well within warranty) into flow audi service dept. In winston-salem, nc. For a major problem with the front passenger's wheel hitting as if metal to metal, with a loud bang an a hard jerk as if the wheel IS separating from the front axle as the vehicle goes into turns and clearly unsafe. The service dept. Manager admitted(on recording) to a high influx of others customers coming in with same issue. I've been told it's the differential, the struts, the transmission, the tires and so on. The dealership admitted that they didn't know what was wrong with the vehicle. Since then, I've been met with threatening hostility, aggression and bulling from upper management trying to make me take my vehicle without it being repaired. I then, filed a claim with audi USA corp. the dealership even called in an audi USA corp. Engineer (for a dog and pony show) to only drive my car and say what he thinks could be the problem. The engineer never examined my car. He did write a fact sheet per my request. (See attachment). I met with executive officer(s) & was told they were sorry about the threatening behavior I received and to take my car elsewhere. After requesting the engineer to sign off on the guaranteed safety of the car we've come to a complete halt. It's now going on 60 days with no resolve. Its clear audi doesn't want to expose the repairs that's needed out of fear for another major recall. So, I continue to be met with bulling, unfair trade practices and deception. The lengthy lapse, the measures taken to strong-arm me and the dealership's unwillingness to repair the car shows possible corruption, deception and unfair trade practices on flow audi & audi USA corp. Part.
- Steering
Power steering disabled while driving. warning on dash indicated that power steering IS defective. loss of electronic steering assist was immediate and steering became extremely difficult, if not impossible. vehicle was moved to shoulder without incident. dealer indicated software update was installed to correct the problem. no other details provided.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011263This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009362This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009361This bulletin provides information regarding steering wheel visual damage.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009354This bulletin provides information on frequency analysis.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007354This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007301This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007273This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007220This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005894This bulletin provides information when there is visual damage on the steering wheel.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005878This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
Every Audi SQ5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.